If you’ve never heard of Edina, Minnesota than this article is for you! Edina is a metropolitan area in Hennepin County. Being a metropolis means there are a ton of activities for people of all ages.
Edina is in the southern portion of the Twin Cities, yet still offers fun for the entire family as if you were in the large sprawl of Minneapolis.
This city was established by citizens escaping the potato famine of Ireland. Beginning as a small farming and milling community, Edina blossomed into a key city in Minnesota.
This city is home to many headquarters for several large companies around the United States. A few names include UnitedHealthcare, Edina Realty, Regis Corporation, and Dairy Queen.
Enough information on the city, let’s get to the list of activities!
1. Snuffy’s Malt Shop
It might be because it’s early afternoon and I really am craving a cheeseburger…but this is the number one choice on my list of Edina activities. Snuffy’s Malt Shop is a classic throwback and an ode to original malt shops in the United States.
Their juicy hamburgers are always fresh never frozen, and hand pressed to perfection. Paired with a side of crunchy french fries or onion rings and a variety of malts to choose from, the possibilities and cravings are endless.
Keeping the 1950’s feel was important to the original owners, and they have done just that. Walking into Snuffy’s is like getting sucked into a time warp that brings you right back! Although the original location in St. Paul closed, the good news is that the Edina location is still open for business.
The burgers and malts are done just like they were 35 years ago when they first opened, a classic feel and taste indeed.
Make sure to stop into Snuffy’s because who doesn’t love dunking a salty french fry in sweet malted ice cream!
See Related: 13 Best Coffee Shops in Minnesota
2. Braemar Golf Course
This beautiful golf course in Edina is the only public course in town, meaning the course doesn’t require a membership to play.
Braemar recently opened a golf dome, with new games along with a standard driving range. The outdoor golf area consists of an 18 hole championship course, equipped with an outdoor driving range as well.
Being open to the public means no membership necessary. From out of town? Or simply don’t want to pay membership fees? This will be the course for you.
The course is called the championship 18 because it has been ranked the “Number One Public Course” in Minnesota by Golf Digest. This public course also ranked among the top 75 public golf courses in the entire nation by the same magazine. Golf for Women Magazine ranked Braemar one of the top “100 Women Friendly Courses” making this course a top pick for people from all around Minnesota.
Braemar also offers a rehabilitation golf program that is nationally recognized. With the help of teaching professionals, this course has developed a program that helps people with disabilities. The players who are coached by the course professionals have had spinal cord injuries, amputations, strokes, polio, arthritis, and other physical disabilities.
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3. Southdale Center
This massive sprawling shopping center offers 106 different shopping experiences. Ranging from dining options to high-end shopping, this mall offers everything you could want within one large common area.
The mall first opened in 1956 and boasts being the first and oldest enclosed climate-controlled shopping center in the nation.
Southdale Center is nearly 1,300,000 square feet of expansive real estate. It claimed the number six spot on the top ten list of Buildings that Changed America.
Shoppers from all over the country as well as many locals to be one of the best activities in Edina.
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4. Open Streets on 50th!
Although this year has been postponed due to COVID-19, I thought it would still be a good idea to include this event on my list.
Due back 2021, the Open Streets on 50th! includes fun for the entire family. The blocks on west 50th street between Wooddale Avenue and Chowen Avenue shut down each year in September. A huge event takes place including music, dance, games, craft stands, yoga, and many other creative activities that take place on the streets of Edina. With many neighborhood groups and local businesses in attendance, the open streets are a place for all locals to come and enjoy a beautiful fall day. This is a great outdoor activity in Edina!
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5. Centennial Lakes Park
This beautiful 24-acre park offers a variety of options for outdoor activities close to the Twin Cities. There are nearly two miles of paved path for walking and biking. This path surrounds the ten-acre lake in the center of the park.
The park itself is placed upon landscaped greens, seating areas, swinging benches, and fountains.
A miniature golf course has been added, but beware this is not for the children! A sprawling course with real grass winds and bends through the park surrounded by real sand traps, ponds, and boulders. Lawn bowling and paddleboats may also be rented for daytime use.
A popular wedding spot for locals, and weekend destination for farmer market-goers, this city park has a multitude of outdoor activities to choose from.
See Related: 16 Best Lakes in Minnesota
6. Galleria Edina
This indoor mall has the feel of a swanky hotel, offering high-end shopping and dining options. National and international luxury brands such as Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. have claimed their stakes in Galleria.
Located across the street from the above-mentioned Southdale Center, Galleria is not hard to find, as it is centrally located on west 70th Street.
The Galleria is a stronghold for Edina attractions. Included inside are 76 different retail stores and nine different dining locations. These eateries include everything from Starbucks to the expansive and more expensive menus of Crave and CoV.
See Related: Want to wine and dine? Check out 19 Best St. Paul Restaurants
7. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
This trampoline park holds fun for people of all ages! This park is not only for the kids, but for young adults, and adults who never quite grew up.
Sky Zone offers a variety of activities, all while bouncing sky-high! This is absolutely on the list of fun things to do in Edina.
