Exciting Things to Do in Eden Prairie, MN

Located just 12 miles away from Minneapolis, Eden Prairie has many unique attractions for people interested in purchasing real estate and moving to the area. This is largely thanks to the fact that the city has roughly 10,000 acres of parks and open spaces, miles of breathtaking scenic views, beautiful beaches and lakes, and warm fun-loving people. In Eden Prairie there’s never a shortage of fun things to do.

What activities should I look forward to in Eden Prairie?

Fun activities for the entire family

Spend the day at Round Lake Park and Beach

Round Lake Park and Beach is one of the best locations for family activities in Eden Prairie. The highlight of the area is its beach where visitors can spend a whole day swimming in the cool waters. If you’re looking for something a little more active, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and even stand-up paddleboards.

If you prefer to stay dry, the park has playgrounds, biking and hiking trails, and a skate park. There are also sports facilities, including a basketball court. Families can use any of the grills in the picnic area to complete the day.

Bowling at Bowlero

Bowlero is a bowling complex that boasts 32 bowling lanes, black lights, soft lounge seats, and huge HD screens for a true premium bowling experience.

In true bowling tradition, the complex has a deluxe arcade with both classic and modern video games, darts, billiards and pool tables. If you’re looking for more adrenaline, you can also have a go at laser tag.

Unleash the Nerfs at Tactical Urban Combat

Tactical Urban Combat is easily the largest indoor Nerf arena in the Midwest. Players can use their equipment free of charge, including a wide range of Nerf Rivals (balls) and full-face masks.

It should be noted, however, that the Eden Prairie location only offers Nerfs. Those who prefer to enjoy a round of laser tag should go to the Mall of America location, which is just a short 15-minute drive away.

Go for a leisurely hike at Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area is the perfect spot for families looking to unplug and experience the great outdoors. The Overlook Trail, a 3.2-mile long loop, is easily one of the most popular attractions, with the trail featuring beautiful wildflowers and a natural spring at the trailhead.

Alternatively, families can also try the Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail, named after a writer who visited in 1852. This trail is particularly popular among birdwatchers, as well as hikers who prefer a moderately challenging route.

Educational activities for all ages

Learn how to cook with friends at Way Cool Cooking School

Way Cool Cooking School offers the community fun and engaging culinary events as an alternative way to celebrate milestones and special occasions. Guests will learn simple recipes of their choice through “Cooking Challenges” led by real chefs. It’s a really fun way for people to bond while learning the basics of cooking.

Children ages 7 to 15 can attend any of the school’s many Summer Cooking Camps. The camps are four days long each and teach children the basics of cooking and kitchen safety.

Sign up for a public astronomy class at the Staring Lake Observatory

Staring Lake Observatory is home to one of the largest telescopes (9ft tall, 16in long) in Minnesota. Though the observatory itself is not open to the public on a regular basis, it does offer a number of pre-scheduled public astronomy classes to the public. You can check for upcoming class schedules and make reservations here.

The public classes, known as the Star Watch Astronomy program, push through rain or shine. On clear days, the observatory will open its roof for viewing of the stars. During cloudy or rainy days, the observatory will set up a large LCD screen in the outdoor center in order to simulate the night sky. When it comes to being eye-opening and educational, this is one of the best things to do with your kids in Eden Prairie.

Entertaining activities geared toward adults

Watch a play at the Eden Prairie Community Theater

The Eden Prairie Community Theater is the place for anyone who loves the performing arts. The community theater hosts many performers, but the standout theater troupe is the Eden Prairie Players, known for their entertaining, yet thought-provoking, material.

The community theater itself is a fantastic place for aspiring creatives and thespians. The Eden Prairie Community Theater regularly provides volunteers and young artists with events where they can hone their artistic talents and creative process. A schedule of upcoming events can be found on their website, so make sure you take advantage of the opportunities and register in advance.

Enjoy unique cocktails at Flying Dutchman Spirits

Flying Dutchman Spirits is a local distillery featuring special craft spirits inspired by the international travels of its owners. Each week, they feature one of their unique cocktail kits, which will take people and their taste buds on a trip to some far-flung corner of the world.

