7 Ways to Enjoy the End of Summer in Shakopee

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee

Labor Day, for many in Minnesota, is the unofficial end of summer. Kids are heading back to school, football season is starting, and are very close to fall. Below is a list of events, activities, and attractions you can take advantage of in Shakopee through Labor Day Weekend!

1) Valleyfair Events, Shows, and Rides

Valleyfair Amusement Park has some terrific events now through Labor Day. Some of their events include:

  • Midway Movies
    • Midway Movies take place every Wednesday evening at the Galaxy Theater located inside the Park. The movie is included with your admission to Valleyfair. Upcoming movies include Sing on August 16, The Lego Batman Movie on August 23, and Star Wars: Rogue One on August 30
  • All Wheels Extreme
    •  All Wheels Extreme was a finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. This high-flying extreme sports show takes place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through September 4 at Valleyfair’s Amphitheater
  • Corn Feast
    • This Labor Day tradition at Valleyfair takes place September 2-4. Over 30,000 pounds of corn is served during the weekend. This is free with your paid admission to the park
  • Rides
    • Of course, the main reason to attend Valleyfair is to enjoy the awesome rides located in the Park. Valleyfair has over 75 rides and attractions to enjoy; from extreme rides like the new North Star, to all the enjoyable kids rides located in Planet Snoopy

      2) Minnesota Renaissance Festival

      The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 47th season. There is so much to see and do at one of the largest Renaissance Festivals in the nation. Some of the events to take part in through Labor Day weekend include:

      • Highland Fling
        • Highland Fling will take place August 19 and 20. Come and see the World Amateur Highland Games on August 19, or the Minnesota State Highland Games & Midwest Highland Games on August 20. Test your strength in the keg toss daily at 1:30 PM, or see the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association perform throughout the weekend. You can also see the Northerly Gales Celtic Americana Quartet perform or, if you think you can handle it, take part in the Scotch Egg Eating Contest
      • Once Upon a Time
        • This is a new themed weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Once upon a time lets you travel to a land of Witches, Wizards, Fairies, Unicorns, Mermaids, and Steampunk Creations! Great activities during this weekend include a Fantasy Mask Competition, Longbow Competition, Fairy Festival, Fairy House Competition, Steampunk Costume Contest, the Bloomers & Tights 5K, and more!
      • Terrific Foods 
        • There is a terrific selection of food at the Renaissance Festival. You can enjoy the staples including the Bangers and Mash, Fried Chicken Dumplings, and Turkey Legs. Or, you can test one of the new food items for 2017 which include Unicorn Sliders, Spam Sliders, and a Pickle Juice Icy

       

      3) Canterbury Park Special Events

      In addition to the thrills and excitement of live horse racing at Canterbury Park, there are many other numerous fun activities and events to take part in.

      • Buck Night
        • Enjoy $1 admission & $1 regular programs Thursdays through August 24. In addition, enjoy $1, $2, and $3 food and beverage specials throughout the evening
      • Indian Horse Relay and Market
        • Come out and see high speed bareback relay racing in between live horse racing August 24 – 26. The Indian Horse Relay is America’s first sport, dating back over 400 years. Each team consists of three horses and four warriors. Rides race bareback on the track and exchange horses at top speeds. Also, make sure to see a unique variety of Native American Arts and Crafts located in the Indian Market at the Canterbury Park Expo Center
      • Mystic Lake Derby
        • The $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby, taking place August 26, is the richest race of the season at Canterbury Park. Also enjoy the Indian Horse Relay and Indian Market. There will be a special post time of 6PM for this race day
      • Canterbury Kidz Day
        • September 3 is the final Pepsi Family Day of the season. Your kids can take part in special Kidz Got Talent performances between races. In addition, there will be free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo
      • Wiener Dog Wars
        • The annual Wiener Dog Wars will take place on Labor Day, September 4. Over 72 dogs and 7 races will happen during the live racing day at the main track

      4) Still Time to Enjoy Waterparks

      There is still time to enjoy the great waterparks Shakopee has to offer. SandVenture Aquatic Park is open through August 20. Come out and enjoy the 300-foot waterslide, two 12-foot drop slides, and sandy beach leading out to the sand-bottom, chlorinated pool.

      Soak City Waterpark at Valleyfair is one of the premier waterparks in the Midwest. For thrill seekers, nothing beats a trip down Breakers Pipeline or Breakers Plunge. Or, take in some of the other thrill slides including Hurricane Falls, Panic Falls Speed Slides, and more. For younger kids, there are great water activities including Breakers Bay Wave Pool, Barefoot Beach, the Splash Station, or Ripple Rapids.

      5) Ziplining at Sand Creek Adventures

      Located in nearby Jordan, Sand Creek Adventures is a perfect spot for you thrill seekers. Their three zip line tour spans 1,700 feet across the beautiful Sand Creek bluffs, with a 100 foot vertical height over the water.

      6) Apple Picking and Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

      Also located in nearby Jordan is the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard and Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store.

      Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard opens for the season on Saturday, August 19. The apples available for picking on opening day include PaulaRed, State Fair, Red Baron, Chestnut Crab (Aug 26), and Zestar.

      Near Minnesota Harvest on Highway 169 is Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. This can’t miss yellow barn houses an extensive array of unique candies rarely found anymore. They also have fresh baked goods, a wide selection of sodas, apple-wood smoked jerky, and more!

      7) The Landing

      Step back in time at The Landing, nestled along the Minnesota River. See what life was like for Minnesota settlers during the 1800’s in this living history museum. Visit with 19th-century characters, join hands-on demonstrations, tours, and other activities.

      Summer is fading away. Make sure to enjoy all the amazing things the Shakopee area has to offer before it is too late! Go to VisitShakopee.org to plan your end of summer getaway!