Minneapolis Southwest KOA

Valley Fair Amusement Park & Whitewater Country Waterpark

The largest outdoor amusement park in the Upper Midwest. Located just 15 minutes from the campground. They offer 68 acres of exhilarating rides, water park, musical entertainment, stage shows and IMAX theater. www.valleyfair.com

Mystic Lake Casino

A premier gaming facility with over 2,600 slots, 128 blackjack tables, 1,200 seat high-stakes bingo palace, 5 theme restaurants, an excellent buffet, and concerts with nationally renowned entertainment. Just 15 minutes from campground. www.mysticlake.com

Knott's Camp Snoopy

Home to Snoopy and his "Peanuts" pals. Camp Snoopy is an interractive, participatory experience, a place where parents can join their children in sharing the fun of many of the rides and attractions. This six-acre Kid's mecca boasts more than 30 attractions for the young-and the young at heart! Just 30 minutes from the campground. www.mallofamerica.com

Mall of America

The largest enclosed retail and family entertainment complex in the United States. Over 500 stores, more than 50 dining establishments, Knott's Camp Snoopy, Lego Imagination Center, Underwater Adventures and so much more! Great daytime RV parking too. www.mallofamerica.com

Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park Racetrack and Card Club is a year-round destination. Canterbury Park is just 15 minutes from the campground. They have an 18,000 square foot card club that features 50 tables and comfortable seating with full bar and menu. The Race Track, Canterbury's one-mile oval is one of the finest in the nation. Sandy loam composition. Three chutes --3 ½ furlongs, 6 ½ furlongs and 1 1/4 miles. The turf course is a 7/8 mile inner oval that accommodates races at several distances. Horse racing on weekends from mid-May through mid-August. www.canterburypark.com

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Be thrilled - be charmed - be entertained! Since Chanhassen Dinner Theatre opened, over 160 plays have been produced and played to more than seven million guests. Located 30 minutes from the campground. www.chanhassentheatres.com

Raceway Park

From NASCAR to Trailer racing events they provide affordable family fun. www.goracewaypark.com

Elko Speedway

Elko Speedway is a high-banked, 3/8-mile; paved oval track located 10 minutes south of Burnsville, Minnesota.

Walking / Hiking / Biking

Nearby is the Louisville Swamp which provides four separate trails covering 13 miles on 2600 acres of land managed by the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. You can also take the Mississippi Mile and Lowertown St. Paul walking tours. midwest.fws.gov/MinnesotaValley

Fort Snelling

Costumed guides demonstrate life as it was for the U.S. Army Military Post in 1827. Open May through October. For more information, visit Fort Snelling State Park online.

Fort Snelling Cemetery

National cemetery. The second largest in the nation. www.cwc.lsu.edu/projects/dbases/snelling.htm

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Open year round, and the admission is free. www.comopark.com

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Arboretum features more than 1000 acres of unique public gardens. www.arboretum.umn.edu

Minnesota Zoo

Visit the animals that make Minnesota their home. www.mnzoo.com

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Beautiful sculptures by leading American and International Artists. www.walkerart.org

Minnehaha Falls and Park

The park is 193 acres with a 53 foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. It attracts over ½ million visitors each year. www.minneapolisparks.org/?pageid=604

Minneapolis Planetarium

For those astronomy lovers out there, journey to the stars at the Minneapolis Planetarium.

Museums

Nearby museums include the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota Children's Museum, Minnesota Air Guard Museum, The American Swedish Institute, Minnesota Historical Center, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Historic Murphy's Landing, Gibbs Farm Museum, Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum and the Minnesota Aviation History & Education Center. Read more about each of them at: www.allaboutminneapolis.com

Governor's Residence

The Governor's residence is located in St. Paul's historic Summit neighborhood. It is one of many stately houses in the area some of which are open for public tours, including James J. Hill House. Check them out at: www.admin.state.mn.us/buildings/residence/

Alexander Ramsey House

Nearby the Governor's residence and James J. Hill House is another Victorian Era home. www.mnhs.org/places/sites/arh

Minnesota State Capitol

The Capitol features one of the largest self-supporting domes in the world. A 45-minute guided tour is available on the hour 7 days a week. Free. www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc

Cathedral of St. Paul

A renaissance style Cathedral built in 1915. Simply beautiful. www.archspm.org/html/cathedral.html

Summit Brewery

A vintage brewery dating from 1938. This small local micro brewery comes complete with copper kettles imported from Europe. They still brew wonderful local drink called Summit Pale Ale. Tours are free, but reservations required. www.summitbrewing.com

Raptor Center, University of Minnesota

Working with 30 eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, knowledgeable volunteers guide tours and teach about the bond between birds and humans. www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu

Foshay Tower Observation Deck

The deck on the 32nd floor of the tower offers the best view of the Twin Cities. Closed in Winter. Opens in April, weather permitting. www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us/foshay.html

Murphy's Landing

Located on the scenic Minnesota River, historic Murphy's Landing depicts life as it was during 1840-1890. The interpreters dress in period clothing and speak in first-person about their daily lives. This is just like taking a step back in time. www.murphyslanding.com