Eden Prairie is a charming suburb located just southwest of downtown Minneapolis. With its beautiful parks, extensive trail system, excellent shopping and dining options, and family-friendly attractions, Eden Prairie has something for everyone.
From outdoor adventures to indoor fun, cultural experiences to tasty treats, read on for our recommendations of the top 12 things to do in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. No matter your interests or the season, you’ll find activities the whole family can enjoy in this vibrant Minnesota town.
1.Stroll Along the Trails at Bryant Lake Regional Park
Home to peaceful prairie landscapes, woodlands, wetlands, and the beautiful Bryant Lake, Bryant Lake Regional Park is one of Eden Prairie’s natural gems perfect for taking a quiet walk. Meander through oak forests on the Chestnut Oak Trail or gaze out over the water from the Lakeshore Trail that encircles Bryant Lake.
Look and listen for songbirds like the red-winged blackbird along the Ducky Trail that cuts through cattail marshlands. With over nine miles ofmulti-use dirt and paved trails ideal for walking, running, biking and inline skating, you’re sure to find a path suited perfectly to your interests within this scenic 750 acre park.
Don’t miss the stunning views from the observation deck overlooking Bryant Lake near the beach. On warm summer days, come prepared for swimming as Bryant Lake Beach is staffed with lifeguards and features a large grassy area perfect for picnics. With so many different ecosystems and habitats in one park, Bryant Lake Regional Park offers visitors gorgeous scenery and excellent wildlife watching year-round.
2.Shop and Dine Your Way Through Eden Prairie Center
When you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails at Bryant Lake Park or simply feel like a little retail therapy, make your way over to Eden Prairie Center. This vibrant indoor mall houses over 60 stores, services, and restaurants all under one climate controlled roof. Retail standouts include department stores like Macy’s and Von Maur along with specialty shops like Anthropologie, Free People, and Lululemon. Grab a coffee at Caribou Coffee or indulge in a sweet treat like fudge from Fudgeons or freshly made gelato from Northern Naturals.
With cuisine ranging from fast casual to fine dining, Eden Prairie Center offers an array of tasty eats to fuel your shopping adventures. Stop by Shake Shack for burgers and shakes on-the-go or sit down for a relaxing meal at one of the mall’s standalone restaurants like P.F. Chang’s, JOY Sushi, or The Cheesecake Factory. Whether you’re looking for new shoes for the kids, gifts for loved ones, or just a chance to get out of the cold, the climate controlled comfort of Eden Prairie Center has you covered year-round.
3.Learn About Science at The Works Museum
Dedicated to inspiring a love of science, technology and engineering, The Works Museum offers fascinating hands-on exhibits perfect for curious young minds. Children can design their own robots, learn about energy through an interactive wind turbine, and gain firsthand experiences with physics in the museum’s labs. Budding engineers will love the Gears & Gizmos area where they can build race cars, bridges, and contraptions out of K’Nex building toys. Little ones age 5 and under even have their own special My Works area tailored perfectly to early childhood development.
With rotating exhibits focused on relevant scientific topics like the ecology of whales and environmental conservation, The Works Museum seamlessly blends learning and fun. Daily programs and demonstrations like Cryogenics Shows where museum educators teach visitors about states of matter through supercool explosions of air add an extra dash of excitement. Affordable annual memberships make The Works a budget-friendly choice for frequent visits while the museum’s location within Eden Prairie Center makes it easy to incorporate a stop into a day of shopping.
4.Catch a Show at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center
Boasting pristine acoustics and amenities rivaling those of major theater centers, the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center brings superb cultural performances to town. The EPAC hosts touring Broadway productions like Monty Python’s Spamalot along with talented musicians ranging from the Russian String Orchestra to nationally renowned jazz and blues artists like Morgan James and Ana Popovic.
For family-friendly shows, check out the EPAC’s Just for Kids series featuring colorful musicals like The Cat in the Hat and Junie B. Jones along with unique acts like the Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling troupe and the amazing magic of The Edge of Illusion. With a calendar full of concerts, comedy acts, dance performances, and more, the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center truly offers spectacular entertainment for all ages.
5.Paddle on Riley Lake at Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Park Reserve
For a fun outdoor adventure just minutes from downtown Eden Prairie, grab a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard and head out onto peaceful Riley Lake. Nestled within the over 1,600 acres of Riley-Purgatory Bluff Creek Park Reserve, Riley Lake invites boating, fishing, and bird watching with its still waters and miles of pristine shoreline. Rent your watercraft of choice right at the lake during the summer months or bring your own anytime to launch from one of Riley Lake’s three carry-in public water accesses.
