Eagan, Minnesota is a vibrant suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul with a population of over 66,000 residents. Located just south of Minnesota’s largest city, Eagan offers visitors scenic nature trails, family-friendly attractions, unique shops and restaurants, and an array of outdoor recreation options across its 33.43 square miles.
Whether you’re a local resident or coming into town to visit Mall of America or take in a Minnesota Vikings game, Eagan has something for everyone. From outdoor adventures like hiking and boating to indoor fun like mini golf and trampoline parks, Eagan provides year-round entertainment for all interests and ages.
Its location also makes it easy to experience other top attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul, all while providing a peaceful place to relax at the end of the day.
1.Go for a Hike on the Diffley Road Trail
If you want to explore the natural side of Eagan, head over to Diffley Road Trail. This peaceful 3.8 mile paved trail winds through prairie grasslands, wetland areas, and woodlands, offering gorgeous scenery and plenty of spots to stop and observe local wildlife.
Bring your binoculars to look for songbirds, turtles, frogs, and deer while taking in views of the Vermillion River watershed. The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk and features mileage markers to help track your progress. Make sure to stop at the lookout point bench halfway through your hike for an elevated view over a sprawling wetland area.
2.Spend an Afternoon at the Eagan Art Festival
If you happen to be visiting Eagan during the first full weekend in June, don’t miss the Eagan Art Festival. This two-day event draws nearly 300 talented artists from around the country to showcase their works across painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, glass, fiber, wood, and mixed media.
Wander through exhibition tents as you take in vibrant landscapes, unique jewelry pieces, creative sculptures, and more at this juried art fair. Guests can meet the artists, watch live demonstrations at some booths, and vote for their favorites to win Best in Show awards. With food trucks, live music, art activities for kids, and colorful works spanning 14 categories, it’s a lively community celebration of creativity and culture.
3.Enjoy Local Theater at the Eagan Art House
For premier community theater productions in Eagan, head to the Eagan Art House. This 500-seat proscenium stage theater resides within City Hall and hosts productions put on by local acting ensembles and theater companies. From dramas and comedies to Broadway musicals and student shows, the theater calendar has something for all interests.
Recent shows include Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest, the musical Into the Woods, and the comedy Don’t Dress for Dinner. With affordable ticket prices in an intimate setting, catching a local show at the Art House is a fun night out, especially if you want to support the thriving Twin Cities theater scene. Make sure to stick around after the show to meet the cast and crew!
4.Test Your Skills at Acclivity Climbing + Yoga
For a workout that builds both strength and concentration, visit Acclivity Climbing + Yoga. This rock climbing gym offers an array of climbing walls and bouldering areas suitable for all skill levels. Sign up for a day pass to access over 13,000 square feet of climbing terrain, including slabs, cracks, overhangs, and a unique 45-degree arch in the bouldering section.
The gym provides auto-belay devices, rental gear, and optional intro sessions if you’re new to the sport. Certified instructors are on hand to provide tips and ensure climbers follow safety protocols across the gym’s fun walls themed around Minnesota’s North Shore. When you need a breather, unwind in yoga classes held onsite or give slacklining a try on low ropes courses indoors and out.
5.Race Go Karts at Speedway Indoor Karting
Experience the thrill of racing at Speedway Indoor Karting. Adults, kids, and pro racers alike can speed around the Grand Prix-style multilevel track that includes hairpin road course turns, 20-degree banked oval turns, and a 50-foot straightaway. The facility offers arrive-and-drive races in European-style karts that reach speeds up to 50 mph.
Race heats run between 7 to 14 laps depending on the package selected or compete against family and friends for fastest lap times. Speedway Indoor Karting also hosts special Laser Tag races that combine go karts and laser tag weapons for a unique high-octane battle experience. With a centrally located track and superior safety, it’s one of the premiere indoor karting venues in Minnesota.
6.Mini Golf at Tropical Mini Golf
For family fun or a casual date night, try a round of mini golf at Tropical Mini Golf. This 18-hole course features an island theme complete with water features, realistic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant tropical plant decor. The diverse layout includes straightforward holes along with some tricky shots navigating around and over various obstacles. Rental putters and balls are available in the palm tree-adorned clubhouse.
