Located in the vibrant Summit-University neighborhood, Great River Water Park is Saint Paul’s premier indoor aquatics facility, offering a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for visitors of all ages. Housed within the Oxford Community Center at 270 N. Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55104, this water park operates during the fall, winter, and spring, providing thrilling water slides, a lap pool, swimming lessons, and community programs. Whether you’re a local, a family seeking a fun day out, or a fitness enthusiast, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit to Great River Water Park.
Great River Water Park: Your Ultimate Guide to Saint Paul’s Indoor Aquatics Destination
Why Visit Great River Water Park?
Great River Water Park is a community hub dedicated to water safety, fitness, and family-friendly fun. With amenities like a 25-yard lap pool, children’s activity pool, diving board, and two large water slides, it caters to diverse interests. Free programs like youth swimming lessons and Rondo Community Open Swim, along with inclusive offerings like Sensory Friendly Swim Time and Women’s Swim Night, ensure accessibility for all. Dive into the fun at Saint Paul’s top indoor aquatics destination!
Key Highlights
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Water slides, children’s pool, and diving board.
- Fitness Opportunities: Six-lane lap pool and water aerobics classes.
- Community Programs: Free and low-cost programs for Saint Paul residents.
- Inclusive Environment: Sensory-friendly sessions and women-only swim nights.
- Convenient Location: Oxford Community Center, Saint Paul.
About Great River Water Park
Great River Water Park is Saint Paul’s leading indoor aquatics facility, open during fall, winter, and spring. It closes from May 30 to September 14, 2025, for the outdoor swimming season at facilities like Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center. The park offers state-of-the-art amenities and programs focused on water safety, fitness, and community engagement.
Amenities and Features
- 25-Yard, Six-Lane Lap Pool: Ideal for fitness and competitive swimming.
- Children’s Activity Pool: Safe, shallow area for young swimmers.
- One-Meter Diving Board: Perfect for dives and thrills.
- Large Water Slides: Two slides for kids and adults.
- Sauna: Relax after your swim.
- Activity Equipment: Floats and life jackets available.
- Locker Rooms: Men’s, women’s, and family options.
- Eating Areas: Bring snacks (no glass, peanuts, or alcohol).
Note: Some amenities may not be available at all times. Call 651-642-0650 for updates.
Programs and Activities
Great River Water Park offers programs for all ages and skill levels, from swimming lessons to teen fitness and community swim events.
Swimming Lessons
Offered in fall, winter, and spring, swimming lessons are free for Saint Paul youth, ensuring water safety skills are accessible. Summer lessons are available at outdoor pools.
- Eligibility: Open to all Saint Paul residents.
- Registration: Required. Visit the Saint Paul aquatics website or call 651-642-0390.
Lap Swim Hours
The six-lane lap pool accommodates up to four swimmers per lane, first-come, first-serve. No pre-registration required.
- Cost: $9 or included with all-access membership.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 6:30–9:00 a.m., 12:00–1:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 6:30–8:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | 6:30–9:00 a.m. |
Open Swim Hours
Open swim is perfect for families. Youth under 12 need adult supervision; ages 12–14 require check-in if unaccompanied. Exit the water 15 minutes before closing.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Children’s pool only 9:00–10:00 a.m.) |
| Tuesday, Thursday | No open swim |
| Saturday, Sunday | 12:00–5:00 p.m. |
Water Aerobics
Low-impact water aerobics classes are open to all ages (children under 12 need an adult). No pre-registration required.
- Cost: $9 or included with all-access membership.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00–10:00 a.m., 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday–Thursday | 9:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Friday | 9:00–10:00 a.m., 6:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8:00–9:00 a.m. |
| Sunday | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Aquatic Teen Fitness
For ages 14–18, this free program includes swimming, lifeguarding skills, sauna access, snacks, and community activities.
- Cost: Free
- Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
- Time: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Rondo Community Open Swim Sundays
Free open swim for all ages, with water safety education from 3:00–3:25 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Days: Sundays
- Time: 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Saint Paul Sunnies Developmental Swim Team
For ages 10–14, this program promotes swimming and water safety for youth facing barriers to traditional swim teams.
- Eligibility: Saint Paul residents, ability to swim 50 yards, and other skills. Priority for swim lesson levels 4 or 5.
- Cost: $75/session (financial assistance available).
- Contact: 651-642-0390 for tryouts.
Sensory Friendly Swim Time
A quieter swim time for those with sensory sensitivities, with no music or water features.
- Cost: $8/person, $6 for groups of up to five (free for one caregiver and age 2 and under).
- Days: Sundays
- Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Women’s Swim Night
A private swim time for women, girls, and boys age 7 and under, with frosted windows and optional instruction.
- Cost: $3/person (free for age 2 and under).
- Days: Mondays
- Time: 7:30–9:00 p.m. (instruction 7:30–8:00 p.m.).
Group Reservations
Book group events by calling 651-642-0390. Groups must meet capacity projections, pay in full upon arrival (no refunds), and follow safety guidelines.
Safety Expectations
- Groups receive a water safety overview.
- Adults must supervise children without distractions.
- Child-to-Staff Ratios:
- Infants and Toddlers: 1:1
- Preschoolers: 4:1
- School-Age Children: 6:1
- Children under 5 must have a supervisor within arm’s length.
Pricing and Memberships
Great River Water Park offers affordable daily admission and annual all-access memberships for all Saint Paul aquatics facilities.
| Admission Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Ages 2 & under | Free |
| Single | $8 |
| Group (5+ people) | $6/person |
| Lap Swim & Water Aerobics | $9 |
| Personal Care Attendant | Free |
Learn about memberships. No Saint Paul residency required.
Closures and Special Hours
Great River Water Park is open fall, winter, and spring, with closures in 2025:
- May 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–26
- May 30–September 14 (outdoor swimming season)
Check the official website or call 651-642-0650 for updates.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan Around Closures: Avoid May and summer closures.
- Arrive Early: Secure lap swim lanes or program spots.
- Bring Snacks: No concessions; snacks allowed in designated areas.
- Check Schedules: Confirm program times like Sensory Friendly Swim.
- Book Groups Early: Ensure availability and compliance.
- Consider Memberships: Save with all-access memberships for frequent visits.
Contact Information
Contact Great River Water Park for inquiries or reservations:
- Address: Oxford Community Center, 270 N. Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55104
- Phone: 651-642-0390
Plan Your Visit Today
Great River Water Park offers aquatic fun, fitness, and community engagement for all. From water slides to free swimming lessons, it’s Saint Paul’s top indoor aquatics destination. Plan your visit and make a splash!
