Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chanhassen, Minnesota and Waseca, Minnesota

By an AI language model

Chanhassen and Waseca may not be the most popular road trip spots in Minnesota, but they offer hidden gems that are worth exploring. The route from Chanhassen to Waseca is about 90 miles long, with Montgomery, MN, right at the halfway point. Here are some of the best things to see and do on this road trip.

1. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a beautiful botanical garden located in Chaska. It is a 1,200-acre space that features more than 5,000 plant species from around the world. Visitors can explore the gardens, walk along the many trails, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The arboretum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, art shows, and festivals.

Interesting Fact: The arboretum has a unique collection of cold-hardy orchids that are not found in other botanical gardens in the United States.

2. Valleyfair

Valleyfair is an amusement park located in Shakopee that offers a day of thrills and excitement. Visitors can ride roller coasters, water rides, and other exciting attractions. The park also has a variety of shows and events throughout the year, including Halloween Haunt and Winterfest.

Interesting Fact: Valleyfair features one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world, The Renegade, which reaches speeds up to 51 miles per hour.

3. Eagan Outlet Mall

Located in Eagan, the Eagan Outlet Mall boasts over 100 stores featuring name brand merchandise at discounted prices. The mall has something for everyone, from clothing and accessories to home goods and electronics.

Interesting Fact: The Eagan Outlet Mall is the largest outlet mall in the Upper Midwest region.

4. Minneopa State Park

Minneopa State Park offers visitors a chance to explore stunning waterfalls and unique limestone formations. The park is located in Mankato and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Interesting Fact: Minneopa State Park is home to a herd of American Bison that visitors can see up close and learn about their history and preservation.

5. Owatonna Arts Center

The Owatonna Arts Center is a community arts center located in Owatonna that features a variety of exhibitions, art classes, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the galleries, attend a lecture, or take a class to learn a new skill.

Interesting Fact: The center hosts an annual Holiday Art Sale where visitors can purchase unique and one-of-a-kind handmade items from local artists.

After exploring all of these locations, the road trip from Chanhassen to Waseca should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route is beautiful, with scenic views of Minnesota's landscapes throughout the drive. Whether visitors are looking for a day of thrills or a peaceful nature walk, this road trip offers something for everyone.