Is Public Nudity Legal in Minnesota?
ToleratedRestricted: private venues and exceptions only· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, Minnesota punishes anyone who "willfully and lewdly" exposes their body or private parts in a public place or where others are present (Minn. Stat. § 617.23). The statute requires lewdness, but no court ruling on simple nudity was found in our sources.[1]
Main provision: Minn. Stat. § 617.23 (indecent exposure)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Minnesota.
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR Midwest's club map places Oakwood Club, Avatan Nudist Club and the Minnesota Naturists group in Minnesota.[2]
Penalties
Misdemeanor; gross misdemeanor if a minor under 16 is present or after a prior conviction; felony (up to 5 years and $10,000) for certain repeat or confinement cases. The section contains no registration requirement, and breastfeeding is exempt.[1]
Official naturist places in Minnesota
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Minnesota?
No, Minnesota punishes anyone who "willfully and lewdly" exposes their body or private parts in a public place or where others are present (Minn. Stat. § 617.23). The statute requires lewdness, but no court ruling on simple nudity was found in our sources.
Are there official nude beaches in Minnesota?
Sources we found document no officially designated clothing-optional beach in Minnesota.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Minnesota?
AANR Midwest's club map places Oakwood Club, Avatan Nudist Club and the Minnesota Naturists group in Minnesota.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Minnesota?
Misdemeanor; gross misdemeanor if a minor under 16 is present or after a prior conviction; felony (up to 5 years and $10,000) for certain repeat or confinement cases. The section contains no registration requirement, and breastfeeding is exempt.
Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 617.23 (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes) (statute)
- AANR Midwest club locator (map) (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.