Shakopee is a city in Scott County, Minnesota, situated along the south bank of the Minnesota River — approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. It is part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and serves as the Scott County seat. U.S. Highway 169 is the primary route into and through the city.

Shakopee is one of the Twin Cities’ premier destinations for entertainment, outdoor recreation, history, and culture. Top draws include Valleyfair Amusement Park, Canterbury Park horse racing and gaming, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and The Landing living history museum.

2026 is a landmark year: Valleyfair celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a brand-new waterpark, and the Mystic Lake Amphitheater — Minnesota’s largest outdoor concert venue — opens its doors for the first time.

Shakopee takes its name from Chief Shakopee II (Sakpé) of the Mdewakanton Dakota, who established a village along the Minnesota River in the 18th century. Ancient burial mounds dating back 500 to 2,000 years can still be found along the river bluffs.

Following the Treaties of Mendota and Traverse des Sioux in 1851, the area opened to pioneer settlement. Thomas Holmes established a trading post and platted the village in 1854; Shakopee was incorporated as a city on May 23, 1857, and became the Scott County seat in 1853.

Valleyfair Amusement Park opened in 1976 and shaped Shakopee’s identity as an entertainment destination. Today, Shakopee is one of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota, with a population of approximately 47,000 to 50,000 residents and a growth rate of more than 80% since 2000.

Absolutely. Shakopee is one of the Twin Cities’ most popular family destinations. Highlights include:

• Valleyfair’s Planet Snoopy — 15 dedicated children’s rides and attractions
• Superior Shores Waterpark — brand-new for 2026, fully included with Valleyfair admission
• The Landing — interactive 19th-century living history for all ages
• Minnesota Renaissance Festival — costumed characters, jousting, artisans, and themed weekends
• Lions Park — all-abilities inclusive playground, splash pad, and disc golf
• Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival (3121 W. 150th St.) — a beloved autumn family tradition
• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge — birding, wildlife spotting, and nature education

Shakopee is approximately 25 to 26 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis — roughly a 30-minute drive via U.S. Highway 169, making it one of the most accessible day-trip and weekend-getaway destinations in the Twin Cities metro.

From Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), the drive is approximately 22 miles and takes about 25 to 30 minutes by car.

The primary route to Shakopee from the north is U.S. Highway 169, which connects Shakopee directly to the western Twin Cities metro. County Highway 101 runs east-west through the city, connecting to Chaska and Prior Lake. From the south and east, State Highway 13 also provides access.

Most major attractions — including Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Mystic Lake Amphitheater — are directly accessible from Highway 169.

Yes. The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) operates bus service connecting Shakopee to the Twin Cities metro. Visit mvta.com for current routes, schedules, and fares — transit schedules change seasonally.

Most visitors explore Shakopee by car, as major attractions are spread across the city. That said, Shakopee has an extensive network of paved bike and pedestrian trails — with over 100 miles of trail throughout the city — making it easy to explore under your own power near downtown or along the Minnesota River corridor.

Shakopee packs a lot into one destination. Here are the highlights:

• Valleyfair — 8 roller coasters, 70+ rides and attractions, Planet Snoopy, and the all-new Superior Shores Waterpark (2026)
• Mystic Lake Amphitheater — 19,000-capacity outdoor concert venue, opening summer 2026
• Canterbury Park — live horse racing, card club, dining, and events
• Mystic Lake Casino Hotel — slots, table games, hotel, dining, and live entertainment
• Minnesota Renaissance Festival — 7 weekends August–October in Shakopee
• The Landing — 88-acre living history museum on the Minnesota River
• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge — birding, nature walks, and wildlife photography
• Downtown Shakopee — local breweries, restaurants, boutiques, and riverfront parks

Explore the full list at discovershakopee.org/play.

Valleyfair opens for the 2026 season on May 10, 2026. This year marks Valleyfair’s landmark 50th Anniversary — the park first opened on May 25, 1976.

The big 2026 addition is Superior Shores Waterpark — a completely rebuilt water park replacing the former Soak City, representing the largest waterpark investment in Valleyfair’s history. It is fully included with every park admission and season pass.

