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Best Public Pools In Minnesota

Whether you're training for the Olympics, out with the kids or just looking to make a splash for a few hours, Minnesota's pools are great fun. Sure, we're the land of 10,000(plus) lakes, but the amenities offered at these public pools often can't be beat. From structured lanes to water slides, fun in the sun to overhead spray, and with a decided lack of sea life nipping at your toes, these local pools are a great place to spend the day.

For a few other ideas for where to get your swim on, check out last year's article here: Best Water Parks and Pools in Minnesota

Credit: Stpaul.gov

Como Pool
1151 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 489-0378
www.comozooconservatory.orgAnother piece of the impressive and expansive Como Park in St. Paul, this pool is state of the art and a great place to cool off during a hot summer day. Enjoy the sun while swimming laps, splashing around the Splash Pool, nodding off on the lazy river or even taking the plunge from the pool's aquatic zip line. Though in the heart of the city, the peaceful Como Park neighborhood around you makes this pool feel like an oasis, no matter how busy it gets.

Great River Water Park at Oxford Community Center
270 Lexington Parkway N.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 642-0650
www.stpaul.gov

Not far from the new Green Line LRT stop, this urban oasis has it all: lap pool, children's activity pool, diving boards, water slides, whirlpool and sauna. And it's all in the heart of St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood. It's not only a first-class facility for serious swimmers and fun-seekers alike, it is a place where the entire community can come together, maybe do some water aerobics together (or swimming lessons for the young ones) and enjoy a day in the water at reasonable prices.

Pool Generic
(credit: CBS)

St. Louis Park Aquatic Park
3700 Monterey Drive
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 924-2540
www.stlouispark.org

This enormous water park is ideal for families, offering hours of fun inside the colorful facilities. Kids will enjoy the water slides (two drop slides and two winding slides that rise almost four stories high) and trying to tackle obstacle courses sure to make a splash. Check the website to find the various discounted nights, including the Last Day of School party on June 10, when entrance is only $1, and hot dogs at the concession stand are only $1 as well. Open all summer long, this park is a must for those hot days when the water is calling your name.

Related: Coolest Hotel Pools Across The Nation

University of Minnesota Aquatics
1910 University Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-1352
www.recwell.umn.edu/aquatics

Feel like one of the champion University of Minnesota swimmers in this pool. For a small fee, you can use the top-quality facilities at this aquatic center and you'll quickly notice the difference. This isn't the pool for a simple splash around; this is the pool for people who want to swim. And if you want your children to learn how to swim from the best, the lessons here, part of the Learn to Swim program at both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses, are also top notch.

Credit: Maplewood Community Center

Maplewood Community Center
2100 White Bear Ave.
Maplewood, MN 55109
(651) 249-2100
www.maplewoodcommunitycenter.com

Just outside of the Twin Cities, this large and impressive community center has become a gathering place for people of all ages. Kids will love the spraying submarine and rope course as well as the slides twisting and turning to dump you into the water. There are even opportunities for snorkeling. For those looking for a workout, there is plenty of room to swim those 100 laps away from the youthful revelry of the leisure pool. Check the website for specials, as there is always something going on at MCC.

Related: Best Swim Classes In Minnesota

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  • Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
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