Lake Phalen Loop Trail

The roughly three-mile paved loop is shared by walkers and cyclists and links beach, garden, picnic, fishing, and recreation zones.

Free parking serves the beach and other developed areas, but the lake is large. Route to beach, China Garden, picnic pavilion, golf, boat launch, or recreation center rather than one center pin.

The park is open sunrise-11:00 p.m. In 2026 the guarded beach is weather permitting through September 7, generally noon-8:00 p.m. before August and noon-7:00 p.m. later; splash pad runs 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. June 13-September 7.

Changing rooms and restrooms serve the guarded beach, while other park restrooms are seasonal. Confirm availability outside beach hours or winter season.

Park, beach admission, parking, splash pad, playground, loop trail, China Garden, and ordinary picnics are free. Watercraft rentals, golf, storage, lessons, reservations, and concessions cost.

Paved lake routes, beach facilities, parking, and developed recreation areas provide accessible options; sand, docks, snow, ice, and garden terrain vary.

Leash dogs in ordinary park areas and keep them out of the guarded beach, splash pad, playground, golf course, buildings, and posted garden areas.

Free guarded swimming, splash pad, playground, changing rooms, lake loop, boats, picnics, and garden make this a strong summer family destination.

The roughly three-mile paved loop is shared by walkers and cyclists and links beach, garden, picnic, fishing, and recreation zones. Beach and splash-pad operation is weather, staffing, and water-quality dependent. Youth under 12 require an accompanying adult; check current closures, swim rules, and rental status before leaving.

Metro Transit buses, biking, walking, rideshare, and free parking serve different park edges. Select the nearest destination entrance first.