13 Fun & Best Things to Do in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Eden Prairie is the 12th largest city in Minnesota, with many unique offerings. According to Money magazine, this city is among the “best places to live and raise a family” in the entire country!

What’s more, Eden Prairie is pretty close to the metro area of Minneapolis–St. Paul gives the city the best of both worlds. It has all the big city facilities that you may never find in a small town.

If you plan to visit the town soon, you must know the best things to do in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. After all, you can’t spend your whole break staying in your hotel. 

So, to help you, we have curated a list of things to do in Eden Prairie. From parks to shopping centers and lakes, many Eden Prairie activities will persuade you to revisit the city. 

Things to Do in Eden Prairie, Minnesota

According to the Quality of Life survey, 93% of Eden Prairie’s residents rate the quality of life of this town above average. That’s undoubtedly due to the many excellent schools, retail and dining establishments, and entertainment options, such as parks and conservatories.

As a visitor, schools might not concern you. However, I am sure you are interested in knowing about the fun things to do in Eden Prairie, MN. So, let’s not delay any further and dig in!

1. Round Lake Park and Beach

Are you a beach person? If yes, plan a day at Round Lake Park and Beach. It is a beautiful family attraction that will entertain you for hours.

The park has many amenities, including a splash pad, playground equipment, a skate park, hiking trails, and picnic spots. What’s more, there is a separate swimming beach for people who would like to spend some hours close to the water.

In addition, this lake park also hosts 4th July fireworks. So if you plan a visit around that time, it is a great site to experience. The skate park in this place is built for winter. You can take your equipment and play hockey or ice rink with your family.

For your long or short stay in Eden Prairie, the Hyatt Place Eden Prairie is a great place to spend time in the city. This is a very spacious hotel that is located only a 12-minute drive away from the center.

There is also a gallery bar in this building and a lobby where you can enjoy a warm breakfast every day. You can access the fitness center while you eat non-stop on this amazing trip. If you do not have a car, you can easily rent a vehicle from Kayak and enjoy your city tour without any issues.

See Related: Best Hotels in Minneapolis, Minnesota

2. Bryant Lake Regional Park

Are you wondering what to do in Eden Prairie, MN, with your fur babies? If you want to spend your day in a dog park, I can’t recommend Bryant Lake Regional Park enough.

This place has dog trails where your doggo can run or walk without a leash. In addition, the place has many facilities where you can enjoy various activities in one go. For instance, the park is perfect for biking, fishing, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. There is also a play area for kids in your family.

This regional park is located on 170 acres and has a beautiful mix of grassland, woodlands, and wetlands. Moreover, while hiking, you can witness the jaw-dropping scenery and may also spot songbirds or deer.

In addition, the locals can also rent a space in the park to conduct their functions indoors. This place has fixed opening and closing times, so check with the authorities or the Three rivers park district website before planning your day.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Albert Lea, Minnesota

3. Staring Lake Park

We weren’t lying when we mentioned that Eden Prairie is home to many beautiful parks. So, on our list of things to do in Eden Prairie this weekend, we have another must-visit place: Staring Lake Park.

What is so special about this attraction? It’s a one-stop place for all the Eden Prairie, MN, activities you may want to experience.

From a bike trail to a baseball field court, the park covers a variety of options for fitness and sports enthusiasts. Moreover, there is a picnic area, park shelter, and playground equipment for people with small kids.

Moreover, you can even spend your time on the softball field or tennis court to burn those extra calories gained during your trip. If you are taking your dog along, there is an off-leash exercise area for your pet so he can also work out.

In addition, if you want to enjoy the park to the fullest, stay in Sonesta Select Minneapolis Eden Prairie. This place has a very beautiful location and is close to the town’s center.

The facility is fully air-conditioned and has an indoor pool to keep you cool in the summer.

See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November

4. Staring Lake Observatory

In your Eden Prairie things-to-do list, include the Staring Lake Observatory under the must-visit attractions category. Why? Because this outdoor center is unique.