There are many options throughout the day and would recommend their website to be sure you are going at the correct time slots, especially with small children. There’s a multitude of different activities that happen throughout the day, certain times being blocked for young kids, and some for older jumpers.
The classic freestyle jump is the most popular option. Set yourself or your kids free and bounce on the open trampolines until the hearts of all ages are content.
Ultimate and Fusion Ultimate dodgeball are among the favorites of older age groups. A new Ninja Warrior course is the newest attraction adding strength and agility, as well as bouncing skills. Private and group events are also welcomed, and more information about renting the spaces can be found on the website mentioned above.
8. Pamela Park
This massive 62-acre complex provides outdoor fun for people of all ages. There are playgrounds and multiple areas with picnic benches and grassy areas for relaxing and enjoying a sunny Minnesota day.
For sports and fitness fanatics, Pamela Park should be on the list of outdoor things to do in Edina.
There are two soccer fields, three baseball fields, a batting cage, two tennis courts, and an ice rink in the winter.
Included in the park is also a huge turf field that includes a full-length football field, and more soccer nets. There is also a paved trail for walking, biking, and rollerblading. Parking spots fill up quickly on nice days, so make sure to get there early!
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9. Town Hall Station
Being a beer guy and a self-proclaimed foodie, I can say first hand that Town Hall Station is a place you should be on a glorious weekend.
A co-worker at my previous job told me about how there was an establishment that served a chicken tender flight, amongst copious amounts of beer. “Say no more,” I told him. I knew I had to experience it for myself.
I can tell you firsthand, the chicken tender flight was something you can only dream about. The deliciously fried, warm chicken tenders come out piping hot, with an array of dipping sauces for your taste buds to experience. There are plenty of other options for food as well, Town Hall has an extensive menu for all preferences!
And let’s not forget about the beer. They have options for all beer drinkers and alcohol consumers alike. They have a long list of hard alcohol drinks along with options for ciders.
With fall quickly approaching, you know the dark beers are coming out of hiding and into the taps of Town Hall Station. Date night in Edina could start or end here, or enjoy a few drinks and food with friends and family on the patio on a crisp fall afternoon.
See Related: Make sure to check out these breweries in St. Paul
10. Walnut Ridge Park
If you haven’t noticed yet, Edina is filled with many beautiful parks and areas to be outside!
Although Edina is considered a metropolis, the city takes pride in including outdoor spaces placed around various areas of the town.
Walnut Ridge includes open fields in the 44-acre park area. These are available for rent if you were looking to host a barbeque, or have a large gathering (socially distanced of course), with friends and family.
There is also a picnic area with a shelter, playground, skating rink in the winter, tennis court, and a half-mile paved trail for biking and walking.
This short trail encompasses Walnut Ridge’s pond that has an impressive number of wildlife species.
The pond is a great place for wildlife photography.
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11. Edina Aquatic Center
Although this Edina water park is closed for the remainder of the year, not to worry because Edina Aquatic Center will be reopening the summer of 2021.
For the safety of Minnesota citizens, this water park in Edina was closed this summer due to COVID-19. But they have already announced that they will be opening their facilities at the beginning of the summer season next year.
To start, there is a 50-meter Olympic-sized swimming lap pool, with an attached diving area. This pool is kept at a constant temperature all summer long, for ideal practice conditions. Attached are both one and three-meter diving boards to practice diving skills.
Next is the Lost Wave Surf Simulator. Try your surfing abilities on the never-ending wave! Riders who are under 18 must have a signed waiver by a parental guardian. Private lessons are also available upon reservation.
If your children don’t want to spend all day in the water, Edina Aquatic Center also has the Oakwood Forest. A dry playground for kids to heat back up and get ready for another splash in the pool.
Pirates Plunge and Shipwreck Express sit on the west side of the park. Take a plunge on the body slide 207 feet down into the pool below. And for the brave-hearted, there is the zip line on the Shipwreck Express. Zip past other pool-goers as you glide over the park and drop into the pool below.
Last but not least, the Edina Aquatic Center has a play area for the little ones called Lil’ Lagoon. Strictly dedicated to children eight years or younger, this recently added zero-depth water park is for the children to safely play in with no worries.
12. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
This 15.3-mile multi-use paved trail spans five different cities throughout the Twin Cities and passes directly through Edina and the above-mentioned Walnut Ridge Park.
There are a number of boardwalks and bridges along the path since much of the trail is along Nine Mile Creek, and adjoining main roads. Two bridges were built over highway MN-100 and MN-62 making the trail accessible throughout multiple cities.
The boardwalks span for nearly two miles in their entirety. Over 1,100,000 square feet of wood and other material were used in the making of said boardwalks. These materials were constructed in farms across the state of Oregon. This spanning trail is a beautiful place to exercise and get outside and enjoy nature while still being centrally located near the Twin Cities.
So no matter what your plans are for the fall before the cold, long Minnesota winter hits; make sure to check out these activities in Edina! Plan a whole day around this list if you’d like.
Shopping, eating, and being outside are only a few options the city of Edina has to offer. Happy exploring!
See Related: Check out these outdoor activities for the summer.
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