The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chaska, MN to Minneapolis, MN

Overview

Chaska, MN is a charming city in Carver County, just southwest of Minneapolis. It's known for its golf courses, parks, and beautiful scenery. The drive from Chaska to Minneapolis takes only about 30 minutes on Highway 212, passing through the city of Eden Prairie, MN at the halfway point. Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and is a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. This road trip offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and city life, making it a great weekend getaway or day trip.

Top Five Things to Do

Paisley Park (Chanhassen, MN)

If you're a fan of Prince, Paisley Park is a must-visit attraction. This is the late legendary musician's estate and recording studio, which has been converted into a museum. The museum takes visitors on a tour of the various rooms and spaces within Paisley Park, including the recording studios, control rooms, and a soundstage. The museum also houses thousands of artifacts, including Prince's instruments, clothing, and artwork.

Fun Fact: Paisley Park was Prince's creative sanctuary and was where he recorded many of his most famous albums, including "1999" and "Purple Rain."

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska, MN)

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and research center located in Chaska. The arboretum showcases over 5,000 plant species, including trees, shrubs, and flowers from around the world. Visitors can explore the various gardens, including the rose garden, bog garden, and wildflower garden. There are also trails for hiking and biking, as well as a tree canopy walkway.

Fun Fact: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the largest public garden in the upper Midwest region of the United States.

Mall of America (Bloomington, MN)

The Mall of America is a massive shopping and entertainment complex located in Bloomington, MN, just outside of Minneapolis. The mall features over 500 stores, restaurants, and attractions, including an indoor amusement park, aquarium, and mini-golf course. It's a great place to do some shopping, catch a movie, or have a fun day out with the family.

Fun Fact: The Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States and attracts over 40 million visitors each year.

Minnehaha Regional Park (Minneapolis, MN)

Minnehaha Regional Park is a beautiful 193-acre park located in Minneapolis, MN, along the banks of the Mississippi River. The park features a stunning 53-foot waterfall, which is a popular spot for photos and picnics. There are also hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a wading pool for kids.

Fun Fact: The name "Minnehaha" comes from the Ojibwe language and means "laughing waters."

Walker Art Center (Minneapolis, MN)

The Walker Art Center is a contemporary art museum located in Minneapolis. The museum features works from both local and international artists and has a robust schedule of exhibitions and events year-round. Visitors can also check out the famous sculpture garden, which features iconic works like Claes Oldenburg's "Spoonbridge and Cherry."

Fun Fact: The Walker Art Center was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest art museums in the United States.

Conclusion

This road trip from Chaska to Minneapolis offers a great mix of natural beauty and city life. At just 30 minutes, it's a quick and easy drive, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you're a fan of Prince, an avid hiker, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there's something for everyone on this road trip. So pack up your car and hit the road for an adventure you won't forget!