In most states some portion of beaches are public land and all members of the public have a right to use that portion of the beach. The ability to walk along the beach is known as lateral beach access.

But the land between where people can park or walk to the beach and where they can enjoy the beach is often private property, making it difficult to provide access to the public while protecting personal property rights. The ability to reach the beach is known as vertical beach access.

Laws regarding public access to beaches vary from state to state but many states recognize the public trust doctrine, a legal doctrine that certain natural resources such as beaches are owned or held by the government in trust for the public’s use and enjoyment and that the government has an obligation to protect and maintain these resources for the public.

In Minnesota, the public trust doctrine applies, which means that certain natural resources, including beaches, are held in trust by the state for public use and enjoyment. While Minnesota is not known for oceanic beaches, it does have many inland lakes with shorelines that are subject to this doctrine. The state ensures public access to these areas, but the specifics can vary depending on the body of water and local regulations. Generally, the public has the right to use the water and the land up to the ordinary high water mark. However, the land beyond this point may be privately owned, and access across private land to reach the public areas of the beach is not guaranteed unless there is a public right-of-way or easement. Local governments in Minnesota may have additional ordinances that govern beach access and use, including provisions for lateral and vertical access to ensure that the public can reach and enjoy these natural resources while balancing the rights of private property owners.