Winter Adventures in Shakopee

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Dining Events Festivals Outdoors Parks and Trails Shop Shopping

Whether you want to play in the snow or cozy up indoors, make Shakopee your destination for a fun winter getaway! Here’s your guide to the best outdoor activities, events, shopping, dining, and more.

Embrace winter in the great outdoors

Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, wildlife watching: the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is a winter wonderland for outdoors lovers, with five miles of ungroomed cross country ski trails and snowshoeing allowed nearly everywhere in the park. There are also beginner-friendly cross country ski and snowshoeing trails at Cleary Lake Regional Park—rent skis and snowshoes or warm up with a hot beverage at the visitor center.

If ice skating is more your pace, check out Shakopee’s four outdoor ice rinks, which are open from mid-December through late February (weather permitting).

Hit the snowmobile trails in Scott County

Zoom across the snow on Scott County’s 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and near Shakopee. One of the top spots for snowmobiling is the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area, which has 35 miles of groomed trails with scenic views of the river valley. Check out Sno-Trails for more information about local trails and rent snowmobiles and trailers from Minnesota Snowmobile Rentals.

For snowmobiling thrills as a spectator, save the date for the ISOC Snocross Nationals at Canterbury Park (January 12-13). Expect big-air jumps and X-Games action, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Get in the spirit with Sever’s Holiday Lights

Over 2.5 million twinkling holiday lights, festive music, and seasonal food and drink vendors: Sever’s Holiday Lights is the perfect way for the whole family to get in the holiday spirit. The drive-through display is a half-mile long and is synchronized to classic holiday tunes. Sever’s Holiday Lights will run from November 2023 through January 2024—visit their website for the most up-to-date information and to purchase tickets.

Catch a show at Mystic Lake

With comedy, concerts, and dance performances, the Mystic Showroom has a great lineup of entertainment this winter. Save the date for holiday concerts by the Barenaked Ladies (December 7) and Celtic Woman (December 9), plus a Christmas-themed show by America’s Got Talent champion Terry Fator, who combines ventriloquism, celebrity impersonations, comedy, and singing (December 17).

Other upcoming shows at the Mystic Showroom include a night of standup by SNL alumni Pete Davidson (December 10), a concert by rock icons Bachman-Turner Overdrive (January 20), and TV’s biggest dance competition brought to the stage with Dancing with the Stars: Live! (February 9).

Shop til you drop

Whether you’re checking off your holiday gift list or looking for something for yourself, historic Downtown Shakopee offers locally-owned shops with unique clothing, accessories, decor, and more. Find cuddly creatures at Allyhoo, which donates a matching plush to a sick child for each item purchased. For trendy women’s clothing, browse the selection at Bluff Creek Boutique, and men can find high-quality fashion at Bill’s Toggery. Visit The Farmhemian for a unique blend of “modern farmhouse meets boho” jewelry, home, and vintage items.

More places to shop in Shakopee are available here.

Savor delicious dining

Cozy up with a delicious meal at one of Shakopee’s locally-owned restaurants. For flavorful Mexican fare that will transport your taste buds south of the border, check out Don Ramon’s Restaurant, Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant and Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen. At O’Brien’s Public House, you’ll find a menu of comforting pub fare sure to take the chill out of cold days. Another local favorite is Turtle’s Bar & Grill, where you can chow down on hearty burgers, their famous crispy fried chicken, and homemade chili.

In the mood for something sippable? Warm up with a specialty mocha or hot cocoa at Coffee ta Cream. Enjoy a coffee flight of miniature seasonal drinks at Shakopee Brewhall, a combination coffee shop and craft brewery that has some delicious seasonal beers on tap. You can also find local craft brews at Mana Brewing Company (try their housemade pizza, too) and the expansive taproom at Badger Hill Brewing.

More tasty spots to eat and drink in Shakopee are available here.

Plan a winter getaway to Shakopee! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area attractions like Mystic Lake Casino and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.