Lake Phalen — Attraction in Saint Paul

My family and I live very close to this beach and we bike over there a few times a week and then go swimming. It's a nice beach, lots of sand area and plenty of space within the designated swim area. 2 life guards on duty while open. Plus there are bike paths all around the lake, a sand Volleyball court, bathrooms/locker rooms, portapotty's for when the beach is closed, etc. Usually lots of kids there so my son likes it because he always finds kids to play with. Water is shallow for a ways out, but also does get deep enough to actually swim (unlike some other public beaches). I do wish there were less rocks at the bottom of the lake, as they are annoying and kinda painful if you're a 35 year old mom who's been on your feet a lot like me. I just wear water shoes though, and that helps a ton and allows me to go out in the water with the kids and the hubby and I like to hit a volleyball around in the water. Would recommend this beach to anyone in the St Paul area. So far this year the water seems clean, we haven't gotten itchy or anything and have been going here all season since...

My experience at lake Phalsn was terrible and I feel like my time was wasted because of one employee.Thier name is Andy with red hair.Me and my AVID class was on a feild trip to the wilderness inquiry today and while doing water quality Andy snatches something out of one of my classmates hands.Continouls goes up to me md tham saying things like " Do I have to tell you again"? and "Don't talk to m that way"!Although they hadn't said a work the whole time.She then goes to our teacher and requested that we were removed from the activity because shee felt misgengenderd and disrespected.I was only a witness to this situation.After being removed I contacted my mom and told her what had just occured.The teacher then goes back to Andy for more detail ,and comes back with nothing but Andy saying that we told her to "Shut up" and "Chill".Once again I hadn't said a word.And what was striking about it was we were three black girls who didn't do anything.In conclusion my experience was terrible cause of one simple minded employee...

Really cool trail goes all the way around the lake and most places too there's two paths you can take and go up and closer to the lake or on the outer trail. They also have a trail for bikes too. It can get a little crowded sometimes The people for the most part are very respectful. There's a couple of picnic areas and a couple of grills and a playground pretty small but still works. There was the smell of weed quite a few times walking through with cars driving by or people walking by. Overall though great trail it's 3 mi easy paved walk in the lake is always right there especially around when the sun's setting gorgeous views. There's also a golf course across from the park to if you're into golf. If you really like walking it's definitely worth checking out I'll...