Lakeville is the largest city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
It is also an exurb of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
The population in this area has reached 69,490 based on the 2020 census.
Since its incorporation in 1967, the city has remained mainly agricultural; still, the population and housing started to increase in the early 21st century due to the rising living expenses in metropolitan areas.
Aside from being a nice city to live in, Lakeville also boasts some of the best tourist destinations that the state has to offer.
Here are some of the best things to do in Lakeville, Minnesota:
Ritter Farm Park is located on Ritter Parkway Trail.
It is situated along a lake which adds a more relaxing and nature-tripping feel to the area.
Among the activities you can do at Ritter Farm Park is trail running on its open fields.
Beautiful orchids, groves, trees, and plants will welcome you as you explore Ritter Pkwy Trail further.
The park is also perfect for fishing and skiing during winter.
There are also picnic areas where you can stay and relax while enjoying your food and the view of nature.
Pavilions and restrooms can also be found inside Ritter Farm Park.
Lakeville Area Arts Center is a community facility located on Holyoke Avenue.
Here, you can see some of the best artworks of local artists, including paintings, photographs, hand-blown glass, pottery, and more.
This arts center also serves as an education facility for those who want to learn and hone their artistic capabilities.
You may enroll in their pottery and painting classes.
They also have specialty workshops such as drawing and jewelry making.
Your little ones will also enjoy Lakeville Area Arts Center’s dance and art classes for kids.
Lakeville Area Arts Center also hosts the Lakeville Art Festival and tribute concerts.
Hot Sam’s Antiques & Foto Park is located on Pillsbury Avenue.
This place is a haven for photo and antique enthusiasts.
This 10-acre antique junkyard is a favorite shooting location for photographers who need eclectic and colorful props for their photos.
Hot Sam’s Antiques & Foto Park is also where you can rent theatrical productions props.
Make sure to charge your phone or camera battery, as this place is filled with picture-perfect spots perfect for an artsy or quirky photoshoot.
Hot Sam’s Antiques & Foto Park displays lifesize sharks, aliens, train cars, and more.
Its antique store is also one the best ones you can find in the state.
From there, you can buy old circus wagons, 1950s cars in the woods, and other interesting antique objects.
Applewood Orchard is a large-scale apple farm situated on Hamburg Avenue.
Mark and Kathy Parranto own and operate it.
It started operations in 1995 with only 1,500 apple trees; now, it proudly features 9,000 trees with 16 apple varieties.
You and your family will enjoy apple picking and buying other products in Applewood Orchard’s stores.
You’ll also have fun picking giant pumpkins on their 10-acre separate farm.
Applewood Orchard also has kid-friendly spaces like a wood-framed playground and hedge maze.
Aside from these, you may roam around the farm riding in their antique John Deere tractors.
Casperson Park & Boat Launch is located in Lake Marion on Juno Trail.
This is one of the best places to relax and appreciate nature as luscious trees and green landscape areas surround it.
Since it is situated in a lake, there is a boat launch area where you’ll get to see boats as they embark on their journey in the waters.
There are also picnic shelters and grill areas.
Casperson Park & Boat Launch also has spaces for volleyball and soccer games.
The park has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and playground, so everyone in the family can have a great time.
Steve Michaud Park is located on Ipava Avenue.
You can bring your friends and family here to play sports at their sports courts and fields.
If you want some quiet time alone, you may stay at their picnic areas or walk along the trails while breathing fresh air.
Steve Michaud Park also has other family-friendly amenities like bike trails, a pavilion, and a playground.
Unknown to many, this park is home to a playground called Land of Amazement which features equipment designed to ignite imaginative play among children.
Champion Valley is a 200-acre outdoor adventure arena on Texas Ave.
This is where you can play paintball, archery tag, and ax throwing with friends for as many hours as you want!
You can also try out Champion Valley’s low-impact paintball and airsoft.
Each game usually lasts up to two hours, but you can extend it if you want.
You may bring your own food and drinks except for alcoholic beverages, and picnic pavilions and grills are easily available in the area.
Champion Valley is also a go-to place for team-building activities, birthdays, corporate parties, and bachelorette and bachelor parties.
