Valley Fair Minnesota stands as one of the Midwest's premier amusement parks, offering an electrifying blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the heart of Shakopee, Minnesota, this sprawling 125-acre entertainment destination has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike since its grand opening in 1976. Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast, a waterpark lover, or someone seeking a day of fun with your loved ones, Valley Fair offers something for everyone. Its unique charm, coupled with a rich history, makes it a must-visit location that guarantees memories to last a lifetime.
The park's diverse mix of attractions is designed to cater to all age groups and interests. From adrenaline-pumping rides like Wild Thing and Steel Venom to family-friendly options like the antique carousel and Planet Snoopy, Valley Fair Minnesota ensures that every visitor leaves with a smile. During the summer months, its Soak City waterpark becomes a refreshing retreat, while seasonal events like ValleySCARE and WinterFest transform the park into a holiday wonderland. With over 75 rides and attractions, there's no shortage of excitement here.
In addition to its rides, Valley Fair Minnesota is a hub for entertainment, dining, and special events. The park offers a variety of food options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals, ensuring that hunger doesn’t interrupt your adventure. Live shows, interactive experiences, and seasonal festivities further elevate the park's appeal. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or as part of a group, Valley Fair guarantees an all-encompassing experience that makes it a cornerstone of Minnesota's entertainment scene.
Table of Contents
- History and Overview of Valley Fair Minnesota
- Location and Accessibility
- Rides and Attractions
- Soak City Waterpark
- Planet Snoopy: Fun for the Little Ones
- Seasonal Events at Valley Fair Minnesota
- Dining Options at the Park
- Entertainment and Live Shows
- Ticket Prices and Packages
- Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Safety Measures and Guidelines
- Accommodations Near Valley Fair
- Group Visits and Corporate Events
- Sustainability Initiatives of Valley Fair
- Frequently Asked Questions
History and Overview of Valley Fair Minnesota
Valley Fair Minnesota opened its doors in 1976, making a splash in the world of amusement parks with its thrilling rides and family-centered attractions. It was established by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a leader in amusement park operations, and has since grown into one of the largest amusement parks in Minnesota. The park initially launched with a modest selection of rides and attractions but quickly expanded to meet the growing demands of its visitors.
Throughout its history, Valley Fair has continuously evolved. Iconic rides such as the High Roller, a classic wooden roller coaster, have stood the test of time, while newer attractions like the North Star swing ride keep the park updated with modern thrills. Seasonal events like ValleySCARE during Halloween and WinterFest during the winter months have added a new dimension to the park's appeal, making it a year-round destination for fun and excitement.
Valley Fair is also known for its commitment to innovation, regularly adding new attractions and experiences to its lineup. Over the years, the park has introduced state-of-the-art roller coasters, interactive experiences, and even revamped its waterpark to include slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. This commitment to growth and customer satisfaction has solidified Valley Fair's reputation as a premier destination in the Midwest.
Location and Accessibility
Situated in Shakopee, Minnesota, Valley Fair is conveniently located just 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it easily accessible to residents of the Twin Cities. The park's proximity to major highways ensures a hassle-free journey for visitors driving in from nearby areas or neighboring states. For those relying on public transportation, several bus routes and shuttle services connect directly to the park, making it accessible for everyone.
Visitors flying in from other states or countries can land at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the park. From there, rental car services, rideshare options, and airport shuttles provide convenient ways to reach Valley Fair. Additionally, the park offers ample parking space, including designated areas for RVs and buses, ensuring a smooth experience for all types of travelers.
Valley Fair's location also makes it an ideal stop for those exploring other attractions in the area. Nearby landmarks like the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Mystic Lake Casino, and Canterbury Park Racetrack offer additional entertainment options, allowing visitors to plan an extended trip full of diverse experiences. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Valley Fair's accessibility makes it a convenient and worthwhile destination.
Rides and Attractions
Valley Fair Minnesota boasts a diverse selection of rides and attractions designed to cater to all age groups and thrill levels. For adrenaline junkies, the park offers a variety of high-speed roller coasters and heart-pounding thrill rides. The Wild Thing, a 207-foot-tall hypercoaster, is a favorite among thrill-seekers, while the Steel Venom delivers twists, turns, and inversions that leave riders breathless. Other popular thrill rides include the North Star, a towering swing ride, and the Power Tower, which offers both free-fall and launch experiences.
For families and those seeking a more relaxed experience, Valley Fair offers a wide range of family-friendly rides. The antique carousel, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel provide classic amusement park fun, while attractions like the Monster and Corkscrew offer a mix of thrills and nostalgia. Younger visitors can enjoy Planet Snoopy, a dedicated area filled with child-friendly rides and attractions themed around the beloved Peanuts characters.
