Key Takeaways:
- Eagan offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities year-round.
- Whether you’re hiking, exploring local parks, or enjoying seasonal festivals, Eagan has something for everyone throughout the year.
- From its scenic trails to local attractions, Eagan is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Table of Contents
- Hike the Lebanon Hills Regional Park
- Explore the Minnesota Zoo
- Visit the Eagan Outlet Mall
- Stroll through the Cascade Bay Waterpark
- Attend the Eagan Art Festival
- Discover the Performing Arts at the Eagan Community Center
- Enjoy a Day at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets
- Walk the Blackhawk Park Trails
- Visit the Crystal Lake Park
- Participate in the Annual Eagan Winter Fun Fest
Eagan, Minnesota, is a dynamic city located just south of Minneapolis, known for its rich natural beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and outdoor activities. The city is home to a variety of parks, trails, and recreational spaces that make it a great place to visit year-round. People love Eagan for its easy access to metropolitan amenities while still offering a peaceful, suburban vibe. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, enjoy cultural events, or shop at its bustling outlets, Eagan offers plenty of activities that cater to all ages and interests.
1. Hike the Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is one of Eagan’s most scenic and versatile outdoor spaces, offering over 2,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and lakes. The park features a variety of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. Whether you’re exploring the picturesque lakes or venturing through the forest, Lebanon Hills offers something for everyone. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy walking along the trails and birdwatching, while winter brings the opportunity for snowshoeing and skiing.
The park also features well-maintained picnic areas, a beach for swimming, and several fishing spots, making it a perfect place for a day of outdoor relaxation. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Lebanon Hills is a fantastic location for anyone looking to escape into nature. Whether you’re a casual hiker or an avid outdoors enthusiast, the park offers an enjoyable experience that makes Eagan a fantastic year-round destination.
2. Explore the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo, located in nearby Apple Valley, is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families alike. The zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, including species from the North American wilderness, the African savanna, and the Asian tropics. Visitors can explore exhibits such as the Tropics Trail, where they can see exotic animals like tigers, orangutans, and exotic birds, or enjoy the northern woods exhibit, where you can find animals like wolves, elk, and moose.
The zoo also offers year-round programs, including educational events, interactive exhibits, and animal encounters. Whether you’re exploring the zoo’s outdoor areas in the warmer months or enjoying the indoor exhibits during winter, there’s always something exciting to discover. A visit to the Minnesota Zoo is an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages, offering a chance to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.
3. Visit the Eagan Outlet Mall
The Eagan Outlet Mall is a popular shopping destination for both locals and visitors, offering a wide range of outlet stores with discounts on popular brands. Whether you’re looking for clothing, electronics, home goods, or accessories, the outlet mall has something for every shopper. The mall is conveniently located and offers a comfortable, indoor shopping environment that’s perfect for year-round visits, regardless of the weather outside. It’s an ideal spot to pick up gifts, update your wardrobe, or enjoy a day of shopping in Eagan.
In addition to the great shopping, the mall is home to several dining options, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal while they shop. The mix of retail stores, food courts, and seasonal events makes the Eagan Outlet Mall a fun and convenient place to spend a few hours. Whether you’re visiting for a shopping spree or a casual outing, the Eagan Outlet Mall provides an enjoyable experience.
4. Stroll Through the Cascade Bay Waterpark
Cascade Bay Waterpark is a family-friendly water park in Eagan that offers plenty of fun during the warmer months. The park features a variety of attractions, including a lazy river, water slides, a wave pool, and kiddie play areas, making it perfect for families with young children. Visitors can spend the day swimming, splashing, and enjoying the sun in this water-filled paradise. The park also offers private cabanas for relaxation and a food court for grabbing a bite between rides.
During the off-season, Cascade Bay hosts events and indoor activities, including swimming lessons and fitness programs. The waterpark is a great place for both locals and visitors to unwind during the hot summer months or enjoy a range of indoor activities in the cooler seasons. Cascade Bay Waterpark offers year-round fun for the whole family in Eagan.
5. Attend the Eagan Art Festival
The Eagan Art Festival is an annual event that celebrates the creative spirit of the community. Held in the summer, this vibrant festival features artwork from local artists, live music performances, and a variety of interactive art activities for all ages. Visitors can stroll through booths showcasing everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and photography. It’s a great way to experience the artistic talent that Eagan has to offer while supporting local creators.
In addition to the art exhibits, the festival offers food vendors, live performances, and activities for children, making it a fun outing for the whole family. The Eagan Art Festival is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, discover new art, and engage with the local community. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Eagan Art Festival is a great event to add to your calendar.