While you putt your way through tunnels, caves, and stone arches, don’t be surprised if you cross paths with Tropical Mini Golf’s friendly parrots. These chatty rainforest natives reside in an aviary by the third hole and may talk or dance to get your attention as you play. Grab an ice cream for the road and challenge your mini golf skills on this tropical oasis tucked into a Minnesota strip mall.
7.Catch a Show at Eagan PAC Summer Theatre
For theater under the stars, make your way to Wescott Field adjacent to Eagan High School in summertime. Here you’ll find the Eagan Parks and Arts Council’s Summer Theatre stage, which puts on free productions Wednesday to Sunday nights in July. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy comedy, musical, and drama shows featuring standout talent from local theater troops and students.
Recent summer plays include the musical Hairspray and the comedy Boeing Boeing. Arrive early to park, find seating, and grab refreshments from the concession stand. Note the theater is outdoors, so be prepared for various Minnesota weather conditions. With quality regional talent and family-friendly content, it’s a great night of entertainment without the ticket prices.
8.Practice Yoga at Indigo Wellness Studio
Take time for mind-body wellness with yoga classes at Indigo Wellness Studio. This peaceful studio offers Hatha, Yin, Gentle, and Power yoga sessions for all skill levels in a tranquil, judgement-free setting. Class sizes are intentionally kept small, ranging from just 6 to 20 people, to allow for personal attention from instructors. New students receive one free class to experience Indigo’s community vibe and variety of class styles.
In the Light-Filled studio, skilled instructors guide students through breathwork, movement, and meditation while peaceful music plays. With over 15 highly-trained teachers, a salt therapy room, and specialty classes like aerial yoga, Indigo provides a little oasis to de-stress and recenter during your visit. The friendly staff help create a welcoming environment whether you’re new to yoga or an advanced practitioner.
9.Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe on Lebannon Hills Lake
For water recreation in Eagan, head over to Lebannon Hills Regional Park nestled alongside the Minnesota River. Here you’ll find Lebannon Hills Lake, a 150-acre basin offering swimming, boating, and picturesque shoreline views. Rent a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, hydrobike, or rowboat to explore across the calm lake or meander down connecting channels towards the river. Launch your vessel from one of four boat rental stations located around the lake.
Paddling Lebanon Hills Lake lets you spot osprey, herons, painted turtles, and other wildlife while taking in waterfront parks dotted with trees. Pack a lunch to enjoy at a picnic area along the shore or toss a line to try your luck fishing. With convenient paddle craft rentals and stunning scenery just minutes from Bloomington, it’s easy to enjoy a refreshing day on the water.
10.Shop Artisan Goods at the Eagan Market Fest
For handcrafted items and artisan eats, make time to browse the Eagan Market Fest. This European-style open-air market runs every Tuesday afternoon from June through October across Eagan’s Town Green Park. Rain or shine, you’ll find over 100 local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet food products, artwork, jewelry, skin care items, pet treats, and more under white tents.
Seek out vibrant botanical prints from Galapagos Gardens, satisfying soup mixes from Minnestalgia Foods, or creamy caramels from Sticky Sweet. Grab an organic juice or kombucha while listening to live acoustic music performances. With ample free parking and a rotating lineup of pops-up shops alongside longtime favorites, Eagan Market Festsatisfies all your shopping cravings in an afternoon.
11.Attend a Concert at Festival Grounds
If you’re visiting between May and October, consider catching a show Festival Grounds. This outdoor concert venue schedules around 10 shows per season from tribute bands and local musicians across genres like funk, soul, rock, blues, and country. Concerts take place rain or shine with space for over 1,500 music lovers to set up lawn chairs and blankets.
Popular acts grace the covered stage while food trucks dish up barbecue, pizza, and Minnesota specialties like cheese curds nearby. Outside alcohol is prohibited but multiple bar stations serve up local brews and seltzers to enjoy during the show. With free parking and a grassy hill overlooking the stage, Festival Grounds provides an easy summer concert experience in Eagan.
Conclusion
With scenic trails, cultural attractions, family entertainment, recreation options, and plenty of places to shop and dine, Eagan truly has something for everyone. From theater performances to paddling adventures to handmade artisan goods, it’s easy to see why Eagan is a popular suburb near Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The scenic community provides a peaceful home base while experiencing Twin Cities offerings and serves up year-round things to do within its blossoming creative district. Whether playing mini golf, climbing terrain walls, racing go karts, or catching a musical under the stars, visitors of all ages find fun, rejuvenation, and friendly local flair across Eagan’s top attractions.