Things to Do

Albertville Premium Outlets

• Phone: 763-497-1911
• Website: www.premiumoutlets.com/albertville
• Facebook: ebook.com/premiumoutlets
• Twitter: premiumoutlets
• Email: shopper@premiumoutlets.com

• Address:

  6415 Labeaux Avenue NE Albertville, MN 55301

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Find impressive savings at Minnesota's largest outlet shopping center boasting 100 designer apparel and brand name outlets offering savings of 25%-65% every day. Featuring Adidas, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Coach, Converse, Gap, Guess, Gymboree Outlet, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vince Camuto and many more!
 
Location: Conveniently located just 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis on Interstate 94 and exit 202.
 
Tour Groups: Groups receive complimentary VIP Coupon Books filled with hundreds of dollars of additional savings at participating stores. FREE meal vouches for driver/escort.
 
Hours:
Mondays - Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sundays - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Please call ahead for winter and holiday hours.

Events:

May 28-31, Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale

July 1-5, July 4th Summer Sale

July 29-August 2, The Back-to-School & Fall Preview Sale

September 3-6, Labor Day Sidewalk Sale

October 8-11, Columbus Day Sale

November 26-28, After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness

December 26-January 2, After-Holiday Sale

February 11-14, Presidents' Day Sale

Canterbury Park

• Phone: 952-445-7223
• Website: www.canterburypark.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/canterburypark
• Twitter: CanterburyPark
• Email: groupsales@canterburypark.com

• Address:

  1100 Canterbury Rd Shakopee, MN 55379

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Experience the heart-pounding excitement at Minnesota's premier year-round entertainment destination - Canterbury Park. Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends from mid-May through Labor Day featuring a family friendly atmosphere at a great value. Canterbury Park's newly remodeled Card Casino deals up action 24/7 with the Midwest's largest variety of table games. From poker games like Texas Hold'em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud to Casino favorites Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, EZ Baccarat, Let it Ride, 3-Card Poker and more, the Canterbury Card Casino has you covered. Plus, Canterbury Park's Race Book and Special Events Center is open year 'round with daily action.
 
Canterbury Card Casino - Open 24/7
Table Games: Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, 3 Card Poker and More
Poker: Texas Hold'em, 7-Card Stud and Ohama Hi-Lo
 
Horse Racing
May 18 - Labor Day; Thursdays & Fridays - evening racing; Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays - Afternoon Racing. Check canterburypark.com or call for post-times.
 
Race Book
Open Daily 10 a.m. - Midnight. Watch and wager on tracks from around the country.
 
Special Events
The Craft Show, Junk Bonanza and much more. Visit our website or call for details.
 
Group Sales
Holiday parties • Summer picnics • Business meetings

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

• Phone: 952-934-1525
• Website: www.chanhassenDT.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chandinnertheatres
• Twitter: ChanhassenDT
• Email: information@chanhassentheatres.com

• Address:

  501W. 78th Street PO Box 100 Chanhassen, MN 55317

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For a taste of Broadway, visit Chanhassen Dinner Theatres -- the largest fully professional dinner theatre in the nation. Over the past 42 years, Chanhassen has entertained more than ten million guests and is considered a premiere entertainment establishment offering warmth, charm and elegance to all who visit!

Playing through July 30, 2011 is JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Propelled by a vibrant score, this story will captivate audiences with its transcendent power. This is the theatrical masterpiece written by the legendary musical team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber who created such classics as Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

HAIRSPRAY, the big-haired Broadway musical opens August 19, 2011 (public previews Aug 5 - Aug 18). "You Can't Stop the Beat" with this musical extravaganza playing through January 28, 2012, on the Main Stage.

Opening November 4, 2011 is PLAID TIDINGS, the special holiday edition of Forever Plaid! Everyone's favorite Plaid Boys (Sparky, Smudge, Frankie and Jinx) have returned to Earth and are overtaken with the Christmas spirit! It will run through Dec 31 to be followed by the original hit, FOREVER PLAID playing through March 3, 2012.

In the Playhouse Theatre, laugh along with STEVIE RAY'S COMEDY CABARET. Guests toss out suggestions to the comics, who create songs and sketches right on the spot. The comedy cabaret is featured year-round Friday and Saturday evenings.

Guests relax and enjoy tableside service with entrees selected from a delicious menu. Specialty appetizers, cocktails and desserts are also available. The Los Angeles Times calls Chanhassen "one of the very best dinner theatres in the country AAA Magazine states, "any Twin Cities trip should include an evening at Chanhassen!"