Angry Inch Brewing is located on Holyoke Avenue.
Its co-founder and head brewer Jon Erickson started home brewing in 2011, then the establishment became a big business that is now popular among locals and tourists.
Angry Inch Brewing is where you can taste the best Belgian-inspired brews in the city.
As you enter the brewery, you’ll be welcomed with wagon wheel growler chandeliers and a mahogany bar.
Since this place is known for its delicious beverages, it has also become a favorite venue for people celebrating birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.
Angry Inch Brewing doesn’t offer food, so you’re more than welcome to bring your own.
Crystal Lake Golf Course is a first-class facility situated on Innsbrook Drive.
William Gill and Associates designed this 160-acre property.
Crystal Lake Golf Course features an 18-hole and par 71 course with four sets of tees.
Pine trees and wetlands also surround it.
Crystal Lake Golf Course also boasts gorgeous ponds which create challenging water hazards.
The place also hosts tournaments, weddings, and receptions.
Emagine Lakeville is a state-of-the-art movie house on Keokuk Avenue with theaters featuring full-sized bars.
If you’re looking for a place to watch a movie with loved ones or alone, Emagine Lakeville is the best place.
You’ll enjoy a luxurious movie date experience for an affordable price.
You can also rent Emagine Lakeville for children’s birthday parties, corporate events, and other private events.
Emagine Lakeville’s auditoriums are also ideal for holiday celebrations and independent film releases.
Gander Mountain Academy is a family-friendly destination on Kenyon Avenue.
Its affordability makes it stand out among other places that offer the same services or activities within the city.
You can practice your skills at Gander Mountain Academy in their gun range or virtual shooting range.
Rest assured that your whole experience will be smooth and safe as its staff is always on standby to guide and assist you.
If you choose to try out their virtual range simulator, you won’t have to bring anything.
Each activity at Gander Mountain Academy usually lasts from one to two hours.
Aronson Park is a huge nature park on 202nd St. West.
This family-friendly park has playgrounds, picnic shelters, baseball, softball, and soccer fields.
Aronson Park also features a walking and biking trail if you want to feel closer to nature.
It has well-maintained restrooms and parking areas for your utmost convenience.
Aronson Park is also a great place for playing lacrosse.
Bowlero is a lively recreation destination on 162nd St. West.
This complex has arcade games, a bowling arena, and laser tag areas.
It also has a high-definition television where you can watch your favorite sports or movie shows.
Its arcade features over 65 interactive games.
You can also play billiards, beer pong, darts, and other exciting sports and activities.
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Minnesota Zoo is located on Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley.
It is just a quick 19-minute drive away from Lakeville.
This AZA-accredited zoo is one of the two state-supported zoos in the country.
Here, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see penguins from the African Coast.
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You can also watch grizzly bears as they hunt for fish or listen to cute sea otters’ playful calls.
Minnesota Zoo is home to over 2,400 animals from 400 different species.
Both adults and children will have a great time in this place as it allows them to see wild animals as if they’re in their natural habitat.
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Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a Renaissance fair located at 145th St. West, Shakopee, a 29-minute drive from Lakeville.
Here, you’ll travel back in time through various attractions and events representing the Renaissance period.
Don’t miss the Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s themed weekends, live entertainment shows, and armored jousting.
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Delicious and satisfying food is also available within Minnesota Renaissance Festival Park.
This outdoor attraction is also pet-friendly.
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Science Museum of Minnesota is located on West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, around 30 minutes from Lakeville.
You’ll love its interactive exhibits that show the importance of science in all aspects of everyday life.
Science Museum of Minnesota also has a huge collection of almost two million artifacts from around the world.
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You’ll learn a lot of important information about Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and more at the museum.
Indeed, this place is both for kids and kids at heart.
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Many people will view Lakeville as a residential area, but more than that, the city has a perfect combination of adventurous destinations and recreational parks.
Whether you want to relax and savor some quiet time or are an adrenaline junkie on the go for the next challenge, this city has something to offer.
Take photos of picturesque landscapes, play sports with your friends, or spend the day at the amusement parks.
Use this guide for your itinerary and make sure to experience all these best things to do in Lakeville, Minnesota.
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