Known in the Midwest as a city that means “Six,” Shakopee in Minnesota remains a fast-growing community with highly memorable regional attractions.
Its origins date back to the 18th century when a Dakota village settled there and made its own life in its lush environment.
Today, it’s widely popular because of its incredible entertainment options for adults and children alike.
Its booming, innovative economy pays tribute to its cultural heritage.
Families looking for a unique weekend city tour should consider visiting this city.
Discover the best things to do in Shakopee, MN.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Are you wondering where to go for all-around entertainment in Shakopee?
Canterbury Park has it all, from live horse racing events to casino and other table games.
The fun never stops at the Park!
Despite its up-and-down history and unfortunate closings in the past, Canterbury Park remains the most reputable traded gaming destination in Minnesota.
gomattolson from Minneapolis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Undeniably, clients come back again and again to experience the rush of live horse racing on an outdoor looped track.
The Park also allows you to own a thoroughbred horse through extensive engagement programs.
If you’re looking for a scenic tour to go along with your history learning experience, the Landing is the right place for you to go.
Within the property are erected buildings, farmsteads, and other villages that all serve as historical evidence of 19th-century Minnesotans and their lifestyle.
Remarkably, the attraction also holds reenactments to help enhance your historical exploration.
The grounds are open on weekdays and weekends, too.
If you’ve finally reached the end of your tour, you can go on self-guided walks to finish your trip.
Watch as history unfolds right in front of your eyes when you join a guided stroll at the Landing.
For music enthusiasts and vintage item collectors, Ramble on Records may be a dream come true.
The store is conveniently located in Downtown Shakopee with a wide array of collectibles in stock.
Most importantly, it holds to its title as the only record store south of the river.
You can browse their vinyl and turntable collections, accessories and distinctive gifts, and memorabilia for yourself or a special someone.
To take it up a notch, Ramble on Records receives deliveries of used and new vinyl records weekly.
There’s always something to look forward to on your next visit.
When you visit Shakopee, take a refreshing day off lounging by the sides of the indoor pools.
Bring your family and friends to the Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center and enjoy the indoor pools together.
The Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center features a zero-depth entry leisure pool, complete with three kinds of water slides for maximum exhilaration.
Alongside their free-for-use pool, they also host water aerobics and swimming lessons in a separate four-lane lap pool.
Before a dip, you can also relax in the saunas to let off some steam.
If you’re looking for an enclosed area to practice swimming or enjoy a pool day with friends, this center might be for you.
Review the staff guidelines at the facility before using the amenities.
The cultural center, Hoċokata Ti, allows the public access to an assortment of essential Mdewakanton culture through its display of artifacts and exhibits.
The Mdewakanton Dakota people are the Native Americans who once inhabited Mni Sota Makoce.
Their past shines through the immersive presentations within the exhibition.
Among the most notable programs held at Hoċokata Ti include a theatrical space for history recounting.
They also offer guided tours through the cultural relics in the public gallery.
Likewise, check out the private SMSC collection with 10,476—and counting—objects.
Find history and get inspired by the lifeways and journeys of the Native Americans as they achieve self-sufficiency.
At Tiwahe Circle, you can easily spot Hoċokata Ti because of its parade of white cone-shaped decorative tents at their entrance.
On your family trip to Shakopee, be careful not to drive past Sever’s Corn Maze & Farm Market.
Or else, you’ll miss out on a Midwest farm experience unlike any other.
Sever and Sharon Peterson took inspiration from the European hedge maze design to build a unique corn maze.
Today, the attraction has become a popular spot in Shakopee.
Sever’s Corn Maze & Farm Market isn’t only famous for its fall-inspired festivals.
This farm market offers kid-friendly games and activities as well.
Included in your entry fee is access to obstacle courses, corn pits, straw sculptures, giant jumping pillows, and photo ops of the pumpkin patches.
Your little ones are in for a jolly surprise at Sever’s Corn Maze & Farm Market.
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You have never truly enjoyed Shakopee properly if you haven’t visited Valleyfair Amusement Park.
At this state-renowned amusement park, there’s so much to see and explore.
This variety makes it more appealing to residents and tourists alike.
You can group the rides into thrill levels, attraction value to the public, and minimum height requirements.
For those preferring safe and low-thrill rides, Splash Station and Peanuts™ Road Rally are one of the best in the park.
Larry Pieniazek – User:Lar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On the other hand, there’s Steel Venom, Power Tower, and Xtreme Swing for the bravest souls.
