Soak Up Summer in Shakopee
From waterparks and outdoor recreation to concerts and patios, Shakopee is the place to soak up summer!
Waterparks
SandVenture Aquatic Park combines a relaxing beach day with the thrills of a waterpark—the sand-bottom, chlorinated pool has waterslides, a pirate ship jumping platform, and plenty of space to lounge on the sand. SandVenture recently reopened after major renovations, with new features including splash pad-style water features in the pool’s shallow end, a pirate-themed playground on the beach, and an expansive pool building with Tommy’s Malt Shop.
Valleyfair’s Soak City Waterpark is fun for all ages and included in the cost of park admission. Thrillseekers can brave the near-vertical drop of the Breakers Pipeline and body surf in the Breakers Bay Wave Pool. Tots can explore Barefoot Beach, an acre-sized, interactive splash pad. Wind down with a trip around the lazy river.
The Lions Park’s splash pad is an especially kid-friendly way to stay cool, since it was designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities. Lions Park is also home to an inclusive Fun For All playground with sensory activities for all ages and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Outdoor Recreation
Head to the lake at Quarry Lake Park. There’s a self-serve kayak rental station to get out on the water, and the dock is a popular trout fishing spot. There’s also a shorefront playground. Visitors might even spot waterskiers—the Shockwaves, a local water ski association, use the lake for practices.
Mountain bikers can hone their skills on the Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Trail at Quarry Lake Park. The singletrack course has easy and intermediate-level trails that run through prairie terrain and a wooded area, and it features a pumptrack.
Wander through Minnesota history at The Landing. The park is home to buildings from the 1800s representing a fur post, farms, and a frontier town, as well as a mile-long scenic trail along the Minnesota River.
Get out on the golf course—Shakopee and the surrounding area offer options for golfers of all abilities, including Stonebrooke Golf Club, The Wilds, The Meadows at Mystic Lake, and Ridges at Sand Creek.
Outdoor Concerts
Rhythm on the Rails is a free six-week concert series in historic Downtown Shakopee with regional headliners, local opening acts, delicious eats, and kid-friendly activities.
Canterbury Park’s concert series runs all summer long, with shows including Theory of a Deadman (June 13), Blue Oyster Cult (July 31), and Three Dog Night (August 8).
The Mystic Amphitheater hosts live music throughout the summer, including Whiskey Myers (June 13). The free Rock and Rockets Fourth of July celebration will feature Al Jardine and The Pet Sounds Band performing hits by the Beach Boys. At the Great Midwest Rib Fest (July 24-26), the music lineup includes Sawyer Brown, Blues Traveler, and Hanson.
Restaurant and Taproom Patios
Shakopee’s local restaurants bring big patio vibes. Mr. Pig’s Smokery has a spacious patio, top-notch smoked meats, and craft cocktails. A Shakopee staple for over 30 years, supper club Dangerfield’s has a screened patio that overlooks a small lake. Grab a pint and a burger at O’Brien’s Public House, and order nachos and a margarita flight at Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant.
Soak up more patio vibes at Shakopee’s local taprooms, which serve craft beer, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages. In downtown Shakopee, Shakopee Brewhall boasts dual patios, one streetside and a covered rooftop option. Badger Hill Brewing has a patio within view of Canterbury Park, and guests can grab food from the adjacent Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen.
Plan your summer getaway to Shakopee! Shakopee offers attractions including Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area destinations like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.
Book your stay in Shakopee today!