The Staring Lake Observatory houses a commercial telescope that is one of the largest of its kind found in Minnesota. This telescope is entirely computer-operated and offers pinpoint accuracy every time.

In addition, this place hosts a number of astronomy classes throughout the year. You can register for the event and also explore the telescope. Moreover, you can also request a custom program. Visits must be cleared with the observatory beforehand, so call ahead.

See Related: Best Restaurants in St. Paul, MN

5. Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial

Are you a history buff? If yes, visit Purgatory Creek Park to see the veterans memorial. This memorial is a tribute to all servicemen and women who have sacrificed their lives for the betterment of the country.

Seeing this memorial is one of the best things to do in Eden Prairie, MN, because the memorial is well-crafted and has a very strong symbolic meaning.

You can get their name encrypted on this memorial if you know a veteran. Simply fill out an application and register for the name.

See Related: Ways to Book the Cheapest First Class Flights

6. Como Park Zoo

If you love animals and conservatories, lock Como Park Zoo in your list of Eden Prairie things to do today. There is no point in guessing that this conservatory and zoo are quite huge in every way.

It is built to give you a beautiful experience, and you can also save Como Park Zoo by donating. So, what should you expect from this place? For starters, you must make a reservation before visiting the zoo.

Once you are in, get ready to get spellbound by the conservatory’s huge space and lush gardens. The place is home to many animals, including big cats, bison, and flamingos.

What’s more, the exotic gardens of this conservatory house have beautiful flowers and plants. The Enchanted Garden, Lily Pond, and Ordway Garden are just a few attractions that will give you an impression of heaven.

A children’s gallery and a Ribbit Zibit zone are also designed for kids’ leisure. You can’t experience this zoo in one day, so you need to book a hotel. The Hampton Inn Eden Prairie Minneapolis offers a wonderful location with spacious rooms and facilities.

In addition, if you need a car to get to the zoo, book a suitable vehicle or ride on a bus and easily reach your destination.

7. Minnesota Zoo

What’s next on things to do in Eden Prairie today? If you love animals and can’t wait to see a few more zoos after visiting the Como Park Zoo, the Minnesota Zoo will tick all the right boxes.

This amazing place is again home to beautiful animals such as the African Penguin and American Bison. In addition, you will find some beautiful birds like the Bald Eagle and Bali Mynah.

What’s more, the zoo also arranges various programs for your entertainment. For instance, the Moonlight Yoga and the Nature Illuminated show are designed to bring visitors closer to nature and create awareness of different animals. There is also a virtual zoo tour conducted by the management of Minnesota Zoo for people who can’t visit the place physically.

The place is open to donations that you can make to save the Minnesota Zoo and its conservatory. You can plan a visit to the place by registering on the official website. The website also mentions the updated prices of tickets for visitors of different age groups.

8. Eden Prairie Center

Are you thinking of going on a shopping spree during your stay in Eden Prairie, MN? In that case, the Eden Prairie Center should be a part of your Eden Prairie things to do. This is a mall located in the southwest metro. It’s a great retail therapy place with many food and entertainment options.

If you can’t experience any of the above activities because of cold or rain, this center is a great place to escape the weather and enjoy some “me time” while you are in the small town.

You will find many international brands here, such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, and Von Maur. In addition, there is a huge movie theatre and different dining options.

If you want to explore the center on the weekend, you can enjoy the different booths local vendors set to sell their products. Such booths help you to explore the local products and artists. Lucky for you, the center is big but not huge, so you won’t feel tired walking from one end to another.

9. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

It might seem strange to visit a university on a getaway, but the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has a beautiful campus that you can’t miss to witness. If you are in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, plan a visit to the local campus, as it is pretty close to the small town. You can visit different departments, learn about the university’s diverse programs and history, and even donate online. 

That said, keep such Eden Prairie things to do as your last resort if you are with kids. They might get bored exploring the campus with little entertainment to offer.

See Related: Best Takeout Restaurants in the Twin Cities

10. Minneapolis Convention Center

Instead of a convention center, locals call this place relationship building. According to them, this attraction is a great center to bring people together under one roof and create new experiences.