One third of Chanhassen's annual business is comprised of travel/tour and business groups. Offering a variety of packages and discounts, guests are entertained at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre year 'round.

For reservations, go to ChanhassenDT.com or call (952) 934-1525 or (800) 362-3515. For groups of 15 or more, call (952) 934-1547 or toll-free (800) 355-6273.

Historic Theatre Group

• Phone: 612-373-5677
• Website: www.hennepintheatretrust.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennepintheatretrust
• Twitter: hennepintheatre

• Address:

  800 LaSalle Avenue Suite 120 Minneapolis, MN 55402

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The Orpheum, State and Pantages theatres.

Mall of America

• Phone: 952-883-8800
• Website: www.mallofamerica.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MallofAmerica
• Twitter: mallofamerica
• Email: mphilipp@mallofamerica.com

• Address:

  Hwy. 494 & Cedar Ave. Bloomington, MN 55425

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The nation's largest fully-enclosed retail and entertainment center with 40 million annual visitors.

World-class shopping at 520 stores with top designer brands and no sales tax on clothing or shoes.

50 restaurants ranging from fine dining to fun, interactive family eateries.

More than 400 free events annually including many Hollywood celebrity performances and autograph signings.

Located in the center of Mall of America®, Nickelodeon Universe® features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 27 great rides for guests of all courage levels! Meet the Nick characters, experience new rides, shop exclusive retail and much more!

Many other attractions for hours of fun including Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, Silicon Motor Speedway, LEGO®, MagiQuest®,Theatres at Mall of America™, Rick Bronson's House of Comedy, American Girl and Butterfly Bay.

20,000 free parking spots and dedicated bus pick-up/drop-off facility at north entrance.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• Phone: 952-443-1400
• Website: www.arboretum.umn.edu
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MnArboretum
• Twitter: MLArboretum

• Address:

  3675 Arboretum Blvd Chanhassen, MN 55318

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Named one of the Top 10 gardens in America by USA Today, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a quick getaway right in the metro area. Explore 1,137 acres including 32 specialty and demonstration gardens, expansive tree and plant collections, , woodlands, wetlands and prairie. The Maze Garden and Bog boardwalk (newly reopening in May) are intriguing for all ages.

The Arboretum's Oswald Visitor Center features an art gallery, gift store and restaurant. Wine and beer served in restaurant, with Third Thursday Happy Hoursfrom May-Oct. ,4:30-6 p.m. The historic Snyder Building features the Andersen Horticultural Library and serves as a venue for year-round traditional teas and seasonal gourmet dinners.

Celebrate nature's glory in all seasons, with nature-inspired exhibits and events. Enjoy Autumn Unplugged , a collection of scarecrows as well as a lively "Pumpkin Palooza" display. Celebrate the holidays with Making Spirits Bright featuring live music, the Land of Gingerbread, the Great Hall of Ttrees, Enjoy holiday teas and gourmet dinners Winter exhibits include photography and orchids as well as an outdoors showcase with trails for guided winter hikes, snowshoe and cross-country skiing. Snowshoe rental available.

Spring and summer are a celebration for the senses as the gardens blossom and the earth renews in dramatic color and shape. Don't miss the year-long exhibit of Steelroots: Touching Earth & Sky, towering steel sculptures by acclaimed artist Steve Tobin, set amidst the gardens and landscapes. The Arboretum's Learning Center boasts a "please-touch" greenhouse, weekend family fun programs, childrenÕs daycamps and adventures; adult gardening school, cooking classes, botanical arts retreats and more.

Admission
Adults - $9
15 & under - free
Members - free
From April through October,Thursdays are 2 for 1 admission after 4:30 p.m., with the third Thursday free for all after 4:30 p.m. From November-March, admission is free all day Thursdays.
 
Hours
Visitor Center:
November-April: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
May-October: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 am.to 6 p.m. Sunday.
 
Arboretum grounds are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset (whichever is first). Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
Special hours for SummerHouse and AppleHouse summer and fall„featuring fresh local produce, garden gifts, University meats and cheeses, Arboretum apples, pumpkin and squash and more. Located west of Arboretum on Hwy. 5.
 
Touring the Arboretum
Guided tours: Motorized Trumpet Creeper Tram available May - October (tickets available in Oswald Viitor Center) or free walking garden tours; monthly regular guided walks schedule varies by month.

