Diamond Point Park
Bemidji, Minnesota · on Lake Bemidji
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Diamond Point Park
Diamond Point Park is a city park on the west shore of Lake Bemidji in Bemidji, Minnesota, adjacent to Bemidji State University, and is officially listed by the city as one of Bemidji's designated swimming beaches, an in-town swimming hole and one of the most reliable places to swim in Bemidji. It is one of the larger lakeside parks in town and includes an open-air pavilion and an indoor event building overlooking the lake.
The park occupies a point on the west shore of Lake Bemidji next to Bemidji State University, roughly 1.6 miles from downtown Bemidji. It is described by the city as one of Bemidji's largest parks along the lakeshore, and takes its name from the historic Diamond Point, part of 160 acres originally claimed by Freeman and Betsy Doud, the area's first homesteaders.
How to get to this swimming hole
Diamond Point Park is located at 1700 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji, MN, on the west shore of Lake Bemidji adjacent to Bemidji State University, about 1.6 miles from downtown Bemidji.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Diamond Point Park is a city park at 1700 Birchmont Dr NE on the shore of Lake Bemidji, next to Bemidji State University, listed by the city's tourism bureau as a designated swimming beach; it is a direct lake-shore access point rather than a hike-in spot. No source found gave exact on-site parking-to-water distance or walking time, so those specifics are left null.
Plan your visit
Water clarity
Varies with season and flow
Wikipedia's Lake Bemidji entry describes the lake as eutrophic, with water transparency highest in May-June and declining later in the season; Conde Nast Traveler has separately recognized Lake Bemidji among the top 100 U.S. swimming holes for water quality/cleanliness (per visitbemidji.com). No first-hand clarity reports specific to Diamond Point Park itself were found.
On the water
Lake Bemidji is a multi-use lake supporting fishing, boating, water-skiing, and swimming (Wikipedia). Visit Bemidji's official boating page states boat rentals are available at Lake Bemidji State Park and Itasca State Park and at a number of area resorts/lodges, and that sailboats and windsurfers are available through Bemidji State University, which sits immediately adjacent to Diamond Point Park. No source specified any watercraft restrictions (e.g., no-wake zones, electric-only areas) specific to the Diamond Point Park shoreline itself, so restrictions are left null rather than assumed.
Rentals nearby
Bemidji State University (sailboats & windsurfers)
Sailboat and windsurfer use/rental, per Visit Bemidji's official boating page; campus sits directly next to Diamond Point Park on Lake Bemidji
Adjacent to Diamond Point Park, west shore of Lake Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park
Canoe/kayak rentals, per Visit Bemidji's official boating page ("Boat rentals are available at Lake Bemidji and Itasca State Parks")
On Lake Bemidji, a few miles from Diamond Point Park
Backstory
The park's name derives from Diamond Point, part of 160 acres claimed in the 1890s by Freeman and Betsy Doud, credited as Bemidji's first homesteaders.
Diamond Point Park: FAQ
Does Diamond Point Park charge a fee?
No swimming or park admission fee was found; the Sapphire Pavilion and Diamond Building are available for paid event rental from May 17 through September 30.
Do I need to hike to reach Diamond Point Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Diamond Point Park?
Lake Bemidji is a multi-use lake supporting fishing, boating, water-skiing, and swimming (Wikipedia). Visit Bemidji's official boating page states boat rentals are available at Lake Bemidji State Park and Itasca State Park and at a number of area resorts/lodges, and that sailboats and windsurfers are available through Bemidji State University, which sits immediately adjacent to Diamond Point Park. No source specified any watercraft restrictions (e.g., no-wake zones, electric-only areas) specific to the Diamond Point Park shoreline itself, so restrictions are left null rather than assumed.
What water body is Diamond Point Park on?
Diamond Point Park is on Lake Bemidji, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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