Eden Prairie MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
1. Wings of the North Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COMES ALIVE
The Wings of the North Air Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into aviation history through its collection of aircraft and exhibits. The museum is currently operating from a smaller, temporary location while working to secure a larger, permanent site at Flying Cloud Airport. Visitors can explore military aviation artifacts and learn about the role of aircraft in American history.
2. Round Lake Park and Beach
LAKESIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Round Lake Park and Beach provides a serene natural setting for swimming, picnicking, and outdoor recreation in Eden Prairie. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach area, swimming in the clear waters, and various recreational facilities throughout the seasons. The park offers picnic areas, walking paths, and playground equipment for families to enjoy.
3. Bryant Lake Regional Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Bryant Lake Regional Park encompasses beautiful lakefront areas, hiking trails, and recreational facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking during warm months, while winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park's diverse ecosystem supports wildlife viewing and nature photography throughout the year.
4. Purgatory Creek Park
URBAN NATURE ESCAPE
Purgatory Creek Park offers an extensive network of walking trails and boardwalks through wetlands and wooded areas in the heart of Eden Prairie. Visitors can observe local wildlife, including various bird species, while enjoying the peaceful natural setting. The park features interpretive signage explaining the ecological importance of the wetland ecosystem and conservation efforts.
5. Flying Dutchman Spirits
LOCAL CRAFT DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE
Flying Dutchman Spirits invites visitors to explore the art of craft spirit production through tours and tastings in their Eden Prairie facility. Guests can learn about the distillation process while sampling handcrafted spirits made from locally sourced ingredients. The distillery offers a warm atmosphere with friendly staff who share their passion for creating unique, high-quality spirits.
6. Eden Prairie Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Eden Prairie Center serves as the community's primary shopping destination featuring numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The modern mall complex offers a comfortable indoor shopping experience with national retailers and local boutiques. Visitors can enjoy a movie at the multi-screen cinema or dine at one of several restaurants after a day of shopping.
7. Mall of America
MEGA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mall of America stands as the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States, drawing visitors from around the world to its massive retail space. Beyond shopping at hundreds of stores, visitors can experience Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, and numerous dining options. The mall hosts regular events, concerts, and celebrity appearances throughout the year, making each visit potentially unique.
8. Target Field
HOME OF MINNESOTA TWINS
Target Field offers baseball fans a modern, open-air stadium experience as the home of the Minnesota Twins MLB team. The ballpark features excellent sightlines, local food vendors, and numerous amenities designed to enhance the fan experience. Visitors can take guided tours of the facility to learn about the stadium's architecture, sustainability features, and team history even on non-game days.
9. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus combines historic architecture with modern educational facilities spread across picturesque settings along the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore museums, gardens, and performance venues open to the public throughout the sprawling campus. Sports enthusiasts can attend Gophers athletic events in various facilities including Huntington Bank Stadium and Williams Arena.
10. Minneapolis Convention Center
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
The Minneapolis Convention Center hosts a variety of major events, exhibitions, and conferences in its expansive, modern facility. The center's architectural design incorporates natural light and open spaces to create a welcoming environment for attendees. Visitors can check the convention center's calendar for public events including consumer shows, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
11. Minnesota State Fairgrounds
HOME OF GREAT GET-TOGETHER
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds hosts one of the largest state fairs in America, known locally as the 'Great Minnesota Get-Together.' Beyond the famous 12-day fair held annually from August to September, the grounds host various events, shows, and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can explore livestock displays, food vendors, rides, and entertainment venues across the expansive fairground property.
12. Nickelodeon Universe
INDOOR THEMED AMUSEMENT PARK
Nickelodeon Universe offers 27 unique rides and attractions within an indoor amusement park located in the center of Mall of America. Visitors can enjoy character-themed roller coasters, family rides, and interactive experiences based on popular Nickelodeon shows. The climate-controlled environment allows for year-round fun regardless of Minnesota's sometimes challenging weather conditions.
13. Carver Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Carver Park offers excellent river recreation where Clear Creek meets the Clackamas River, creating a perfect natural setting for outdoor activities. The expansive park provides access points for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the scenic waterways. Visitors can relax in picnic areas while experiencing the tranquility of this riverside destination just off Springwater Road.
14. Bde Maka Ska Lake
MINNEAPOLIS' LARGEST LAKE
Bde Maka Ska Lake stands as the largest lake in Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes system, covering an impressive 401 acres. Visitors can enjoy walking and biking on trails that circle the lake, water activities including sailing, kayaking, and swimming at designated beaches. The lake area features picnic facilities, recreational equipment rentals, and stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline.
15. Minneapolis Institute of Arts
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses an impressive collection covering 5,000 years of world art and culture in its expansive galleries. Visitors can explore works by both internationally renowned artists and local talents through permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. The institute offers free general admission to its main collections, making world-class art accessible to everyone in the community.