Things To Do
Clifton E. French Regional Park
Just a mile and a half from the group hotels is French Regional Park. This park is located along the north shore of Medicine Lake and offers a variety of activities, including a swimming beach, outdoor playground, several miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing pier and watercraft rental. There are single & double kayaks, row boats, and canoes available for rental and can be reserved online up to seven days in advance or in-person. There is a complimentary tram service from the visitor center parking lot to the beach as well as limited parking near the beach. There is no admission fee to this park.
Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is Minnesota’s ninth largest lake. Located six and a half miles from the group hotels, visit the quaint city of Wayzata, along the northern shores of the Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata is one of many cities surrounding this beautiful lake. A historical Northern Railway Train Museum is at the address listed above. This address was used to get you to the lovely city of Wayzata, along the promenade, which is on the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks. This area is considered sacred to Native Americans. Park hours are 6:00 AM to midnight, in the developed areas of thei park. In the pavilion, next to the falls, is Sea Salt, a seasonal counter serve restaurant with patio seating.
Stone Arch Bridge
Formerly a railroad bridge, the Stone Arch Bridge is now a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls. These falls are the only natural major waterfall on the Mississippi River.
Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis and is surrounded by walking and bike trails. Stop by Wheel Fun Rentals on the east side of the lake and rent a paddle boat, kayak, stand up paddleboard, canoe, mountain bike or tandem bike . Hours are Mon. - Fri. is 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sat., Sun. & holidays from 10:00 AM to 8:00PM.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The art gallery is open 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM on Wed, Fri., Sat. and Sun. and until 9:00 PM on Thurs. The Sculpture Garden is open daily from 6:00AM - midnight.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
The zoo and conservatory are open year round. Hours in the summer are 10:00AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free to the public. however, there is a suggested $4.00 donation per adult and $2.00 per child. There is a a paved walking path, paddle boat rentals on Como Lake, a historic carousel, mini golf, etc.
Paisley Park
Paisley Park is a place where Prince created, recorded and performed. Visit Prince’s home, music studio and concert hall.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, MN. Best known for its beautiful display gardens, nationally recognized tree collections, protected natural areas and research activity, the Arboretum is easy to explore via paved paths, such as Three-Mile Walk and Three-Mile Drive. There are miles of wooded trails and stone pathways. Don’t miss the magnificent flower gardens that start behind the 2nd floor of the Visitor Center. Be sure to visit the conservatory, on the second floor of the visitor center, beyond the cafe. Have you ever eaten a Honeycrisp Apple (the state fruit of MN)? As a part of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota, the Arboretum is world-renowned for its fruit breeding research programs, including the commercial introduction of the Honeycrisp apple. - Advanced Reservations are required and can be made at the phone number listed.
Ridgedale Center
Ridgedale Center, located four and half miles from the group hotels, is a 2 story, indoor mall located in the city of Minnetonka. The department stores are Macy’s, Nordstrom and JC Penny. There are many nationally known stores, a variety of restaurants and a children’s play area.
Mall of America
The Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States. Nickelodeon Universe is an amusement park, located in the center of the mall with first floor entrances. Sea Life Aquarium is located on first floor East.
Minnesota State Fair
Known as the Great Minnesota Get Together this is the second largest state fair in the USA. The fair runs from Aug.24 - Sept. 4, 2023.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Madalina & Nick look forward to going to The RenFest every year. It is open weekends beginning Aug. 19 - Oct. 1. They are also open on Labor Day, Sept. 4th.
Mystic Lake Casino
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the largest casino hotel in Minnesota, is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe. There are a variety of casino games including slots, Blackjack and Bingo as well as five restaurants, a 600 room hotel, convention center, 2,100 seat showroom, 8,350 seat amphitheater and a golf course.
Canterbury Park
Open daily for 24 hours, Canterbury Park is a destination for horse racing and card casino action. For live race schedules, check their website for post time.