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Roller coasters, racehorses and armored knights make an unlikely trio, but all three draw crowds to Shakopee, a Minnesota River town about 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis. It takes its name from Sakpe, a line of Mdewakanton Dakota leaders whose village stood here before settlers platted the town in the 1850s, and its compact First Avenue downtown still recalls those river landing days.
Valleyfair, the largest amusement park in the upper Midwest, sits on the west side of town beside Canterbury Park, where live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing runs through summer. From late August into October, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival fills a wooded site south of town with jousting, crafts and turkey legs.
History lives on at The Landing, a riverside village of restored 1800s buildings, and at the Stans Historical Museum. Quieter days belong to the river itself: the Minnesota Valley State Trail, Huber Park and the Louisville Swamp in the national wildlife refuge offer birding, paddling and long walks close to the Twin Cities.
The upper Midwest's biggest amusement park packs roller coasters such as Wild Thing and Renegade, family rides, live shows and the Soak City water park into one ticket. Weekdays in early June are the least crowded; buy tickets online and plan a full day, staying for evening rides if hours allow.
Live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing runs from May into September at this track, with a card casino open year-round. Families come for summer events such as the corgi and dachshund races, and the paddock lets you see the horses up close before each race. Grandstand seating fills on holiday weekends.
Held on weekends from late August to early October, this long-running festival fills a wooded village with jousting knights, stage shows, artisan booths and giant turkey legs. Costumes are welcome and the lanes get dusty, so wear comfortable shoes and arrive at opening time to beat the parking lines.
Run by Three Rivers Park District, this riverside park gathers relocated and restored 1800s homes, shops and farm buildings that show life in the Minnesota River valley. Special events bring costumed interpreters, while on quiet days the grounds and river trail make a peaceful walk. Check event dates first.
The Scott County Historical Society's museum sits beside the restored Stans family house in downtown Shakopee and hosts changing exhibits on local towns, farming, Dakota history and county life. It is compact enough for an hour and pairs well with a stroll and a meal along First Avenue.
Historic First Avenue lines up brick storefronts holding family restaurants, taprooms, coffee shops and small businesses a block from the Minnesota River. Summer evenings are the liveliest time to visit, and the riverfront trail at Huber Park is a short walk away for an after-dinner loop.
This downtown riverfront park has a large playground, picnic lawns, open space for events and access to the paved river trail along the Minnesota River. It is a good spot to watch the slow brown current, let kids burn off energy after Valleyfair or start a bike ride along the valley.
This unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge south of Shakopee has marsh, oak savanna and prairie trails where herons, eagles and waterfowl feed. Look for the stone ruins of old pioneer farmsteads along the loop. Trails can flood in spring, so wear waterproof boots.
This multi-use state trail follows the Minnesota River through Shakopee, with paved and natural-surface segments for walking, biking and, in places, horseback riding and snowmobiling. The paved section near town is easiest; farther upstream it passes floodplain forest and quiet backwaters.
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