This convention center is not exactly located in Eden Prairie, but you can hire a vehicle and get there within a few minutes. The building holds various exhibitions and programs to create awareness and encourage new talent.

You can access the convention center’s website to explore the event planner. For instance, according to the website, a Northern Green 2023 event is planned from the 11th to 12th of January. This program is being conducted to encourage the green industry.

Then, you can attend a Leadership Conference and Boat Show if you plan to visit Eden Prairie on the dates mentioned. You can register for a space in these exhibitions and showcase your products if you run a business. You can also save the Minneapolis Convention Center by donating or volunteering.

11. Minneapolis Institute for Arts

Another building worth visiting during your stay in Eden Prairie is the Minneapolis Institute for Arts. This institute hosts a number of exhibitions covering the work of both local and international artists.

Other than these exhibitions, there are also many programs that you can join. For example, Free Ink Day is an upcoming family program to empower kids and bring families together.

You can help keep Minneapolis Institute for Arts open with your donations. Since this institute is free, donations help to keep it accessible for people from all walks of life.

This place is almost 24 minutes of drive away from Eden Prairie. And accessible via public transportation, but you can always rent a car to reach your destination. You can choose Kayak for a quick car rental service.

Moreover, the Institute is so extensive, it’s tough to visit the whole place in a day, and you might have to find a place to stay. In that case, the Comfort Inn Eden Prairie is a great hotel for a night or two.

This place is just 20 minutes away from the center of Minneapolis and has well-equipped rooms. There is also a huge fitness room for visitors.

See Related: Best Museums in Minnesota

12. Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Do you want to know about more things to do in Eden Prairie? How about you visit and save Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, just a 34-minute ride from Eden Prairie?

As one of the largest state fairs conducted in the USA, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds is famous for its slogan, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” So, what attractions can you find on these fairgrounds? Livestock of all sorts, amazing food, displays, shows, and hundreds of storefronts, a visit to this state fair will make your day.

You can also enjoy some permanent rides and music events arranged by many planners from around the world. This state fair runs from August to September for 12 days. You will love the number of attendees who enjoy this fair as they increase yearly.

The fairgrounds host many other events the rest of the year. For instance, there are dog shows, horse shows, expos, and even car shows organized by various companies.

Some buildings on these grounds are also available for rental purposes and store equipment such as camping trailers and boats during winter.

13. Minneapolis Bar Crawl

Do you want to have some fun on your last night in Eden Prairie? If you are in town (and 21 or over), why not join the hallowed trend of the Minneapolis Bar Crawl? You can enjoy This indoor/outdoor activity with your friends.

So what happens in the Minneapolis bar crawl? You’ll visit a hot spot on the bar scene, maybe a warm local brewery or a prohibition cocktail bar, to enjoy some drinks and take photos while crowning a friend bar king or queen.

So save Minneapolis bar-hunting activity for your last day, as it might be a bit physically taxing – especially if you overindulge!

See Related: Best Bars in Minneapolis

What is Eden Prairie, Minnesota, known for?

One of the things that Eden Prairie is known for is its natural beauty. This charming city, located 12 miles southwest of Minneapolis, has over 4,500 acres of park and open spaces, including the beautiful Bryant Lake Regional Park. This park offers many activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day in nature.

Another thing that Eden Prairie is known for is its thriving food scene, with some hidden culinary gems worth exploring. One of my favorites is Tavern 4&5, a local restaurant serving some of the area’s best burgers and craft beer. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll be pleased to know that Eden Prairie has a rich history worth exploring. The Eden Prairie Historical Society is a great place to start, as it offers a variety of exhibits and events that showcase the city’s past. One of my favorite exhibits is the “Pioneer Room,” which gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers in the area.

Finally, if you’re looking for retail therapy, Eden Prairie has excellent shopping options. The Eden Prairie Center is a popular shopping mall offering many stores.

Related Resources

• Best Minnesota State Parks
• Vacations With Minimal Walking
• Minnesota vs Wisconsin: What’s the Difference?