You can never go wrong with a visit to one of the many amusement parks in Minnesota. Amusement parks are an excellent way to spend quality time with friends or family as they offer various attractions, multiple rides, and lots of different games. Experience the thrill of riding roller coasters or having your whole body plummet to the ground at exciting speeds — all in the relative safety of the park. Depending on your personal preferences, Minnesota amusement parks can give you access to themed rides, kiddie playgrounds, and adult thrills in one convenient space!
Best Amusement Parks in Minnesota
Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington
Minnesota has not one but two indoor amusement parks — both located at Mall of America. The Nickelodeon Universe is perhaps one of the most popular choices for families with kids because most of the rides are based on Nickelodeon’s best franchises. There’s the Avatar Airbender Roller Coaster ride and the Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge, both based on popular shows. There are a total of five roller coasters on location with varying degrees of excitement.
A total of four thrill rides and six rides await the whole family. Kids can choose among ten possible kiddie rides, ensuring that they’ll have tons to do during their stay. Dining options are also exhaustive thanks to the various carts that litter the amusement park. Children and adults will enjoy the selection of Dippin Dots ice cream, beverages, ICEE drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, and mini donuts. There’s also a Grub and Sweet Treat location in the park. For the adults, there’s the Caribou Coffee and the Hard Rock Café!
There are also retail shops on-site that you can explore while taking a break from the rides. Obviously, a Nickelodeon Shop is there where you can check out various products from their popular franchises. Toy and gear shops are also available, plus an extensive LEGO store! The great thing about Nickelodeon Universe is that it operates all year round! The indoor setup lets you enjoy all the activities even during the harsh winter season. The site follows mall hours and opens at 10 in the morning.
Address: 5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA | Phone: +1 952-883-8800 | Website: nickelodeonuniverse.com
Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd
Paul Bunyan Land is another popular attraction located at Brainerd. It’s an outdoor amusement park with a trademark talking statue that stands 26 feet in height. As you can probably guess, this statue is of the infamous Paul Bunyan and it greets visitors as they enter the park. Paul Bunyan Land has a stunning breadth of 180 acres containing a total of 27 different rides. Smattered in between the rides are buildings serving all kinds of food or offering you numerous ways to shop.
The rides are the main reason people go here. There’s the classic roller coaster thrill ride, tilt rides, swings, and a Ferris Wheel! Kids will enjoy several rides like Boats, Frog Hopper, Dodgem Cars, and the Kiddie Canoes. For adults, you can try out the Flying Cages, the Zumur Swing, or the Climbing Wall. If you’re feeling brave, Paul Bunyan Land also has the classic Haunted House and the Ghost Mine. Remember that some rides have height requirements so make sure to check ahead!
The Pioneer Village is one of the amenities that make this place unique. Here, you can explore a little “village” containing old-timer buildings that show you exactly what it was like to live just a few decades earlier. There’s the classic Giant Pumping, a Car Showroom, an old-time Fire Station, Sawmill, Barn, Longhorn Saloon, and even a Workshop! It’s a great way to give the kids a bit of education while keeping them entertained. For outdoor lovers, there’s also a dedicated campground in the area and of course, multiple dining options for the family! As an outdoor park, Paul Bunyan Land only operates in the summertime.
Adress: 17553 MN-18, Brainerd, MN 56401, USA | Phone: +1 218-764-2524 | Website: paulbunyanland.com
Valleyfair, Shakopee
Valleyfair is the biggest amusement park in Minnesota. Is it the best? You need to find that out for yourself! The park spans 125 acres of property and houses not just rides and restaurants but also amphitheaters where shows are held on a routine basis. There’s a total of 8 roller coasters on-site with a 1 to 5 Thrill Rating based on Valleyfair’s own rating system. The Renegade is made of wood and occupies the top spot with a 5 Thrill Rating. However, the tallest roller coaster in the park is actually the Wild Thing and it has a Thrill Rating of 4.
You can also pick from 10 family rides including bumper cars, the carousel, and the classic Ferris wheel. For the kids, there’s Planet Snoopy, which is a dedicated children’s area where all rides have been vetted as safe for the little ones. Here, children can choose from a collection of 14 different rides! Finally, you get two wet rides where you might find yourself thoroughly soaked. Bring extra clothes if you want to try these out!
Address: 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA | Phone: +1 952-445-7600| Website: valleyfair.com
Helpful Tips
We’re proud to feature some of the best amusement parks in Minnesota for your friends and family to visit! Activities, themes, and access may vary depending on the season so try to check ahead before scheduling a day in any of these parks. Get an overview of the rides available in each location, the activities on offer, and the best way to make the most out of your visit.
Most of these amusement parks have on-site diners but you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink! Be sure to dress for the weather and put on sunscreen even during a cloudy day. With the right preparation and this handy guide, our goal is to make sure you have fun!
Start Planning Your Trip to the Best Amusements Parks in Minnesota
Spending time in any of the amusement parks mentioned here will surely leave you tired but happy at the end of the day! Take this chance to enjoy all the activities and give yourself a thrilling time with the family. Whether you’re spending the day with fellow kids-at-heart or with literal kids, you’ll find that there’s always something to look forward to in these parks!
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