12.5 miles of paved garden paths and wood-chipped hiking trails

11 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails

3 miles of snowshoe trails

Walk, bike or drive Three-Mile Drive

Group Rates
$5 per person for groups of 10 or more in one vehicle. Call (952) 443-1411 to schedule group tours and reserve group tour packages.

Minnesota Zoo

• Phone: 952-431-9500
• Website: www.mnzoo.org
• Twitter: mnzoo

• Address:

  13000 Zoo Boulevard Apple Valley, MN 55124

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Located in the southeastern suburb of Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo is an animal lover's paradise. Open year-round, the Zoo features more than 2,900 animals from around the globe, including everything from Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins to grizzly bears and snow monkeys. Don't forget about the KAYTEE World of Birds Show, numerous special events, or a movie on the IMAX giant screen.

3M Penguins of the African Coast will feature African penguins in a brand-new habitat. For the first time, Minnesota Zoo guests will be able to experience these amazing aquatic birds eye-to-eye, above and below water, in a replica of their spectacular, wild habitat on South Africa's Boulders Beach.
 
The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and provides award-winning recreational, educational and conservation programs, locally, nationally and internationally.
 
The Minnesota Zoo is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 25th. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org.
 
Hours:
October - April: 9am - 4pm everyday
Memorial Day -Labor Day: 9am - 6pm everyday
September and May: 9am - 4pm weekdays, 9am - 6pm weekends
 
Groups
Discount admission and discount monorail is available for groups of 20 or more. Please call 952.431.9200 for more information or make your reservation on line at www.mnzoo.org

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

• Phone: 952-445-9000
• Website: www.mysticlake.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mysticlake
• Twitter: Mysticlake
• Email: sales@mysticlake.com

• Address:

  2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. Prior Lake, MN 55372

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The Midwest's Largest Casino and Official Casino Hotel of the Mall of America

Just 25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis or the airport

600 Luxurious Guest Rooms

24-hour Gaming Action

2,100 seat Mystic Showroom featuring top entertainment acts

Spa and Golf course on site

Indoor Pool

Ample Free Parking

Seven restaurants including an award-winning Buffet

On-Line Reservations

Nickelodeon Universe®

• Phone: 952-883-8600
• Website: www.nickelodeonuniverse.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickUniverse
• Email: nickuniverse@moa.net

• Address:

  500 Center Court Bloomington, MN 55425

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Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 27 great rides for guests of all ages and courage levels! Meet the Nick characters, experience new rides and attractions, shop exclusive retail and much more!
 
Visit www.nickelodeonuniverse.com for more info.

Running Aces Harness Park

• Phone: 651-925-4600
• Website: www.runningacesharness.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RunAces
• Twitter: RunAces

• Address:

  15201 Zurich Street NE Columbus, MN 55025

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Live Racing
Join us each and every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 31st - August 27th, 2011. Our first post is 7PM CT for all race dates!
 
Card Room
Running Aces Harness Park's high-energy, cutting-edge card room provides pulsating action from our 25 Las Vegas-style games!
 
Dining
Running Aces is the perfect place to enjoy full service dining all year long. Our 250-seat restaurant, The Winner's Circle Restaurant and Lounge, features an array of classic American and Asian menu selections. We feature Buffets on Thursday and Friday Nights, dinner specials and a Sunday Brunch throughout the year. For Reservations at the Winner's Circle Restaurant, please call 651.925.4577 or contact restaurant@runningacesharness.com
 
Open 24 hours a day, you can grab a quick bite or a cold drink at All-In Grill and fuel up for more fun! Order tableside with game side dining - we're full-service and ready to serve you!

Science Museum of Minnesota

• Phone: 651-221-9444
• Website: www.smm.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sciencemuseum
• Twitter: sciencemuseummn
• Email: info@smm.org

• Address:

  120 West Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, MN 55102

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Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul, the Science Museum of Minnesota has a 100-year history of unforgettable science fun and education. The museum is well-known for its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and hands-on entertainment, including innovative exhibits, a convertible-dome 9 story high Omnitheater, and a world-class collection of fossils and artifacts. The museum also boasts the popular Experiment Gallery, an Egyptian mummy, a climb-aboard Mississippi River towboat, an outdoor exhibit gallery featuring a river science-themed mini-golf course, and more. For show times, hours, and directions, call (651) 221-9444 or visit www.smm.org.
 
Exhibits and Programs:
• King Tut (thru September 5, 2011)
• Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs Omnitheater film (thru September 5, 2011)
• Wonder Years - new permanent exhibit
• Preschool Playdates - Visit the Science Museum with your preschool-age children between 9:30 a.m. - Noon on Mondays, and take part in a special promotion that will keep little hands busy and little minds buzzing!

