7 Things to Do Before an Event at Canterbury Park
Whether you’re planning a day at the horse races or you’re attending an outdoor concert, Shakopee’s Canterbury Park is a Twin Cities entertainment destination. Before your event at Canterbury Park, here are some fun activities to enjoy at Canterbury Park and in Shakopee.
Grab a bite to eat.
Whether you want a restaurant meal or a quick bite, Canterbury Park has tasty food options to satisfy a wide range of palates. Visit Chips Bar and Restaurant in the casino for breakfast, pizzas, and wok-fired entrees. On the third level, Homestretch serves sandwiches, burgers, and soups. Find all your favorite fair foods, including pronto pups and cheese curds, at Canterbury Classics on the second level.
Have fun with the whole family.
Sunday is Pepsi Family Day at Canterbury Park, with face painting and pony rides. Canterbury Park also has a gigantic playground and kid-friendly arcade. Stick around for Kids Race the Track after the final race.
Place your bets.
Canterbury Park’s racebook opens approximately one hour before post time, or you can place a self-service wager at the casino. In addition to betting on Canterbury Park’s races, you can watch and bet on simulcast horse racing from tracks across the United States and around the world.
Try your luck at poker, blackjack, and touchscreen games.
Canterbury Park’s casino is 24/7 and offers a friendly, smoke-free environment. Beginners can learn blackjack at a private touchscreen game terminal for only $1, and experienced players can use the terminals to play two or three hands at the same time. Play poker at the largest poker room in the Midwest, with a variety of games, monthly promotions, and daily tournaments. There’s also a wide selection of table games including blackjack, baccarat, pai gow, and more.
Browse the local retailers in downtown Shakopee.
From clothing to antiques, the locally-owned shops in Shakopee’s historic downtown have something for everyone. Check out the women’s clothing and accessories at Bluff Creek Boutique and menswear at Bill’s Toggery. Browse the Farmhemian for unique home decor and more, and Re-Claim Studios for antiques and refinishing supplies. Real Gem Jewelers has an excellent range of fine jewelry, and Allyhoo stocks colorful pillow critters.
Sip a pint at a Shakopee taproom.
Visit one of Shakopee’s craft breweries for crowd-pleasing beers and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Shakopee Brewhall has a cozy, historic space in downtown Shakopee and also serves coffee. Mana Brewing has housemade pizza and cocktails in addition to beer. At Badger Hill Brewing, pair beer with tacos from the adjacent Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen, or stop by in the morning for coffee and a breakfast sandwich.
Dine at one of Shakopee’s local restaurants.
Mexican specialties, American comfort food, pizza, baked goods, sushi, Mediterranean cuisine—Shakopee’s local restaurants feature flavors from around the world. Choose from full-service, special occasion-worthy spots to counter-service eateries, with some local favorites including O’Brien’s Public House, Turtle’s Bar and Grill, and Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant. A full list of Shakopee restaurants is available here.
Once you’ve experienced Canterbury Park, discover the other exciting attractions Shakopee has to offer! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area attractions like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.