A classic date move is an intimate ride at the Ferris Wheel or a fun splash at Soak City Waterpark.
This is only a quarter of the fun at Valleyfair Amusement Park.
Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Residing in the southwest Twin Cities metro area, Shakopee Bowl is one of the many spots the city is proud of.
Shakopee Bowl never disappoints with its carefully-crafted programs for bowling and live entertainment.
There’s an assortment of bowling categories, like open, youth, and league bowling; everyone can join.
One of their most popular venues is the Patio.
The place offers outdoor dining with live music, colorful hanging lights, and patio umbrellas for that homey secluded neighborhood feel.
Shakopee Bowl also offers field rentals next to the Patio.
The Stonebrooke Golf Club has solidified its mark in the city as the premier club for high-quality golfing and events hosting.
At this impressive tour venue, outdoor leisure is prominent in their terraces, lounges, and other amenities.
Throughout the Minneapolis Metroplex, Stonebrooke Golf Club offers complete greenery golf courses under wide canopies of trees.
The magnificent clubhouse stands tall at the driveway, offering guests a sneak peek at panoramic views of nature and the elegance of their halls and ballrooms.
The golf club is also a preferred venue for wedding banquets, corporate meetings, and other special occasions.
Step into another century at Shakopee Trading Post and Gallery.
Often likened to a museum, this gallery lays out authentic Native American arts and crafts from makers based in Canada and all over the country.
From beadwork to quilts and Navajo rugs, this place exhibits a never-forgotten heritage that showcases the talents of Native American ancestry.
Their collection also includes pottery and ceramics, gift baskets, silver and turquoise jewelry, and other memorabilia.
A visit there would surely entice you to start learning handmade crafts by yourself.
In Scott County, Scott County Historical Society stands as a historical and artifacts museum.
Within its walls tells the story of Scott County in its ancient days.
It has also been a reliable resource for research and educational outreach for everyone across all borders.
Since 1969, it has opened its doors for various exhibits and collections showcasing life and culture.
From paintings and artworks to fashion and clothing displays, it offers an in-depth look into their past.
Its research library is also a peaceful place to go through location and genealogy records.
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The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a conservation and horticultural research center extension of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences.
Established in 1958, the center has welcomed nature-lovers from the community.
If you wish to visit, there is a lot of ground to cover.
Brian Kenney / Shutterstock.com
To get in touch with nature, you can drop by their greenery collections, including shrubs and trees.
The center also doesn’t disappoint with its landscape, complete with specialty gardens, a bee and pollinator center, and grand art galleries.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is in Chaska, Minnesota, 15 minutes away from Shakopee.
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You will miss out on a lot of stuff on your Shakopee trip if Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is not part of your itinerary.
With the dream to bring a “little bit of Broadway to the Midwest,” Chanhassen Dinner Theatres entertain warm flocks of people and families.
What makes Chanhassen Dinner Theatres so unique?
From plays to jazz music, entertainment runs rampant in the theater.
If you don’t feel like seeing a performance, the menu may get your attention.
Some of their best-selling menu specials are the grilled top sirloin, the Italian pasta primavera, and the famous chicken Chanhassen.
Find the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in nearby Chanhassen, Minnesota, ten minutes from Shakopee.
For adventure-seeking spirits, Sand Creek Adventures’ courses can surely keep you on edge.
Their zipline adventure guarantees non-stop excitement and a thrilling ride over Minnesota’s Sand Creeks with three line courses for the brave.
Within the Twin Cities Area, this ultimate outdoor challenge getaway offers low ropes connection and other team-building challenges you won’t want to miss.
Feel the wind and taste the air as you enjoy fun and excellent activities with your friends or family.
Sand Creek Adventures, located in Jordan, Minnesota, is 18 minutes from Shakopee.
The Mazomani Trail brings your tranquil outdoor fun experience to new heights.
It’s the ideal place to go birdwatching, hiking, or just sitting with nature and learning about its beauty and creation.
The trail ends where it starts.
It’s a 3.4-km loop trail that takes you on a wildlife escapade.
Within its trance-like forests and creeks, you can also find colorful shrubbery and transcendent rocks rooted on dry land.
Hiking the Mazomani Trail will be a fun combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Find this trail in Louisville Township, Minnesota, ten minutes from Shakopee.
Shakopee may not be as big as Minneapolis, but it has its fair share of beautiful attractions perfect for family-friendly outings.
While the city focuses on cultural heritage, it also doesn’t shy away from extreme adventures.
What’s stopping you from driving to Shakopee, Minnesota?
Book your trip today!
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