Fall Day Trips to Shakopee
This fall, take a day trip to Shakopee! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a romantic mini-getaway, a brewery crawl, or a thrilling Halloween experience, Shakopee is your destination.
For a day of fantasy
Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The festival runs weekends through October 4, 2026, plus Labor Day, September 7 and Festival Friday, October 2. The immersive festival grounds feature everything from live jousting to an artisan marketplace with over 250 vendors selling jewelry, pottery, leatherwork, glass, and other handcrafted items. Each day features a full schedule of entertainment including music, dance, comedy, magic acts, and more. The all-ages festival also has plenty of entertainment for younger guests, like rides, games, storytimes, and the chance to meet fairies, mermaids, and other magical folk. Dozens of food and beverage vendors serve up satisfying eats all day long, with plenty of gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan options.
For families
Start your day at Sever’s Fall Festival, a one stop shop for all things fall. Kids will love seasonal activities including a corn maze, corn pit, and pumpkin patch. Experience life on the farm with a hay ride and friendly farm animals. Don’t miss the live entertainment, with magic shows, pig races, dance parties, and BMX mega jump shows throughout the day. Fuel up with tasty eats at the festival’s two food courts, with items including seasonal treats like roasted corn and caramel apples, global street foods, and favorite fair foods like mini donuts and kettle corn.
Before the drive home, stop by Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store in nearby Jordan for a mind-boggling array of candy, sodas, nostalgic candies, flavored popcorn, baked goods, and much, much more. The quirky shop is known for its murals and dioramas inspired by superheroes and animated films.
For couples
Head to Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest with your special someone to pick your own apples in the picturesque orchard. Stop by the market for fresh apple cider donuts and share a flight of Minnesota-brewed tap ciders at the craft cider bar.
Next, admire the fall foliage, quaint architecture, and scenic views at The Landing, a historic interpretive park nestled along the Minnesota River. Explore nearly two miles of trails and snap some selfies at the scenic overlook.
Finish your day at O’Brien’s Public House, a cozy Irish pub with live music on Wednesday and Saturday. The potato leek soup, pub pies, and bread pudding are perfect comfort foods for fall.
For beer lovers
Sip your way through Shakopee’s vibrant craft beer scene, starting at Badger Hill Brewing. The traditional Oktoberfest Märzen is a best-selling seasonal favorite, and the flagship Badger Snack Peanut Butter Stout especially hits the spot on cooler days.
Continue to Mana Brewing Co. for small-batch beers representing a wide range of styles, from European classics to IPAs. Don’t overlook the menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas, made on-site in a stone oven.
Wrap up your brewery crawl at Shakopee Brewhall, a vintage-style taproom in the heart of Shakopee’s historic downtown. The crowd-pleasing selection of beers offers something for everyone, with lagers, IPAs, sours, and darker-malt-forward options.
For Halloween enthusiasts
Brave ValleyScare for a terrifyingly good time. Ride Valleyfair’s most popular thrill rides after dark, explore haunted mazes and scare zones, and watch eerie stage performances. Enjoy special Halloween-themed food and beverages, including creepy cocktails and indulgent desserts.
Another spooky option is the Phantom’s Feast held on the grounds of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Expect an evening of ghost stories, a multi-course seasonal meal, and a ghost hunt following each show.
Extend your stay and experience everything Shakopee has to offer! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Amphitheater, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area destinations like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.