These 6 Minnesota Beaches Have Just Been Put On Advisory Due To Fecal Bacteria
By Betsy Rathburn|Published July 27, 2019
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we take our water seriously. Lakes are a cornerstone of summertime recreation for people across the state, with swimming, fishing, and boating season in full swing. The fun lasts well into the winter, with ice houses taking over lakes in every corner of the states.
But this summer, more than a few Minnesota beaches have been put on advisory thanks to dangerous levels of E. coli. Before you take a dip, check out this list of Minnesota beaches that are closed until further notice:
Before we get into which beaches are closed, let's examine how they became infected. Contrary to popular belief, the E. coli does not come from people using the lakes.
The real reason many Minnesota beaches are closed is due to dangerously high levels of E. coli, mostly from waterfowl feces. The bacteria spreads easily after rainfall, when runoff washes it into the lakes.
Usually, the levels go back down after a few days. But some Minnesota beaches have experienced weeks of closure because of fecal bacteria. Here are the beaches you should be aware of:
Wekota Beach is a lovely summertime spot in Tonka Bay, Minnesota. The playground and picnic areas draw families looking for a fun day outdoors. And the beach - a favorite on Lake Minnetonka - is full of safe fun, with lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Unfortunately, the beach closed due to dangerously high levels of E. coli. It will likely not remain closed for long, so be sure to check often if this is one of your favorite Minnesota beaches. Check here for updates.
Here's another favorite metro area beach that is closed to E. coli. When it's not closed, McCarrons Beach draws those looking for a nice playground, picnic space, and a big patch of sand for outdoor play. Check here for updates.
Lake Hiawatha is a popular place for Twin Cities beachgoers, and it has been for years. This is thanks not only to the lovely scenery, but to the ability to cool off in the middle of the city. When the beach reopens, it's sure to be just as popular as it's always been. Check here for updates.
Just like Lake Hiawatha Beach, all of the beaches along Bde Maka Ska are popular all summer long. Like we mentioned above, the closures are due to the rainy weather Minnesota has experienced in the past few weeks. Storms washed bacteria-ridden runoff into the lake, causing E. coli levels to skyrocket. The lake is tested daily and will likely reopen soon. Check here,here, and here for updates.
This beach in Woodbury is also experiencing closure due to E. coli levels. When the beach reopens, it will be back to normal for Carver Lake. That means a sandy area, beach volleyball, and canoe access on this unguarded beach in the west metro. Check here for updates.
Over the 4th of July weekend, many Lake Minnetonka visitors came down with a mysterious illness. The illness is considered unrelated to E. coli, but Excelsior's beaches have closed since then due to elevated bacteria levels. While it's best to avoid these beaches at this time, many other Lake Minnetonka beaches are doing just fine. Check here for updates.
No one has fallen ill from Minnesota’s beaches yet this season. But they will remain closed until they are safe enough to swim in again. The bacteria levels will be monitored until they are at an acceptable level.