6. Discover the Performing Arts at the Eagan Community Center
The Eagan Community Center is the hub of the city’s performing arts scene, offering a variety of events throughout the year. From theater productions to musical performances, the community center hosts a diverse range of cultural experiences. The Eagan Art House, located within the community center, showcases local artists, and the venue often holds art classes and workshops for residents and visitors. Whether you’re interested in attending a play, a concert, or an art exhibit, the Eagan Community Center is the place to be for arts and culture.
Throughout the year, the center also offers events for families and children, making it a great spot for community engagement. Visitors can also take part in dance classes, acting workshops, or attend special seasonal performances. The Eagan Community Center provides something for everyone, making it a great year-round destination for culture lovers.
7. Enjoy a Day at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets
The Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan is a popular shopping destination that draws visitors from all over the region. The outdoor mall features over 100 stores, including high-end brands, designer labels, and popular retailers, all offering great discounts. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, accessories, or home goods, the Twin Cities Premium Outlets has a wide selection of products to choose from. The open-air setting allows for an enjoyable shopping experience year-round, with the beautiful Minnesota landscape adding to the charm.
In addition to shopping, the mall offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, making it easy to grab a bite after a long day of shopping. The convenience of being close to other attractions in Eagan makes this a great stop for a day trip. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Twin Cities Premium Outlets offers both retail therapy and fun, all in one location.
8. Walk the Blackhawk Park Trails
Blackhawk Park offers some of the best hiking trails in Eagan, with paths winding through lush woodlands and along scenic waterways. The park’s trails are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a peaceful walk or a more vigorous hike. As you walk through the park, you’ll come across picturesque spots ideal for birdwatching and nature photography. The park’s natural beauty and well-maintained trails make it an excellent destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
In addition to hiking, Blackhawk Park also offers picnic areas and open green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the area, Blackhawk Park is a peaceful retreat that provides year-round enjoyment for nature lovers. It’s a great place for a quiet afternoon hike or an easy stroll through Eagan’s beautiful landscapes.
9. Visit Crystal Lake Park
Crystal Lake Park is a beautiful urban park in Eagan, offering a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The park features a large, scenic lake where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer months. The surrounding parkland offers trails for walking, jogging, and biking, making it a great place for a day of outdoor activity. The peaceful lakefront views are perfect for a quiet afternoon of relaxation or a fun family outing.
During the winter months, Crystal Lake Park becomes a winter wonderland, with opportunities for ice skating and ice fishing on the frozen lake. The park also features picnic areas, sports courts, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families. Whether you’re enjoying the lake in the summer or playing in the snow in the winter, Crystal Lake Park is a fantastic year-round destination for outdoor fun.
10. Participate in the Annual Eagan Winter Fun Fest
The Eagan Winter Fun Fest is a beloved annual event that celebrates winter and brings the community together for a weekend of activities and entertainment. Held every January, the festival features outdoor activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding, along with winter-themed games and contests. There are also opportunities to enjoy hot cocoa, live music, and food trucks, making it a fun and festive experience for all ages. The Winter Fun Fest is a great way to embrace Minnesota’s cold weather while participating in fun, community-oriented activities.
In addition to the outdoor fun, the festival also includes indoor activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, and interactive games for children. It’s a fantastic event for families, locals, and visitors to come together and celebrate the winter season. Whether you’re braving the cold for outdoor adventures or enjoying the warmth of the indoor activities, the Eagan Winter Fun Fest is an event that captures the spirit of community and fun.
What to do if you have kids?
Eagan is a fantastic destination for families with children, offering a range of activities that will keep the little ones entertained year-round. The Minnesota Zoo, located nearby, is a great option for animal lovers, with interactive exhibits and a variety of animals to explore. For a day outdoors, Crystal Lake Park offers fishing, ice skating, and playgrounds, while the Eagan Community Center hosts family-friendly events and performances. The Eagan Art Festival and Winter Fun Fest are also perfect for families, offering fun activities and cultural experiences for children of all ages. Whether you’re exploring nature, attending a local event, or enjoying a zoo visit, Eagan has plenty of activities for kids.
Where can I find free events in Eagan, Minnesota, taking place this weekend?
To find free events in Eagan this weekend, be sure to check out Planmyweekend.ai. This tool provides an easy way to discover local activities, including free outdoor events, festivals, community gatherings, and more. Whether you’re looking for a free outdoor concert, a family-friendly festival, or a fun community event, Planmyweekend.ai has you covered. Simply enter your location and get a list of exciting and budget-friendly things to do in Eagan for the weekend.
Final Thoughts
Eagan, Minnesota, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect combination of outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities year-round. Whether you’re hiking along the park trails, attending one of the many festivals, or enjoying a day at the zoo, there’s always something exciting to do in Eagan. Its scenic parks, vibrant community events, and convenient location make it an ideal place to visit. Plan your trip to Eagan today and discover everything this charming city has to offer, no matter the season.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai