Apple Valley (Minnesota) beaches · Beaches in Apple Valley (Minnesota)
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Beaches in Apple Valley (Minnesota)
Beaches in Apple Valley (Minnesota)
Apple Valley is not well known as a beach destination, but Crystal Lake is the seventh-largest freshwater lake located entirely within Dakota County, and beautiful people flock to it. Anyone can show up and swim — virtually none of Apple Valley’s lakefront is spoiled by "private" beaches. And despite the latitude, the water is quite warm in the late summer and early fall. With algae and lake weeds nary a problem, the lakes of Apple Valley provide fun and relaxation for any type of traveler. Lifeguards posted at popular swimming locales attentively scan the shores for danger, including beachwear fashion faux pas – so check the mirror before you get some sun.
The sun isn’t the only draw, though. Summertime travelers can enjoy a plethora of water activities, ranging from the most mundane (and pleasureful) pontoon boat afternoons to a heart-stopping ride aboard rental jet skis. Younger beachgoers can choose tubing on the choppy waves or building their own Neuschwanstein on shore. A little tired of having fun in the sun? Take a time-out and cast a line in one of seemingly endless watering holes. Popular species of fish include bass, sunny, marlin, dogfish and trout.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the winter months of November through March, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to experience the rush of adrenaline known as ice fishing. Developed in Scandinavia to pass time in the long winter, ice fishing is a uniquely northern take on its more well-known cousin, standard liquid water fishing. So grab your auger and rental icehouse and head out on to the lake! Although ice depths are important to monitor and could mean the difference between life and death, normally any sense of safety is ignored for the sake of “catching the big one.” Hardcore anglers recommend pulling your icehouse onto the ice with the heaviest truck available at the rental lot. This will convey to others the size of your fishing appetite. Ice shacks are also referred to as shanties, lakebobs, huts or nuthouses. Make sure to pack playing cards, board games, a portable television set, snacks and cyanide.
Crystal Lake Beach, (southwest). 5AM-10PM daily (hours not enforced). Show off your new pair of board shorts or that rockin’ henna tramp stamp. If you want to see and be seen, this is where you need to be. Join a beach volleyball tournament (bring socks, though, the sand is hot), toss the Friz, or just keep your shades down and get your creep on; this beach is your oyster, shuck it. Completely nude sun bathing is also accepted but for the most part is limited to certain sections. Free. �
Keller Lake Beach, (south). 5AM-10PM daily. Far removed from the drunken bikini scene at Crystal Beach, Keller Lake provides laid back travelers a few mediocre fishing spots and some small bike trails. The horseshoe pits are well-manicured and chances are you’ll have them all to yourselves. A beautiful pergola provides picnic-goers a taste of the privileged life. Free. �
Schulze Lake Beach, (Lebanon Hills). 8AM-10PM daily. Schulze Lake is home to the city’s most beautiful sunsets. The beach is usually peopled with outdoor enthusiasts looking for some respite from the trails. A tattoo stand is open between noon and dusk. Free. �
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Apple Valley (Minnesota) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.