# Discover Shakopee

> The official tourism and visitor guide for Shakopee, Minnesota — a destination city on the edge of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Discover Shakopee is operated by the Shakopee Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 145 First Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Shakopee is a city in Scott County, Minnesota, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. It sits along the Minnesota River Valley and is known as a major entertainment and recreation hub for the Twin Cities metro region. Key attractions include Valleyfair (Upper Midwest's largest amusement park), Canterbury Park (live horse racing and year-round card casino), the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, and The Landing (a living history museum). The city also provides easy access to the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

## Site Sections

- [Home](https://discovershakopee.org/): Overview of Shakopee as a tourism destination, with links to lodging, dining, events, and attractions.
- [Play / Attractions](https://discovershakopee.org/play/): Guide to things to do in Shakopee including amusement parks, casinos, horse racing, history museums, and outdoor recreation.
- [Events](https://discovershakopee.org/shakopee-events/): Calendar of local events including family activities, live music, food and drink events, arts and entertainment, and outdoor adventures.
- [Dining](https://discovershakopee.org/): Restaurants and bars in the Shakopee area, from casual dining to fine dining options.
- [Shop](https://discovershakopee.org/shop/): Local shops, boutiques, and proximity to major retail destinations including Mall of America and the Twin Cities "Dales" (Southdale, Ridgedale, Rosedale, Minnetonka).
- [Stay / Lodging](https://discovershakopee.org/): Shakopee hotels and area campgrounds for every type of traveler.
- [Shakopee Social District](https://discovershakopee.org/shakopee-social-district/): Guide to Shakopee's open-container social district in historic downtown and the Canterbury Park area. Participating venues display blue "Sold Here" signs and serve drinks in official compostable social district cups.
- [Economic Development](https://discovershakopee.org/economic-development/): Information about business opportunities in Shakopee and Scott County, including transportation access and workforce data.
- [22 Reasons to Visit Shakopee](https://discovershakopee.org/22-reasons-visit-shakopee/): Editorial overview of top attractions, outdoor spaces, and unique experiences in the area.
- [Resources](https://discovershakopee.org/resources/): Emergency contacts, medical centers, and community services for visitors and residents.
- [About](https://discovershakopee.org/about/): Information about the Discover Shakopee organization.

## Key Attractions

- **Valleyfair** — Upper Midwest's largest amusement park, featuring 75+ rides including Steel Venom, Wild Thing, Renegade, Xtreme Swings, Planet Snoopy, and Soak City Waterpark. Transforms into ValleySCARE in fall.
- **Canterbury Park** — Live thoroughbred horse racing (seasonal) and a year-round card casino.
- **Minnesota Renaissance Festival** — Annual summer/fall outdoor festival on the Canterbury Park grounds. Transforms into Trail of Terror for Halloween season.
- **Mystic Lake Casino Hotel** — Major casino resort with gambling, concerts, and dining located near Shakopee in Prior Lake.
- **The Landing** — Living history museum depicting life along the Minnesota River in the 1800s.
- **Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge** — 70-mile corridor of land and water along the Minnesota River; open for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing; home to 297+ bird species.
- **Mall of America** — Located in nearby Bloomington; largest shopping and entertainment complex in the Western Hemisphere with 520+ stores and Nickelodeon Universe.
- **Minnesota Landscape Arboretum** — Located near Shakopee; open 363 days a year with gardens, art, nature hikes, cooking classes, and workshops.
- **Minnesota's Largest Candy Store** — Unique roadside attraction along Highway 169 south of Shakopee.
- **SandVenture Aquatic Park** — City-operated outdoor waterpark.
- **Huber Park** — Home to the Shakopee Performance and Event Series.
- **Quarry Lake Park** — Home to the Shakopee-Prior Lake Shockwaves Water Ski Show (summer).
- **Chanhassen Dinner Theatres** — Professional dinner theater in nearby Chanhassen.

## Outdoor Recreation

Shakopee's parks system encompasses nearly 920 acres of parks and open space, including 60+ miles of recreation and transportation trails for walking and biking. The city sits along the Minnesota River Valley and offers year-round outdoor activities.

## Location & Proximity

- ~25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis
- ~30 minutes from major professional sports venues (Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, Lynx)
- Minutes from Mall of America (Bloomington)
- Close to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

## Content Categories Used on Site

Activities, Attractions, Best of Shakopee, Dining, Events, Festivals, History, Hotels, Outdoors, Parks and Trails, Shopping, Theatre

## Contact

Shakopee Convention & Visitors Bureau
145 First Avenue East
Shakopee, MN 55379
Website: https://discovershakopee.org