Although you can easily purchase the spirits online, it’s highly recommended that you sign up for either a tour of their distillery or a guided group tasting session. People who are especially interested in spirits can sign up for the Flying Dutchman Spirits’ Apprentice Program, where they can learn how to make their own craft spirits.

Art at the Eden Prairie Art Center

The Eden Prairie Art Center aims to foster and enhance creativity by keeping the arts accessible to the community. The art center offers a number of classes where people of all ages can learn artistic expression through paintings, ceramics, glass fusing, and more. The Eden Prairie Art Center also offers an open studio time, for a nominal fee, where anyone can work on their personal projects using the center’s equipment.

In the event that you aren’t stricken with inspiration on a particular day, you can view the artworks of well-known local and regional artists. These exhibits rotate every six weeks. Thanks to this rotation of exhibits, visiting the Eden Prairie Art Center is one of the top things to do over and over again in Eden Prairie.

Stay on par at the Olympic Hills Golf Club

The Olympic Hills Golf Club has been a top golf course in the state of Minnesota since it opened in 1969. The 18-hole, par 72 course is regarded as both fun and challenging, regardless of the golfer’s skill level.

One of the many perks of club membership is access to member-exclusive dining options. It’s almost worth the membership fee by itself with diners treated to a scenic view of the club’s waterfall pond and golf course.

Enjoy a day on the water at Bryant Lake Regional Park

Bryant Lake Regional Park is a 170-acre park managed by the Three Rivers Park system. It’s a popular location for boating, especially during the summer. Visitors can rent row boats or paddle boats from park management. Reservations are highly encouraged.

The lake is also a favorite among locals who enjoy sport fishing. If you’re in the mood to catch some northern pikes, largemouth bass, walleyes, and panfish, then a day at Bryant Lake should be your go-to fishing spot.

Mouthwatering dining options

Detello’s Pizza & Pasta

Detello’s Pizza & Pasta is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving delectable pizzas and other classic Italian mainstays to the local community for over 25 years. In fact, they were named “Best Pizza in Twin Cities” by WCCO-TV and the “Reader’s Choice for Best Pizza” by the Sun Sailor, cementing its status as one of the top Eden Prairie food destinations for locals and residents from neighboring cities.

First-time diners should try the restaurant’s specialties: pastas and pizzas. In particular, the Sun-dried Tomato Ravioli and the Cheese Tortellini are big hits with locals and tourists. For pizzas, diners should try the “Family Favorites” section of the menu, which features the different favorite topping combinations of the Detello family members.

Tavern 4&5

Tavern 4&5 serves contemporary tavern-style fare, all prepared in their featured rotisserie and wood-fire oven. The restaurant is a popular hangout spot among locals, thanks to its hand-crafted interiors and inviting atmosphere.

Food recommendations from locals often include the Spicy Chicken Meatball and the Parmesan Crusted Walleye, both of which are made fresh every day. Guests should also try their large selection of draft beer from local breweries. Favorites include Summit Extra Pale Ale and Kona Big Wave.

Tazā Fresh Mediterranean

Tazā is a casual restaurant that specializes in generous servings of fresh Mediterranean food. The highlight of the restaurant is in their use of fresh ingredients and organic meat for all their dishes.

The menu is smaller than what most people may be used to, but the restaurant allows guests to customize their orders with a variety of options for rice, skewers or koobideh, and your choice of salad or fries.

Mama Aurelia’s

Mama Aurelia’s should be the first place you go to when you’re craving Mexican cuisine. Inspired by the recipes of the owner’s mother, Mama Aurelia’s places a focus on the freshness of its ingredients and the authenticity of their flavors.

Aurelia’s Burrito-featuring rice, beans, lettuce, corn, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, steak, chicken, barbacoa, carnitas, pastor, and ground beef-is what the restaurant is best known for, so make sure you order up a serving during your visit. Other excellent dishes on the menu include the nachos and tamales.

Woody’s Shady Oak Grille

Woody’s Shady Oak Grille is a favorite among locals looking to enjoy some American classics. Woody’s Shady Oak Grille serves some amazing burgers, all of which are made with 100% fresh Angus beef. Another very popular option is their mouthwatering and tender St. Louis-style pork BBQ Ribs.

