Local Area Attractions Near Minneapolis Southwest KOA Holiday

Our location provides a perfect opportunity to explore all that the Twin Cities area has to offer, whether you are here to attend a sporting event or take in the local culture of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Perfect base camp location

Perfect base camp location

Located in the heart of the Minnesota River Valley area in a quiet, rural setting, this is the perfect base camp for experiencing all that the Twin Cities has to offer, with plenty to entertain and delight the entire family. We are located a short drive to the Mall of America, Valley Fair Amusement Park, Mystic Lake Casino, horse racing at Canterbury Park, and one of the nation's largest Renaissance Festivals. We are also just a short distance from Minnesota Vikings football games at Target Field, or a Minnesota Twins baseball game, as well as many other sporting events, theaters, conventions, water parks, museums, zoos, art fairs, boating, fishing, swimming, golf, historic sites, and more. Our campground has easy access to several major highways in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Canterbury Park Racetrack

Canterbury Park Racetrack

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. The turf course is a 7/8 mile inner oval that accommodates races at several distances. Horse racing is held on weekends from mid-May through mid-August.

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Cathedral of St. Paul

Cathedral of St. Paul

A renaissance style Cathedral built in 1915. This Cathedrals is simply beautiful.

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Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Open every day of the year and the admission is free. A voluntary donation of $3 for an adult and $2 for a child to help us care for plants and animals is appreciated. Summer hours (April – September), 10 am – 6 pm

1225 Estabrook Drive

Saint Paul, MN 55103

651-487-8201

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Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

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. The dinner theatre is located 30 minutes from the campground.

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Elko Speedway

Elko Speedway

Elko Speedway, widely considered the premier racing facility in the Mid-west, is located a half hour south of downtown Minneapolis, just 10 minutes south of Burnsville, Minnesota. The track is a high-banked 3/8 mile paved oval allowing for 2 and sometimes 3 wide racing. Both outside and inside track lights allow for fantastic fan viewing during night events.

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Fort Snelling

Fort Snelling

Costumed guides demonstrate life as it was for the U.S. Army Military Post in 1827. Open May through October.

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Fort Snelling Cemetery

Fort Snelling Cemetery

This is a National cemetery and it is the second largest in the nation.

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Foshay Tower Observation Deck

Foshay Tower Observation Deck

The deck on the 32nd floor of the tower offers the best view of the Twin Cities. This attractions is closed in winter. Opens in April, weather permitting.

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Governor's Mansion

Governor's Mansion

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. 
Summer Tours:  Guided by docents from the Women's Organization of the Minnesota Historical Society, Summer Interior Tours explore the first floor and lower level of the Residence, showcasing the sustained beauty of several original decorative highlights, as well as added modern amenities to the 105-year-old home. Tours will begin every 10 minutes, between 10:30 a.m. to Noon. The final tour begins promptly at 12:00 p.m. The Residence Grounds and Gardens will be open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
Estimated Tour Time: 
The estimated tour time is 45 minutes.
Reservations:  Reservations are filling up quickly! Please e-mail [email protected] with the first and last names of each person in your group plus a few times and dates you prefer. You will be contacted with availability and a confirmation email for you to print and bring with you to your tour. Once all the times are filled, guests will be able to visit the grounds but not be able to enter the home

1006 Summit Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55105

651-201-3464

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Historic Stillwater, MN

Historic Stillwater, MN

The birthplace of Minnesota is a charming, historic town nestled in the hills and bluffs of the St. Croix River. You'll find fine shopping for gifts and antiques.

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Local Breweries

Local Breweries

Summit Brewery is a vintage brewery dating from 1938. This small local microbrewery comes complete with copper kettles imported from Europe. They still brew wonderful local drink called Summit Pale Ale. Tours are free, but reservations required.

Local Museums

Local 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.

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Mall of America

Mall of America

This is 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! They offer great daytime RV parking too.

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Minneapolis Planetarium

Minneapolis Planetarium

Discover planetariums, observatories, groups and resources for astronomy right here in Minnesota.

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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Beautiful sculptures by leading American and International Artists.

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Minnehaha Falls and Park

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.

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Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Arboretum features more than 1000 acres of unique public gardens. Make the Arboretum your place to experience nature and what's happening outdoors this season with family and friends. Stop in the Oswald Visitor Center for garden map and brochures, latest nature notes, class schedules, member info, special events and exhibits.

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Minnesota State Capitol

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.

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Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems. Learn more about the Minnesota Zoo—our mission, leadership, and history.

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Mississippi River

Mississippi River

Mississippi River

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Mystic Lake Casino

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.

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Raptor Center, University of Minnesota

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.

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The Landing (formerly Historic Murphy's Landing)

The Landing (formerly Historic Murphy's Landing)

Located on the scenic Minnesota River, The Landing is now owned and operated by Three Rivers Park District and 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.

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Valley Fair Amusement Park & Soak City Waterpark

Valley Fair Amusement Park & Soak City Waterpark

With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities' amusement park, where your next family adventure is closer than you think! Discover a summer of fun from thrilling coasters and Planet Snoopy to the area's premier waterpark and the new 230-foot North Star.

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