Location: Prior Lake
Top Things to do in Prior Lake
What to do and see in Prior Lake, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Prior Lake is a city 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Minneapolis seated next to Savage and Shakopee in Scott County in the state of Minnesota. Surrounding the shores of Lower and Upper Prior Lake, the city lies south of the Minnesota River in an area known as South of the River and establishes the urban fringe of the south-southwest portion of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the sixteenth largest metropolitan area in the United States. The population of Prior Lake was 22,796 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Prior Lake
1. Canterbury Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Canterbury Park is the Twin Cities' premier home to live horse racing, simulcast racing, and a 24/7 card club featuring Blackjack, Texas Hold'em and more.
Reviewed By cherylmike2
We went to watch the Corgi races, had a really fun time. We will be back next year. The drinks were reasonable. It was very well attended
2. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Todd F - prior lake mn
This large reserve encompasses both rolling hills and prairies. It gets some visitors but is large enough that it is anything but crowded. Almost every time I have visited (which is fairly frequently), once I leave the parking lot I typically see less than a dozen people. It definitely doesn't feel like you are within the metro area. Bring your water if your are going to be there for a while as there are not a lot of options as the park reserve is fairly undeveloped.
One parking lot on the north side of the park serves trailheads for cross country ski, hiking and mountain bike trails and is my favorite part of the park. Most folks can handle the less challenging hiking loops. The combination of trees and a lot of up and down on the trails make for a good test on both the ski and mountain bike trails. There are a number of loops so you can pick your level of challenge. If you are looking for something more suited to beginners, try Cleary Lake Park a few miles to the south on hwy 27
Another lot further south serves hiking, horse and dog trails. This area has more prairies, is more open and is not as hilly. This portion of the park is even less crowded.
There is a small lake access lot to the south but the lake is small and weedy and I have only seen an occasional canoe.
You can make your visit as long as you wish. You can do a short hike or you can spend all day skiing ducking into the warming hut as needed. One full loop of the mountain biking trail (~11 miles) takes ~1 hour.
3. Paragon Odyssey 15
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
IMAX The Mezz Bistro Lounge, serving small plates and specialty beverages CLUB LEVEL with VIP Luxury Seats; we welcome guests of all ages to enjoy a movie in our Club Level auditoriums before 4:00 pm*. It is truly a VIP experience for the whole family. After 4:00 PM, the Club Level is reserved for guests 21 and older. Reserved Seating Stadium Seating Birthday Parties & Corporate Events Diamond Rewards Loyalty Program *Club Level upcharge charge applies.
Reviewed By pizzabooger - Apple Valley, Minnesota
Went to a movie for the second time after buying this plastic cup the guy said that if you buy this cup you will get free refills up to a 1 year just bring it with every time you come to a movie and the pizza booger said sir that's a great deal I'll take it.So guess what happened to the pizza booger the next time in the lady says to yours truly the pizza booger sir you can't use that after today that was never meant to be used
More then one time .So once again don't pick your nose while watching a movie in public .So tell next time booger out
4. Sand Creek Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By cheremwall
This was an absolute amazing experience being our very 1st time. The instructors Tim & Allen were awesome! Such encouragement, through the entire experience. Loved the family business atmosphere Sand Creek adventures has created to make this experience safe, & super fun!! Thank you, thank you!!
5. Cleary Lake Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By roseee311 - Prior Lake, Minnesota
I love going to Cleary Lake. I am a runner and it is a perfect 3.4 miles to do once or many times. I always feel safe and it is the right mix of flat and hills. We also love the dog park that is right next to it. I go here many times per week.
6. Buck Hill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Recreation area offers year-round fun: winter offers trails and parks for both skiers and snowboarders; summer offers tubing and mountain bike racing events for two-wheel enthusiasts.
Reviewed By Jewelss0416 - Orlando, Florida
My 10 and 17 year old daughters had a great time. We got there around 8:30am and stayed till almost 9pm. They had different level hills for all ski levels. This was the first time my daughters have skied so I had them take a 90 minute class. Once they finished the lesson, you couldn't get then off the hill. There was a warm area with chairs and a great view. We also did snow tubing. That was very cool and fast. They even had a nice warm fire to sit around. If we ever make it back to Minnesota we will be back. It made a ski lover out of us.
7. Valleyfair
Overall Ratings
4 based on 621 reviews
Reviewed By Brianna_Jane - Red Wing, Minnesota
My girlfriend and I went to Valleyscare this year and had a lot of fun! There were multiple outdoor "scare zones" and indoor haunted houses. Everything had a different theme and there were a lot of cool special effects / decorations. In the slaughterhouse themed haunted house, there was a Plexiglas floor with a monster scaring people from below. Then, in others, they had obstacles you had to squeeze through, lasers that made it impossible to see what was behind beneath the light, and people well hidden in ghillie suits. Also, as you walked through the park to the various haunted houses, their major roller coasters were up and running: Steal Venom, Wild Thing, Extreme Swing, Power Tower, etc. Some restaurants and food places were open too, but we found out that the menus are limited because of the "off season" so we were told. Then, unfortunately, on the night we went, it was down pouring and lightening. So, they had to close down the rides for awhile and some of the outdoor Halloween attractions. They still kept the indoor haunted houses open, but the majority of the park closed down. We waited around for awhile and a few things opened back up, but the mazes and outdoor zones stayed closed. It was kind of a bumper, because we only got to do about half of the activities, but it was still fun. It should be noted that you can purchase a no-scare necklace for children to wear. And, the monsters can't touch you, necklace or no necklace. Overall, it isn't very scary, but they put a lot of effort into their decorations and the monsters made it fun to go through the haunted houses. On non-stormy days, there is definitely a lot more open and many Halloween activities to do.
8. Mystic Lake Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 388 reviews
Owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux nation, this 125,000-square-foot casino features 3,300 slot machines, 88 blackjack tables and a high-stakes Bingo Palace.
Reviewed By Leo S - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Came here for their New Years Eve party and could only stay for 30 mins before we couldn't take it anymore. Not sure what kind of ventilation system they have in there, if any at all, but smoke permeated the entire facility. Even the "non-smoking" areas were filled with smoke, just that no one was actively smoking in those areas. But you know, the smoke doesn't really care about those distinctions. Our clothes were getting infused with smoke as was my girlfriends hair. We left after our first drink and found a better place to celebrate.
The entertainment looked pretty good, but we weren't around long enough to really enjoy it. May come back if and when they ever upgrade their systems.
9. Missing Pieces Escape Games
Overall Ratings
5 based on 54 reviews
Missing Pieces Escape Games combines mystery, storytelling and strategy to put you at the center of real-life challenges. Players must work together to discover secrets, unravel riddles and piece together puzzles as the main characters in every game. Our escape games feature immersive environments with clues that will keep you guessing as you uncover the answers.
Reviewed By Epidoc96 - Apple Valley, Minnesota
My teenagers and I (three of us) completed the Ruin Raiders escape room with time to spare, and had a blast doing it. The puzzles were well-constructed -- just difficult enough that you had to work at them a little bit, but not so difficult...MoreThank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm glad the three of you enjoyed Ruin Raiders, it was great chatting with you about your experience afterwards! We hope to see you again soon!
10. The Meadows at Mystic Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Sammy0222 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Every year we are at the casino for Rib Fest we stop in here for drinks on their amazing patio that overlooks the golf course. We're always surprised that more people don't take advantage of this space. They have recently added free arcade/sports games on the inside of the restaurant so if you have children that should keep them occupied. We have not tried the food so I cannot comment on that. Service is always prompt and very friendly.
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