When you’re ready for a break from the water, take to Riley Lake’s extensive trail system boasting over 15 miles of paths ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Climb the Bluff Trail for panoramic views across the lake or meander through prairie grasslands and woodlands on the Caterpillar Trail spotting wildlife like deer, foxes, and even river otters along the way. With available camping and picnic areas at the East Riley Lake day use area, you can easily turn your lake day into an overnight under the stars at this natural escape so close to home.
6.Spend a Day of Discovery at The Landing
Opened in 2021, The Landing Minnesota is one of Eden Prairie’s newest attractions offering engaging experiences focused on cultivating creativity and connection. Spread out over eight acres along the southwest shore of Riley Lake, The Landing houses whimsical exhibits like the Human Knot sculpture contorted into thought-provoking shapes along with conversation-starting art installations crafted from reclaimed materials. Inside the main building, visitors of all ages can get hands-on in the Innovation Lab testing prototype gadgets or gathering inspiration at the inspirational Collider exhibit.
For a true one-of-a-kind adventure, book a guided Discovery Tour at The Landing to embark on a customized journey tailored exactly to your interests. Expert guides facilitate deep dives into topics ranging from art to architecture to STEM innovations using The Landing’s myriad exhibits as an imaginative launchpad. When planning your visit to The Landing, don’t forget to budget some time to simply wander and discover memorable sights you may otherwise miss without a map or prescribed path to follow.
7.Find Festive Fun at Eden Prairie’s Signature Events
Beyond its wealth of shops, restaurants and attractions, Eden Prairie comes alive each year with a slate of spirited annual events beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Kick off summer at the Eden Prairie Arts Festival where over 100 talented artists from across the country convene to show their latest creations while live bands and a dedicated kids’ art area make for a lively atmosphere all weekend long. Held each June, the Arts Festival spans painting, photography, jewelry, mixed media, woodworking and more for a can’t-miss showcase of fine art right in Eden Prairie.
As the weather cools in the fall, the Eden Prairie Lion’s Club hosts the ever-popular Eden Prairie Chili Cook Off. Sample spicy creations from amateur chefs and local eateries then cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award winner. Enjoy live music and family fun like carnival games while supporting important community causes.
The whole family can ring in the holiday season each November and December during the Eden Prairie Festival of Wonders. This elaborate winter wonderland centered around the Eden Prairie Center Mall features dazzling light displays perfect for selfies along with opportunities for photos with Santa himself. Live musical performances, horse-drawn trolley rides, polar plunges, and ice skating make the Festival of Wonders a magical way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
8.Catch a Baseball Game at the Eden Prairie Baseball Complex
Home to the renowned Eden Prairie Eagle high school baseball program along with several youth baseball leagues, the Eden Prairie Baseball Complex offers prime opportunities for America’s favorite pastime right in town. Traveling Baseball teams and baseball camps utilize the complex’s eight state-of-the-art baseball diamonds maintained to major league standards by the city parks department throughout the summer season.
Pack a picnic, grab some lawn chairs, and come cheer on Eden Prairie’s top teams and future big leaguers at the complex’s showcase field complete with covered grandstand seating for 500 fans. You’ll find concession stands on site serving up classic ballgame fare like hot dogs and popcorn to fuel your fandom. With multiple fields full of action and future hall of famers in the making, the Eden Prairie Baseball Complex makes an ideal spot for an afternoon of family-friendly baseball watching.
9.Paddleboard with Pups at Riley Lake Dog Park
For four-legged adventurers, Eden Prairie’s Riley Lake Dog Park invites leashed pets to make a splash on the lake’s sandy shoreline just steps from The Landing attraction. Fully enclosed to keep dogs safely contained, Riley Lake Dog Park features gentle sloping access perfect for retrievers romping after tennis balls tossed into the lake. Tank, the resident black lab ambassador at The Landing, can’t resist plunging into Riley Lake’s shallow swimming area so your water-loving pup is sure to enjoy a dip too.
