Shakopee Itinerary: Fall Biking Weekend in Shakopee
The crisp air and colorful leaves make fall an ideal season for a biking getaway to Shakopee. Here’s your guide to a fall weekend filled with scenic trails, delicious food, and fun activities.
Saturday
Fuel up for the day at Wampach’s Restaurant, an old-school cafe that’s been serving breakfast favorites since 1958. Go sweet with a stack of pancakes or french toast, or savor a meaty entree like steak and eggs or corn beef hash.
Next, bike the Minnesota Valley State Trail, which runs through the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area. You can park at Memorial Park or Huber Park in downtown Shakopee, and then start pedaling the nearly 29 mile-long trail. (Since portions of the trail may be closed due to flooding, check the trail website for the most up-to-date conditions.) Enjoy views of the river from scenic overlooks, appreciate the colorful foliage, and watch for wildlife including river otters, beavers, deer, and birds.
After you’ve explored the trail, enjoy a beer at one of Shakopee’s craft breweries (bonus points if you bike there). Badger Hill Brewing has a tap list with both approachable and more experimental beers, including some non-alcoholic brews. The taproom is next door to Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen, so you can pair your drinks with tacos and other tasty Mexican specialties.
In downtown Shakopee, Shakopee Brewhall has a cozy, historic interior and over a dozen taps across a wide range of styles, from crisp lagers to IPAs to malt-forward dark beers. On warm fall nights, grab a seat on the rooftop patio.
Mana Brewing offers a winning combination of craft beer and housemade stone-fired pizza, plus a full bar.
Sunday
Treat yourself to brunch at Mallards, which has a seafood and Cajun-focused menu. The banana caramel french toast has a dessert-for-breakfast vibe, and you can also try unique takes on classic dishes like crab cake benedict, shrimp and grits with tomato bacon jam, and a wild mushroom scramble.
Hone your mountain biking skills at Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park, which has four miles of trails with loops geared towards everyone from beginners to advanced riders. The single-track course includes forested and grassland areas as well as a loop around Quarry Lake, making for a scenic riding experience.
If you prefer paved trails, check out some of Shakopee’s 60 miles of trails, many of which connect local green spaces. The 3-mile Scenic Heights to Tahpah Park Drainage Way Trail runs east to west through the heart of Shakopee, and the nature trail at Lake O’Dowd Park is great for leaf peeping.
After your ride, stop by the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, which runs weekends through October 1, 2023. Watch thrilling live jousting and other entertainment, peruse the artisan marketplace, and escape into the magical realm of fairies and mermaids.
Wrap up your weekend in Shakopee at Mystic Lake, Minnesota’s largest casino. Play slots, bingo, blackjack, and electronic games, or catch a show at the Mystic Showroom, which frequently hosts concerts, comedy, and other events.
In addition to excellent bike trails, 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.