Valleyfair features more than 70 rides and attractions on 90 acres, including 8 roller coasters and a Planet Snoopy children’s zone with 15 rides. For current ticket pricing and the operating calendar, visit valleyfair.com.

The Mystic Lake Amphitheater is a brand-new, 19,000-capacity outdoor concert venue opening in summer 2026 — the first large-scale outdoor amphitheater in the Twin Cities and the largest outdoor amphitheater in Minnesota.

Located at 712 Canterbury Road, Shakopee (next to Canterbury Park), the venue features a covered lower bowl, superior acoustics, an outdoor plaza with views of the Minnesota River Valley, and luxury suites and VIP boxes.

The inaugural 2026 lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Guns N’ Roses, Mumford & Sons, Jack Johnson, Mötley Crüe, Iron Maiden, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and many more. The amphitheater is projected to generate an estimated $138 million in annual economic impact for the Shakopee area. Tickets available at mysticlakeamp.com and Ticketmaster.

Canterbury Park is Shakopee’s beloved horse racing and entertainment complex at 1100 Canterbury Road. The park hosts live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasonally (spring through fall), a 24-hour card club, multiple dining options, and a packed events calendar including food truck festivals, outdoor concerts, and special events.

Visit canterburypark.com for the current live racing schedule, events calendar, and dining hours.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the United States, held annually in Shakopee at 12364 Chestnut Blvd.

In 2026, the festival celebrates its 55th year and runs for 7 weekends — Saturdays and Sundays from August 22 through October 4, plus Labor Day Monday (September 7) and Festival Friday (October 2). Hours are 9 AM – 7 PM. Guests enjoy:

• 16 stages of live entertainment, including jousting and theatrical performances
• Over 250 artisan vendors and craft merchants
• Themed weekends with unique programming each weekend
• Costumed characters roaming the village grounds
• Classic Renaissance faire food and drink

Visit renaissancefest.com for tickets, weekend themes, and event details.

The Landing is an 88-acre outdoor living history museum at 2187 Highway 101 E in Shakopee, set along the scenic Minnesota River. It depicts daily life in Minnesota from the 1840s through the 1890s with authentic historic buildings, costumed interpreters, living history demonstrations, and a beautiful river trail and overlook.

The grounds are open for self-guided walking most days. To explore the interior of historic buildings and interact with costumed interpreters, plan your visit for an open programming weekend or register for a scheduled program.

Shakopee offers outstanding outdoor recreation with more than 1,100 acres of parks and open space and over 100 miles of trail throughout the city.

The Minnesota Valley State Trail is the flagship experience — a multi-use path tracing the Minnesota River corridor through wetlands, oak bluffs, floodplains, and scenic overlooks. The Chaska-to-Shakopee section is paved for approximately 9.8 miles, while the western segment runs 19.5 unpaved miles toward Belle Plaine.

In the city itself, Huber Park (24 acres along the river in downtown Shakopee) connects directly to the state trail system. Lions Park features an 18-hole disc golf course and an all-abilities splash pad. Quarry Lake Park offers waterfront access with self-service kayak rentals through Rent.fun. Shakopee also has a public archery range and boat launch on the Minnesota River, open seasonally.

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 4.5 miles south of Shakopee and is excellent for birding, photography, fishing, and nature education. The wetlands are home to waterfowl, great blue herons, and turtles, while deer, foxes, and wild turkeys are frequently spotted in the surrounding woods and meadows. Both self-guided and group exploration options are available.

The Minnesota Valley State Trail corridor also provides excellent wildlife viewing, particularly during spring wildflower season and fall migration.