When your buddy’s had his fill of lake fun, let him roam in Riley Lake Dog Park’s off-leash areas with room to run on soggy shoreline or shady grassy areas. Bring your own paddleboard or kayak to explore Riley Lake one-on-one with your pup. On especially hot Minnesota days, cool off together beneath the dog park’s custom sprinkler arch for a refreshing treat. With nearby parking and free admission, Riley Lake Dog Park makes an easy and affordable choice for year-round adventures with your favorite furry co-pilot.
10.Enjoy Local Art at the EPAC Art Gallery
Tucked away on the second floor of the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center, the EPAC Art Gallery makes a hidden gem ready to be discovered in Eden Prairie’s thriving arts scene. Showcasing over a dozen exhibitions annually, the EPAC Art Gallery primarily features works by artists living and working across Minnesota. From rotating collections of vivid landscape oil paintings to polymer clay sculptures brimming with whimsy, exhibits change every six weeks to continually intrigue visitors. Make checking out the latest creations at the EPAC Art Gallery a regular stop on your jaunts to downtown Eden Prairie.
Many exhibits incorporate the performing arts elements of the EPAC space with multimedia displays, opening receptions coordinated with performing arts events in the theatre, and occasional live painting demonstrations by featured artists. When you visit, take time to admire how curators seamlessly incorporate hanging pieces throughout the EPAC lobbies to make local artwork an impactful flair across the entire venue.
11.Tee Off on World-Class Golf Courses
With numerous highly acclaimed golf courses calling Eden Prairie home, it’s no surprise Golf Digest named the city among the best places to play. Hazeltine National has challenged the world’s best players as host of prestigious tournaments like the Ryder Cup and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with its impeccably manicured greens and holes demanding precision. Midwestern golf enthusiasts flock to acclaimed Bearpath Golf & Country Club to test their skills on fast Championship greens that weave through a mature tree-lined landscape.
Public facilities like Eden Prairie’s Pioneer Creek and Eagle Creek Golf Courses offer access to pristine playing conditions for all golf lovers. Boasting rolling terrain with striking views overlooking the Minnesota River Valley, Pioneer Creek delights duffers with immaculate Bermuda fairways and perhaps the best finishing holes in the entire state. Meanwhile, links-style Eagle Creek features sprawling panoramas from elevated tees out across wetlands and the adjacent Apple Valley landfill turned green space.
For the ultimate bucket list experience, sign up to play at one of the private clubs under the guidance of an Eden Prairie golf pro. Whether you’re a touring pro or amateur enthusiast, Eden Prairie’s unbeatable fairways leave golfers grinning ear to ear.
12.Wine and Dine at Local Favorite Restaurants and Bars
After a day spent teeing off or winding along Eden Prairie’s trails, treat your taste buds to a fabulous meal at one of the city’s supreme dining establishments. For fine dining in an elegant atmosphere, make reservations at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse oozing old world charm with leather booths and a stone fireplace.
Their exceptional aged beef and seafood shine, especially when paired with selections from Fleming’s extensive wine list boasting over 100 varieties. Craving Italian? Locals rave about Travail Kitchen with its deliciously inventive tasting menus constantly pushing boundaries on culinary creativity. Oenophiles also appreciate Travail’s avant garde approach applied to their award winning wine list.
Of course, no trip to Eden Prairie is complete without stopping for a juicy Jucy Lucy burger, the Minnesota classic stuffed with gooey melted cheese that will dribble deliciously down your hands. Hit up the bustling Eden Prairie location of legendary burger bar The Blue Door Pub for the quintessential Jucy Lucy experience paired with local craft beer.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie’s Pub dishes out satisfying bar fare like award-winning wings and scratch-made pizzas perfect to enjoy while catching your favorite sports team on their dozens of TVs.
With eclectic eateries and watering holes ranging from fast casual favorites like chains like Buca di Beppo and PF Chang’s to the cozy small town vibe of Hickory’s Bar and Grill, Eden Prairie offers astonishing variety for wining, dining and unwinding after your adventures.
Conclusion
With hiking and biking trails, top-notch shopping and dining, museums and attractions for all interests, a thriving arts scene and peaceful natural escapes all conveniently close by, Eden Prairie truly offers seemingly endless possibilities for adventure, entertainment and fun.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or simply looking to relax and explore your own backyard, we hope our guide to the 12 best things to do inspires your own adventures discovering the very best this vibrant Minnesota city has to offer visitors of all ages.
When you’re ready to embark on your Eden Prairie itinerary, trust our recommendations will send you on your way to making unforgettable memories.