Here at Bush Lake Beach in Bloomington Minnesota recreation thrives. Since 1956, Bush Lake Beach has been a summer destination. It has provided recreation to millions of Minnesotans. Each year, over 100000 visitors enjoy the beach.
Bush Lake is part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. It is located near the southwest corner of Bloomington. The city shares a border with Eden Prairie here.
Bush Lake is a clear shallow lake. Many people enjoy picnics and fishing here. The water quality is excellent. Monitoring parameters meet state standards. Nutrient levels are low. This prevents large algae blooms. However occasional algae blooms can occur. These blooms are visible during summer months. Urban stormwater runoff can cause algae blooms. This runoff contains excess phosphorus. Phosphorus fuels algae growth.
Aquatic invasive species live in Bush Lake. These include curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. Common carp also live here.
Bush Lake was once landlocked. Water entering the lake stayed in the lake. It seeped into the ground or evaporated. Rising lake levels caused flooding concerns. An outlet was installed in 2000. The outlet pumps water to Southeast Anderson Lake. This happens when lake levels are too high.
The Bush Lake Izaak Walton League is headquartered on Bush Lake. They have done shoreline and habitat restoration projects.
Bush Lake offers many recreational amenities. There is a 4.4 miles loop around the lake. You can hike and bike here. Enjoy picnic areas and volleyball nets. There is a playground for kids. You can swim at the swimming beach. There is also a boat launch.
Many fish species live in Bush Lake. These include black bullhead and black crappie. You can also find bluegill and brown bullhead here. Green sunfish and hybrid sunfish swim in the lake. Largemouth bass and northern pike are present. Other fish include pumpkinseed and tiger muskellunge. Walleye and yellow bullhead are here too. You might see yellow perch and common carp. White sucker and central mudminnow live here. You may even spot golden shiner and Iowa darter.
The facilities are split between two parks. These parks are on the east and west sides of the lake. East Bush Lake Park provides beach and swimming access. West Bush Lake Park provides canoe and boat access. West Bush Lake Park also offers canoe and kayak storage. Both parks offer public restrooms. You can find picnic shelters and fishing piers here. Volleyball courts and playgrounds are available too. A multi-use path connects the two parks. It runs along the southern edge of the lake.
Until 2020, East Bush Lake Park required a daily parking fee during the summer. Now parking is free for all users. Boats are allowed on Bush Lake. Motors are limited to 6 horsepower.
In 1954, Bloomington created its first City parks. Bush Lake Beach was one of them. As of January 1 2025 Bush Lake Beach is under new management. Three Rivers Park District now manages Bush Lake Beach. Bush Lake Park is also under their management.