The Shakopee area is a great destination for golfers. Top courses include:

• Stonebrooke Golf Club — a well-regarded public course in Shakopee
• The Wilds Golf Club — a scenic championship course in nearby Prior Lake
• The Meadows at Mystic Lake — a resort-style course on the Mystic Lake campus in Prior Lake
• The Meadows – LaunchPad Golf — a year-round indoor golf entertainment experience in Prior Lake featuring 40 heated suites across two floors, 50+ TVs, rental clubs, and a full dining and bar scene

Shakopee’s events calendar is packed year-round. Recurring highlights include:

• Valleyfair Season (May–September) — theme park and waterpark season, with special events throughout summer
• Canterbury Park Live Racing (spring–fall) — thoroughbred and quarter horse racing with entertainment events
• Mystic Lake Amphitheater Concerts (summer 2026 debut) — national and international touring artists all season long
• Minnesota Renaissance Festival — 7 weekends, August 22–October 4, 2026, plus Labor Day and Festival Friday
• Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival (fall) — a family autumn tradition at 3121 W. 150th St.
• The Great Midwest Rib Fest (June 25–27) — a free festival at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel featuring award-winning pitmasters competing for thousands in prizes, live concerts, and food vendors
• Rhythm on the Rails (Wednesday nights, June–July) — a free six-week outdoor concert series on Lewis Street in downtown Shakopee, running 6–9 PM with live music, food vendors, and family activities

For the full, up-to-date event calendar, visit discovershakopee.org/shakopee-events.

Summer (June–August) is peak season — Valleyfair and its new waterpark, the Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Canterbury Park live racing, and all outdoor recreation are in full swing. Book hotels early on event weekends.

Fall (September–October) is a wonderful time to visit. The Renaissance Festival runs through early October, fall foliage along the Minnesota River Valley is stunning, and crowds thin after Labor Day for a more relaxed experience.

Spring (April–May) is great for outdoor exploration and catching the start of the Valleyfair season before summer crowds arrive.

Winter (December–February) typically offers the lowest hotel rates — a good option for budget-conscious travelers not focused on outdoor or theme park activities.

A full day is enough time to experience one major attraction deeply — a day at Valleyfair or the Renaissance Festival can easily fill sunrise to sundown. Many Twin Cities visitors combine Valleyfair with dinner at a local brewery or a walk through downtown.

A weekend (2–3 days) is ideal for a full Shakopee experience — covering a theme park or concert, exploring downtown dining and breweries, and taking in a second attraction like Canterbury Park, The Landing, or the Minnesota Valley trails.

During Renaissance Festival season, budget at least one full day exclusively for the festival — it’s that immersive.

Shakopee has a growing and diverse dining scene. Some local favorites include:

• Wampach’s Restaurant (126 1st Ave W) — a Shakopee institution serving from-scratch American comfort food
• O’Brien’s Public House — Irish-American comfort food in a cozy local setting
• Mr. Pig’s Smokery (2875 Winners Circle Drive) — a fan favorite for BBQ
• Turtle’s Bar & Grill — a classic local hangout
• Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar
• OG ZaZa
• Bravis Mexican Craft Kitchen
• Pablos Mexican Restaurant
• Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurante
• Mallard’s Restaurant & Lounge

Browse the full dining directory at discovershakopee.org/eat-drink.

Shakopee is home to three local craft breweries:

• Badger Hill Brewing — Located near Canterbury Park, with a welcoming taproom and rotating food trucks
• Shakopee BrewHall — A downtown taproom with a broad selection of house-brewed beers
• Mana Brewing — A community-focused craft brewery in downtown Shakopee

All three are great options for a locally crafted pint after a day of sightseeing, and all are within easy reach of downtown Shakopee.

Shakopee has a range of hotel options near major attractions and Highway 169:

• Hampton Inn Minneapolis/Shakopee — consistently top-rated in the area
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis SW – Shakopee — a popular family choice
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Minneapolis Shakopee — comfortable Marriott property, well-located
• My Place Hotel – Minneapolis/Shakopee — extended-stay with full in-room kitchens, dog-friendly

Browse the full lodging directory at discovershakopee.org/stay.

Yes — several campground options are available in and around Shakopee:

• Dakotah Meadows — a popular campground in the Shakopee area
• Cleary Lake Park Campground — set within a Scott County regional park
• Town & Country Campground — convenient to major attractions
• Fish Lake Acres Campground — a lakeside option nearby
• Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area — DNR-managed sites along the river corridor

Options range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities with showers and laundry. Browse at discovershakopee.org/stay.

