Great Things to Do in Shakopee This Winter

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Festivals Outdoors Parks and Trails Theatre

Shakopee, Minnesota may only have a population of 40,000 inhabitants, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have the time of your life while visiting here. Whether you visit in summer, spring, fall or winter, you’ll always find plenty of things to do in Shakopee.

While our winters are known for being cold, that doesn’t mean you should hibernate. There are tons of fun things to do in Shakopee in the winter.

If you’re planning a trip this winter to Shakopee, look no further. We’re sharing with you the best things to do near Shakopee MN.

Things to Do in Shakopee on the Lake

With 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, there’s always a few nearby. And in the winter, the temperatures drop so much that it forms ice over the lake.

And that means great ice fishing. Be sure you have all the proper equipment before you go. Also, before you head out onto any lake, make sure you’re up-to-date on staying safe on the ice.

Don’t forget about the other great sports that require ice: hockey and skating. And you can do both at the Shakopee Ice Arena.

The Ice Arena is open to everyone. If you have a Community Center membership, it’s free or you can purchase a daily pass for $15 or less. You can also take hockey or ice skating lessons here.

If you decide to play ice hockey, you’re required to bring your mouth guard and helmet for safety reasons. And if the Shakopee Ice Arena is too crowded, try one of the other five local spots for skating around the city.

Fun Shakopee Activities at Three Rivers Park

If you aren’t quite sure exactly which of the fun things to do in Shakopee should be, that’s okay. You can just head out to Three Rivers Park and then decide.

Don’t worry about whether or not you have the right equipment. They rent out the equipment for nearly every sport they offer here and that includes sledding.

While there are activities going on throughout the year, here are the best things to do in this park in the winter:

  • Tubing
  • Sledding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Skijoring and Dog Sledding

Tubing

Snow tubing tons of fun for the whole family. And you can do it at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek.

You’ll love riding on a moving sidewalk that heads up a hill 10 stories high. Then you’ll soar back down on a specially designed inner tube.

Sledding

Come here to enjoy some of the best hills in all of Shakopee. You’ll feel like a kid again.

Snowmobiling

You can snowmobile at the Three Rivers Park District. There are links here to the state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails within the towns of Baker, Carver, Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserves.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is fun and great exercise. Also, everyone at any skill level can pick up this sport easily.

Take the whole family and enjoy a snowshoe walk in nature.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whether you prefer cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, telemarking or snowboarding, you’ll find it in Shakopee. You can take group and private lessons to help you improve your skills.

You’ll love the perfectly groomed hills which cater to every skill level. Between the Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek, you won’t have any excuse to stay indoors during your trip.

Skijoring and Dog Sledding

What is skijoring? It’s a sport where a dog (or dogs) helps a cross-country skier. Most skijoring enthusiasts use between one and three dogs.

You provide the power with your skis and poles while the dog helps you by running and pulling. You’ll be strapped in with a skijoring harness while your dog also wears his or her sled dog harness. You’ll both be connected with a rope.

It’s great fun, just make sure that your dog has good listening skills or you’ll be doing all the work.

Other Events at the Three Rivers Park District

There are also tons of events being held all throughout winter at the Three Rivers Park District. It’s a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy nature, and learn something new.

You can learn about the stars in the sky, meet birds of prey, celebrate the winter solstice, and even go on nature hikes. Most activities are free or cost $5 but definitely sign up online before you head out.

Also, while many activities are perfect for young children, some activities do have age restrictions on them. Check before you sign up.

Outdoor Events Happening Elsewhere in Shakopee MN

You don’t have to be an outdoor sports enthusiast in order to enjoy all the fun things to do in Shakopee. There are outdoor events that take place throughout the winter here.

Downtown Shakopee Holiday Fest

Kick off the holiday season with the holiday fest this November 30th through December 1st. You’ll see Santa, fireworks, and a great parade.

If you start getting too cold, that’s okay. You can get warm at one of the great restaurants located in downtown Shakopee.

Pirteck Snocross National

Just because the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do in Shakopee MN. The Pirteck Snowcross National is behind held in Shakopee January 4th and 5th.

Cheer along as you watch the snowmobiling and snowbiking competitions. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else.

Catch Some Live Theater

For those who love live theater, you’ll have to catch the latest production of “Alice in Wonderland” brought to you by the River Valley Theatre.

Its one and only performance will be held on Friday, December 14th at 7 pm.

Tickets are $5 but children under five are free.

Or, head to nearby Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and see Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”, playing through February 23.

Visit Shakopee Soon

With so many things to do in Shakopee, you may not get it all done in one visit. And you won’t want to miss all the activities that are going on during the rest of the seasons.

That’s why you should come back again and again. Of course, you’ll need a place to stay. Click here to find the perfect Shakopee, MN accommodations.