Those pilots that are arriving at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN are landing right in the heart of fun things to do in the Twin Cities. From tons of outdoor recreation opportunities to world-renowned museums to a delicious twist on the $100 burger flight and much more, there’s plenty to keep you entertained no matter what your interests are.
So whether you’re looking to kill some time over the course of an afternoon or are spending an extended vacation with us up north, you’re in for a wonderful experience – here are 15 fun things to do in the greater Twin Cities area.
1) Take a Tour of the Lakes
The greater Minneapolis area is home to countless gorgeous lakes, 13 that are more than 5-acres in Minneapolis alone. Bike-sharing is popular in the Twin Cities – if you see a row of bright green bikes (called Nice Ride), all you have to do is swipe a credit card to rent one for as long as you’d like. Hop on and bike around the many lakes in close proximity to Flying Cloud Airport, like the smaller Lake Riley and Bryant Lake, as well as the larger Anderson Lakes.
2) Visit a Winery
While it may not be Napa, California, Minnesota boasts several grade-A wineries, some just a few minutes away from the airport. There a group of wineries on the western edge of Eden Prairie: take a look at Schram Vineyards Winery, The Winery at Sovereign Estate or Deardorff Orchards and Vineyard to get a taste of something special while you’re in the Twin Cities.
3) Go to a Sporting Event
Whether you love baseball, basketball, football, skiing or soccer, the Twin Cities has something for every sports fan. With new stadiums popping up seemingly every few months around the Twin Cities, including U.S. Bank Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis (MN Vikings) and Allianz Field in St. Paul (MN United FC), visitors can witness the action first-hand in almost every sport. Plus, there are many amateur and semi-pro teams throughout the area that offer more affordable tickets with more availability.
4) Get a Thrill at Valleyfair
Minnesota’s very own theme park is Valleyfair, featuring almost 80 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters. Valleyfair also has a water park called Soak City which is included with the price of admission, perfect for a trip with the family on a hot summer’s day.
5) See a Horse Race at Canterbury Park
Located in the town over from Eden Prairie, Canterbury Park is the area’s premier horse racing track and casino. The track hosts about 70 racing days from early May to mid-September, generally holding scheduled races Thursday through Sunday, with racing added on several holidays throughout the meet. If horse racing isn’t your thing, the expansive casino on-site is sure to keep you entertained for hours.
6) Visit Prince’s Legendary Estate: Paisley Park
The international music icon Prince made his home, famously known as Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, just a 10-minute drive from Flying Cloud Airport. Upon his recent passing, his family turned his estate, where the pop artist lived, hosted public concerts and operated his studio from, into a museum that hosts daily tours. Here, you can get a first-hand look at what life was like for one of Minnesota’s most well-known residents.
7) Go Golfing at a Premier Course
If you’re landing at Flying Cloud Airport and you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. Eden Prairie is home to Braemar Golf Course, which has been ranked as the number one public golf course in Minnesota by Golf Digest and is among the top 75 in the nation in the same category. So you could land, call an Uber and be golfing on a premier course in less than a half hour!
8) Go for a Boat Ride in Lake Minnetonka
As the largest lake in the Greater Twin Cities area, Lake Minnetonka is perfect for an afternoon of aquatic fun. Take the helm of your own boat by visiting one of the many boat rental venues, or sign up for a cruise where you can sit back and enjoy the ride on a large ship.
9) Visit One of the Many Breweries
From classic hot spots like Fulton, Summit and Surly to newer favorites like Indeed, Badger Hill, Modist and beyond, there isn’t enough time in a week to visit all of the great breweries in the Twin Cities. The Twin Cities offers a taste of everything and is sure to impress even the staunchest beer lovers – just always remember to fly responsibly! Check out this resource to find your ideal spot for a drink.
10) Go Mountain Biking at Three Rivers Park
At Three Rivers Park District, just a short drive from Flying Cloud Airport, there are miles of rugged mountain biking trails. There are designated mountain bike trails and paved bike/hike trails of varying terrain and difficulty serving every skill level. Some trails are open for winter mountain biking. Bikes are also available to rent for $5 an hour (adults) or $4 an hour (children) at Baker Campground and Carver Park Lake Auburn Campground.
11) Tour the Minnesota State Capitol
Downtown St. Paul is a must-see during a visit to the Twin Cities, with its gorgeous views of the imposing bluffs along the Mississippi River contrasted with the quaint urban scenery. But, perhaps most spectacular is the Minnesota State Capitol. Visitors will see the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world, decorative art, murals and paintings restored to original 1905 look – and the best part? It’s free! Take a look at their website to find out when tours are given.
12) Go Skiing at one of the Premier Ski Areas
For those arriving in winter (which starts early and lasts later in Minnesota), head to one of the many ski areas around the Twin Cities for a thrilling day. Hyland Hills in Eden Prairie, Buck Hill in Bloomington and Afton Alps in Hastings will provide you with all the slopeside action you can handle. These hills also offer biking, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities for those visiting Minnesota during the spring, summer or fall.
13) Tour the Art Museums
The Twin Cities is home to many world-renowned art museums like the Walker Art Center, Museum of Russian Art and the Minneapolis Institue of Art. You can spend an afternoon at one of these, or take a tour and visit as many as you’d like to see everything from Monet to Dalí to Chagall and beyond.
14) Check Out a Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are booming in the Twin Cities right now, and for good reason – people want affordable, fresh and healthy food – and this is the perfect place to get it! Most of the markets around the Twin Cities are open on weekends, but there are some that are open throughout the week, such as the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market located on East Lyndale Street.
15) Eat a Juicy Lucy
You’ve heard of the $100 hamburger flight – well, here’s a cheesy new twist. While New York may be known for its pizza, Texas known for its barbeque, Iowa known for its corn-on-the-cob; Minnesota is known for its Juicy Lucys. It may be simple, but this local staple featuring two hamburger patties with a liquid cheese center on a bun is sure to excite your taste buds. Two main restaurants in town are especially well-known for this culinary creation: Matt’s Bar and 5-8 Club, however many restaurants throughout the area have their own impressive take on the burger.
Landing at Flying Cloud Airport? Come Say Hello to the Inflight Team!
Inflight Pilot Training and our partner Citadel Aircraft Maintenance are proudly based out of Flying Cloud Airport. Whether you need to refresh your pilot certification, get your airplane detailed or checked, or just want to meet some local pilots, our doors are always open.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more about our pilot services in Eden Prairie: Send us a message or call (952) 698-3000.