• Twin Cities Premium Outlets — 100+ brand-name outlet stores including Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, and Vera Bradley, with covered walkways for year-round comfort
• Downtown Shakopee Boutiques — locally owned shops with one-of-a-kind gifts, apparel, and specialty finds
• Shakopee Valley Marketplace — everyday retail anchored by Target, Kohl’s, and more
• Mall of America — Shakopee is a short drive from one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the country

Browse local shopping at discovershakopee.org/shop.

Discover Shakopee is your official guide to visiting Shakopee, Minnesota:

• Things to Do — Browse all attractions, activities, and experiences
• Where to Stay — Hotels, campgrounds, and lodging
• Eat & Drink — Full restaurant and brewery directory
• Events Calendar — Current and upcoming events
• Deals & Savings — Exclusive offers for Shakopee visitors
• Request a Visitor Guide — Get a free printed or digital guide

Shakopee offers a rare alignment of assets for business investment:

• Location: 25 miles from Minneapolis, with direct Highway 169 access and proximity to I-35W, Highway 212, and MSP Airport
• Growth: One of Minnesota’s fastest-growing counties, with 7.7% job growth from 2019–2022
• Workforce: 1,100+ employers and approximately 31,769 covered jobs, with strong talent pipelines through CareerForce Shakopee and ISD 720’s career academies
• Incentives: City TIF districts, property tax abatement, forgivable improvement loans, Scott County CDA programs, and state DEED funding
• Quality of life: A community where top talent and their families actually want to live — low crime, excellent schools, abundant recreation, and a 99th-percentile livability score

The City of Shakopee actively supports business growth through three primary incentive programs:

To apply or learn more, contact Economic Development Coordinator John Sullivan at 952-233-9317 or JSullivan@ShakopeeMN.gov.

Minnesota DEED Programs — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development offers:

• Minnesota Investment Fund
• Angel Tax Credit (for qualifying investments in startups)
• State Small Business Credit Initiative
• SBA financing programs
• Minnesota Reservist and Veteran Business Loan Program

Scott County CDA — Offers business incentive programs supporting expansion, relocation, and entrepreneurship. Contact Jo Foust at 952-496-8830 or visit scottcda.org.

Greater MSP — A private-public regional partnership providing information on incentive programs, community data, trade opportunities, and venture partners across the metro area.

SCORE (South Metro Chapter) — Free and confidential mentoring for entrepreneurs at every stage: starting, buying, selling, or growing a business.

Major employers include the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (the largest employer in Scott County, through Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino), Canterbury Park, Valleyfair, Seagate Technology, and St. Francis Regional Medical Center.

Shakopee’s Highway 169 corridor hosts a significant concentration of distribution, logistics, and manufacturing operations, making it a natural fit for supply chain and light industrial businesses.

Shakopee has several active development areas welcoming new investment:

• Canterbury Commons — An emerging mixed-use district adjacent to Canterbury Park designed to attract retail, dining, hospitality, and residential development.
• Southbridge Crossings — A 500,000 sq ft open-air retail center along Highway 169 at County Road 18, with more than 50,000 vehicles passing daily.
• Highway 169 Corridor — Active industrial and distribution development with available sites and strong infrastructure for logistics and manufacturing operations.

Contact the City of Shakopee Economic Development office at 952-233-9317 for current available sites, development plans, and incentive eligibility.

For free small business mentoring, the South Metro SCORE Chapter provides confidential guidance for entrepreneurs at every stage — starting, buying, selling, or growing a business.

Consistently and definitively, yes. Shakopee holds a livability score of 87 out of 100, placing it in the 99th percentile when compared to all U.S. cities. It earns strong marks across jobs, housing, amenities, crime, employment, and education.

Residents describe a suburban community with genuine character — walkable downtown streets, a vibrant local event calendar, abundant outdoor recreation, and easy access to the full array of Twin Cities metro amenities. It’s the kind of place where families plant roots and small business owners find their community.

Shakopee’s overall cost of living is approximately 9–11% above the national average, driven primarily by housing and Minnesota’s state income and sales tax rates. However, compared to major U.S. metros, Shakopee represents significant value:

The median household income in Shakopee is $107,223 (2024 ACS estimate) — well above the national median of $80,734 — giving residents strong purchasing power relative to local costs.

The median home value in Shakopee is approximately $362,500, and median gross rent is approximately $1,443 per month. Prices are above the national median but highly competitive for a suburb of a top-20 U.S. metro.

The housing market is healthy and appreciating steadily. Most residents own their homes. Shakopee’s rapid growth over the past two decades has produced a housing stock that trends newer — with a mix of single-family subdivisions, townhomes, and apartments at diverse price points. Families relocating from Minneapolis and inner-ring suburbs frequently cite more space, newer construction, and lower property taxes as key draws.

Shakopee Public Schools (ISD 720) serves approximately 7,800 students across 11+ buildings — including five K–5 elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and an alternative learning center. The district employs 1,000+ staff with a 100% licensed teacher rate and a 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

Visit shakopee.k12.mn.us for school boundaries, program details, and enrollment information.

Yes. Shakopee is one of the safer communities in the Twin Cities metro by the numbers:

• Overall crime rate is 16% below the national average
• Violent crime is 50% below the national average
• Property crime is 9% below the national average

Shakopee earns strong safety scores across livability and relocation ranking platforms, consistently placing among the most desirable suburban communities in Minnesota for families relocating from higher-crime urban areas.

The average one-way commute for Shakopee residents is approximately 23 minutes — slightly below the national average of 26 minutes. Shakopee is connected to the Twin Cities via U.S. Highway 169, with additional access via Highway 13, Highway 212, and I-35W.

For those who prefer public transit, the MVTA operates bus service with routes connecting Shakopee to the broader metro. Many Shakopee residents also work locally — with 1,100+ employers and more than 31,000 covered jobs within the city, a significant portion of the workforce lives and works in the same community.

• Outdoor Recreation: 1,100+ acres of parks and open space, 100+ miles of trail, the Minnesota Valley State Trail, Huber Park riverfront, Quarry Lake kayak rentals, archery range, disc golf, and public boat launch on the Minnesota River
• Entertainment: Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater (opening summer 2026), and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival
• Dining & Nightlife: Three local craft breweries, dozens of restaurants spanning American classics, international cuisine, and farm-fresh pub food
• Shopping: Twin Cities Premium Outlets (100+ stores), Shakopee Valley Marketplace, and downtown boutiques
• Golf: Stonebrooke Golf Club, The Wilds, and The Meadows at Mystic Lake
• Healthcare: St. Francis Regional Medical Center anchors local healthcare; the full Twin Cities metro health systems are within 30 minutes
• Community Events: Free outdoor movie nights, summer car shows, downtown festivals, and a year-round civic events calendar

• Excellent schools with career academies, STEM programming, dual-enrollment, and a strong athletic tradition
• Low crime — violent crime 50% below the national average
• Abundant outdoor space — parks, trails, splash pads, inclusive playgrounds, the river, and wildlife refuge all within easy reach
• Strong job market — median household income of $107,223 and a 3.5% unemployment rate mean financial stability for most families
• Diverse, welcoming community — 40+ languages spoken in schools and a multicultural dining, arts, and events scene
• World-class entertainment nearby — Valleyfair, the Renaissance Festival, and (starting in 2026) the largest outdoor amphitheater in Minnesota

Shakopee has grown more than 80% since 2000 and continues to grow at approximately 2% per year — one of the fastest rates in Minnesota. The city’s population is on track to exceed 50,000 in 2026.

For people considering a move, growth signals opportunity and investment. Home values in fast-growing communities tend to appreciate well, and ongoing infrastructure investments — like the $138M-impact Mystic Lake Amphitheater — signal that Shakopee’s trajectory is strong.

The City’s active economic development office and Scott County CDA work to ensure growth is managed responsibly, with parks, schools, and infrastructure scaling alongside population. Shakopee isn’t just growing fast — it’s growing with intention.