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium

• Phone: 952-853-0612
• Website: www.sealifeus.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SEALIFEMN
• Twitter: SEALIFEMN

• Address:

  120 East Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425

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Want to dive beneath the sea without getting wet? You'll come face to face with everything from shrimp to sharks, and learn tons of great stuff from SEA LIFE experts. SEA LIFE Minnesota features more than 10,000 sea creatures that you can see and even touch! Come face to face with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, pufferfish, jellyfish and more in our world famous 300 foot long Tunnel where you are underwater without getting wet!

New for 2011:
At SEA LIFE Minnesota there will be fascinating new displays, cool hands-on activities for kids, tons more sea creatures than ever before, and an ocean full of fun! So go on, take the plunge and visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium!

Groups:
Great group programs and discounted rates! From interactive classroom programs to snorkeling adventures, we have something for all ages! Call 952-853-0612 or email groupsales@minnesotaaquarium.com for group discounts and availability. Parking: East Side Level One between Sears and Bloomingdale's (Mall of America)

Hours (subject to change):
Monday - Thursday 10:00am - 7:30pm
Friday 10:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sunday 10:00am - 6:30pm

Target Center

• Phone: 612-673-1311
• Website: www.targetcenter.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Target-Center/44460765786
• Twitter: TargetCenterMN

• Address:

  600 First Ave. North Minneapolis, MN 55403

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Target Center, home of the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Minnesota Lynx, offers a 12-month entertainment schedule that includes sporting events, family shows, concerts and more!
 
2011 highlights:
• MN State High School Dance Tournament (Feb. 18-19)
• Disney On Ice Presents Princess Wishes (Mar. 3-6)
• MN State High School Basketball Tourneys (Mar. 16-26)
• Harlem Globetrotters (Apr. 2-3)
• Keith Urban (Oct. 15)
• Shrine Circus (Oct. 20-23)
 
For complete schedule, visit www.targetcenter.com
 
Located in Downtown Minneapolis, Target Center can be reached by most major highways, and offers more than 11,000 parking spaces within a three-block radius of the arena.

The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

• Phone: 763-424-0504
• Website: www.shoppesatarborlakes.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShoppesatArborLakes
• Email: info@shoppesatarborlakes.com

• Address:

  12459 Elm Creek Blvd. N. Maple Grove, MN 55369

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Upscale shopping and dining in an outdoor setting.
 
Featuring some of the nation's most prominent retail brands like Anthropologie, Biaggi's, Coldwater Creek, Hollister, J. Crew, J. Jill, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, White House/Black Market, Williams-Sonoma, California Pizza Kitchen, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Trader Joe's and Brooks Brothers.
 
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
 
Location:
One block north of I-94/I-694 at the intersection of Hemlock Lane and Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove.

Valleyfair Family Amusement Park

• Phone: 952-445-6500
• Website: www.valleyfair.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/valleyfair
• Twitter: Valleyfair_MN
• Email: info@valleyfair.com

• Address:

  One Valleyfair Drive Shakopee, MN 55379

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Snoopy and the PEANUTS Gang are back in Minnesota with a whole new planet to explore at Valleyfair! Enjoy a day of unlimited rides at the park with over 75 rides, shows and attractions, including:

• Planet Snoopy
• Eight thrilling roller coasters
• Family and kids' rides
• Soak City Waterpark (included in admission price)
• Energizing live shows
• Feature presentation at the Pepsi IMAX® Theater

The Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE will return to the park beginning on September 24 and run on weekends through October30. Visit www.valleyscare.com for more information and hours - it's another reason to scream in the park!

2011 Season: Daily May 14 - September 5 and weekends in September and October. Visit valleyfair.com for the most up-to-date operating schedule.

Admission Rates: $39.99 Regular Admission (ages 3-61 & 48" or taller); $9.99 Junior/Senior Admission (Juniors age 3 and older but less than 48" tall or Seniors age 62 & older); 2 years and younger are FREE. Season Passes are on sale now for a year of fun at Valleyfair! Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

StarlightAdmission: $21.99 (Valid starting 5 pm on days the park is scheduled to close at 10 pm or later. On days the park closes at 8 pm or earlier, Starlight admission begins at 4 pm). Starlight Discount valid on Regular tickets only. All prices are subject to change.

Location: County. Rd. 101, 9 miles west of the intersection of 35W & County Road 13 in Shakopee, MN.