For special occasions, guests can rent “The Woodshed”, a private dining space that fits up to thirty guests.

Great shopping centers

Eden Prairie Center

Eden Prairie Center is the premier one-stop destination for the community’s shopping needs. The sprawling shopping center features over twenty-one restaurants, and over a hundred retail stores, including top names like Maur, Target, and JCPenney. Eden Prairie Center is also home to nine different entertainment options, including an AMC Theaters and a VR arcade.

Prairie Village Mall

The Prairie Village Mall is a suburban strip mall with a selection of restaurants and cafes. The Prairie Village Mall is in proximity to many of the biking trails in the city, making it a convenient stop for people coming back from their ride and looking to refuel.

The Prop Shop

The Prop Shop is a unique shopping center in the sense that it primarily functions as a nonprofit providing basic support for families in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen. The location accepts donations, which are then resold on the on-site resale store or directly redistributed to families needing support. Shoppers are able to find great deals on fantastic products while helping their fellow locals at the same time.

Mall of America

Mall of America may not be located in Eden Prairie, but it’s only a quick 15-minute drive away on I-494, making it a good option for residents of Eden Prairie. The iconic 4-level mall boasts over 500 retail stores, including Apple, Armani Exchange, and Lululemon, as well as a Nickelodeon Universe.

Seasonal events to add to your calendar

Spring: Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair

Every year on Arbor Day, the city hosts the Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair, marking its designation as a “Tree City USA” back in 1981. The event traditionally takes place at Round Lake Park and admission is free of charge.

As part of the event, locals are encouraged to go on a “Tree Discovery” walk around the various trails, giving them a chance to identify and learn more about the different species of trees found in the area. In addition to the Tree Discovery walk, the Green Fair at Round Lake Park features a variety of eco-friendly vendors, as well as several children’s activities.

Summer: 4th of July Hometown Celebration

Commemorate Independence Day at the Eden Prairie 4th of July Hometown Celebration, a two-day event that brings the whole city together. It is regarded as one of Eden Prairie’s greatest traditions and features a wide range of things to do and see, including live musical performances, food trucks, lawn games, and more.

The 4th of July Hometown Celebration culminates with an extravagant fireworks display on the evening of the second day.

Fall: Harvest to Halloween at the Barn

Harvest to Halloween at the Barn is Eden Prairie’s annual celebration of the fall harvest and is traditionally held at the Riley-Jacques Barn in Riley Lake Park. The celebration has a ton of family-oriented activities and attractions, including pumpkin decorating events, art-making stations, and fall-themed selfie stations.

When the sun goes down, the Harvest to Halloween at the Barn hosts after-dark activities for all ages, including spooky storytelling and a glow-in-the-dark dance party.

Winter: Annual Ice Show

The Annual Ice Show gives residents a chance to enjoy ice skating performances by the Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club at the Eden Prairie Community Center. The performances are almost always themed, with routines centering around familiar tunes and scenarios from pop culture (e.g. Chicago, Frozen, High School Musical, and the Wizard of Oz).

Love living in Eden Prairie

Eden Prairie is a fantastic place to live based solely on the enormous amount of activities and things to do available to its residents-but that’s not the only thing the city has going for it. In many surveys, Eden Prairie frequently ranks as one of the best places to live in the US.

Eden Prairie is home to some of the best public schools in the state of Minnesota. This is largely thanks to the district’s innovative approach to curriculums and investment in its teaching and administrative staff.
Eden Prairie has strong employment options available. With over 2,200 businesses in the immediate city and even more just a 20-minute drive away in Minneapolis-St. Paul, there are a large number of employment opportunities for professionals. This, combined with the many recreational activities in the city, makes Eden Prairie a great place for those looking to achieve a better work-life balance.

Find your dream home in Eden Prairie!

Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group is one of the most respected real estate agencies operating in Eden Prairie. The team is highly experienced, and has accrued over $2 billion in home sales and helped over 7,000 clients find their dream home.

Get in touch with Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group today! Call us at 952.942.7777 or email us here.