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Beaches

The City of Rochester Parks & Recreation maintains two public beaches.

88 23rd Avenue SW

Cascade Lake Beach season: Roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day

Cascade Lake Beach has no lifeguards on duty. The Park and Recreation Department encourages the "buddy" system when enjoying the beach.  Parents are responsible for their children.

Regulations:

  • No swimming outside the designated swimming area.
  • No alcoholic beverages allowed in the beach area.
  • No smoking in the beach area.
  • No glass containers in the beach area.
  • No dogs in the beach area.
  • The park and beach are open during daylight hours. 

4051 E. River Road NE

Foster Arend Beach will be open daily roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Open 7 Days a Week: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Foster Arend Beach has no lifeguards on duty. The Parks and Recreation Department encourages the "buddy" system when enjoying the beach. Parents are responsible for their children.

Waterparks of Minnesota offers an inflatable waterpark at Foster Arend Beach. There is an admission fee for this amenity. More info can be found on Waterparks of Minnesota's Facebook Page.

Regulations:

  • No swimming outside the designated swimming area.
  • No alcoholic beverages allowed in the entire park.
  • No smoking in the beach area.
  • No glass containers in the beach area.
  • No dogs in the beach area.
  • The park will close at 9 p.m. nightly, and the parking lot gates will be locked. 

Foster Arend Beach and Cascade Lake Beach waters are tested weekly for bacteria levels (3 samples are taken at each body of water). Swimming recommendations will be posted here based on the test results. 3 levels will be used:

  • GREEN - bacteria levels are low
  • YELLOW - bacteria levels are elevated, swimming is not recommended (warning signage posted)
  • RED - bacteria levels are very elevated (single sample over 1260 organisms per 100 mL of water), beach is closed, swimming strongly discouraged (BEACH CLOSED signage posted)

Bacteria levels may increase for a variety of reasons, including runoff after a large rainfall event, wildlife in the area and hot weather.

Current Statuses

  • Cascade Lake Beach: GREEN as of 8/22/2025
  • Foster Arend Beach: GREEN as of 8/22/2025
an aerial view of Cascade Lake Park, it's facilities and the beach

Cascade Lake Park Facilities

Visit Cascade Lake Park in Rochester for beaches, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and year-round outdoor recreation for all ages.
three waterslides entangled together and coming out in various areas of a pool and lazy river

Pools, Swimming & Splash Pad

Discover Rochester’s outdoor pools, beaches, and summer aquatics programs, including hours, locations, and seasonal updates.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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