The park also features several interactive attractions, such as arcade games, midway challenges, and virtual reality experiences. These activities provide a break from the rides while allowing visitors to test their skills and win prizes. With over 75 rides and attractions, Valley Fair ensures that every guest, regardless of age or preference, finds something to enjoy.
Soak City Waterpark
Located within Valley Fair Minnesota, Soak City Waterpark is a summer hotspot for visitors seeking a refreshing escape. This 7-acre waterpark is included with park admission, making it a popular choice for families looking to beat the heat. Soak City features a variety of water attractions, including wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.
Highlights of Soak City include the Breakers Pipeline, a high-speed water slide with twists and turns, and the Ripple Rapids, a family-friendly raft slide. For younger guests, Barefoot Beach offers a splash pad and shallow pools, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for kids. The wave pool, Surf City, is another favorite, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of ocean waves right in the heart of Minnesota.
Soak City also offers plenty of lounging areas, cabana rentals, and food options, making it easy for visitors to relax and recharge between water attractions. With its combination of excitement and relaxation, Soak City adds a unique dimension to the Valley Fair experience, making it a must-visit for water lovers.
Planet Snoopy: Fun for the Little Ones
Designed with younger visitors in mind, Planet Snoopy is a dedicated area within Valley Fair Minnesota that offers a variety of rides and attractions themed around the beloved Peanuts characters. This family-friendly section of the park is perfect for kids and parents alike, providing a safe and entertaining environment for children to explore.
Planet Snoopy features over a dozen child-friendly rides, including the Snoopy Junction train ride, the Woodstock Whirlybirds, and the Linus Launcher. These attractions are designed to offer just the right amount of excitement for young adventurers while ensuring their safety and comfort. Meet-and-greet opportunities with characters like Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy add an extra layer of magic to the experience, allowing kids to interact with their favorite Peanuts friends.
In addition to its rides, Planet Snoopy offers play areas, interactive games, and kid-friendly dining options. The section is thoughtfully designed to make it easy for families to navigate, with plenty of seating areas and shaded spots for parents to relax while their children play. Planet Snoopy is a testament to Valley Fair’s commitment to creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Seasonal Events at Valley Fair Minnesota
Valley Fair Minnesota is not just a summer destination; it offers a variety of seasonal events that ensure year-round fun. These events transform the park into a festive wonderland, providing unique experiences that go beyond its regular attractions. Some of the most popular seasonal events include ValleySCARE, WinterFest, and special holiday celebrations.
ValleySCARE, the park's Halloween-themed event, turns Valley Fair into a haunted playground filled with scare zones, haunted houses, and spooky live entertainment. For those who prefer less frightful fun, the Great Pumpkin Fest offers family-friendly Halloween activities during the day. WinterFest, on the other hand, transforms the park into a winter wonderland complete with holiday lights, ice skating, and festive treats. This event is perfect for families looking to celebrate the holiday season in a magical setting.
Throughout the year, Valley Fair also hosts special events like food and wine festivals, live concerts, and cultural celebrations. These events add an extra layer of excitement to the park's offerings, ensuring there's always something new and unique to experience. With its diverse lineup of seasonal activities, Valley Fair keeps visitors coming back for more, no matter the time of year.
Dining Options at the Park
Valley Fair Minnesota offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate and preference. From quick bites to sit-down meals, the park's food offerings ensure that visitors can refuel without interrupting their day of fun. Popular eateries like Coasters Drive-In and Panda Express provide familiar favorites, while specialty food stands offer unique treats like funnel cakes, turkey legs, and mini donuts.
For those seeking a more refined dining experience, the park features several restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines. The Picnic Grove, for example, is a popular spot for group dining, offering delicious barbecue meals in a scenic outdoor setting. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring that all dietary needs are accommodated.
In addition to its food offerings, Valley Fair offers a variety of beverage options, including soft drinks, craft beers, and specialty cocktails. Visitors can also take advantage of the park's refillable drink and snack programs, which provide unlimited refills throughout the day for a single price. With its diverse and accommodating dining options, Valley Fair ensures that no guest goes hungry during their visit.
Entertainment and Live Shows
Beyond its rides and attractions, Valley Fair Minnesota offers a variety of entertainment options that add to the overall experience. Live shows, musical performances, and interactive experiences are a staple of the park, providing visitors with opportunities to relax and enjoy some world-class entertainment.
The park's amphitheaters and performance stages host a variety of shows, ranging from live bands and dance performances to comedy acts and magic shows. Seasonal events like ValleySCARE and WinterFest also feature themed entertainment, including spooky performances and holiday carolers. These shows are designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, ensuring that everyone finds something to enjoy.
Interactive experiences like character meet-and-greets, craft workshops, and scavenger hunts add an extra layer of fun to the park. These activities are especially popular among families, providing opportunities for kids and parents to bond while enjoying the park. Valley Fair's commitment to entertainment ensures that visitors leave with memories that go beyond the rides and attractions.
Ticket Prices and Packages
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