Top Five Popular Attractions between Burnsville and Anoka, Minnesota

Are you planning a road trip in Minnesota and wondering what attractions to visit between Burnsville and Anoka? If so, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll share with you the top five popular attractions to see on a trip between these two cities.

Halfway Point: Hopkins, MN

Before we start with our list, let's highlight the halfway point of this trip: Hopkins, MN. This small town is located about 13 miles away from both Burnsville and Anoka, making it a perfect place to take a break. Hopkins has a charming downtown area with various shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also visit the Hopkins Center for the Arts, which hosts various events throughout the year.

Now that we've mentioned the halfway point let's dive into our list of the top five popular attractions that you don't want to miss on this trip.

1. Valleyfair Amusement Park

If you're a thrill-seeker, then Valleyfair Amusement Park is for you. This park has adrenaline-pumping rides that will make your heart race, such as the Wild Thing, Steel Venom, and Renegade. The park also has a water park area, which is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Make sure to plan your visit in advance, as the park has different hours of operation throughout the year.

2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

For nature lovers, a visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a must. This botanical garden spans over 1,200 acres and showcases various gardens, plants, and trees. You can take a guided tour or explore the arboretum on your own. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities in this beautiful oasis.

3. Mall of America

If you love shopping, then you can't miss out on the Mall of America. This mall is not just any regular mall - it's the largest mall in the United States with over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and an aquarium. You can easily spend a full day exploring the mall and all its attractions. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

4. The Landing - Minnesota River Heritage Park

For history buffs, The Landing - Minnesota River Heritage Park is a great place to learn about the history of the Minnesota River Valley. This living history museum showcases various buildings, such as a cabin, a schoolhouse, and a general store, dating back to the 1800s. You can also take a tour of the historic village and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived there.

5. Anoka Halloween Capital of the World

Last but not least, when you reach Anoka, make sure to take a stroll around the town and learn about its title as the "Halloween Capital of the World." Anoka has been celebrating Halloween since 1920 and has various events throughout the month of October, such as a parade, a pumpkin lighting ceremony, and a house decorating contest. Even if you're not visiting in October, you can still appreciate the town's Halloween spirit by taking a photo with the famous statue of the Pumpkin Man.

Conclusion

Now that you know the top five popular attractions to see on a trip between Burnsville and Anoka, all that's left is to plan your route. The best route to take is via Highway 169, as it's the fastest and most direct way to get from Burnsville to Anoka. However, if you have some extra time, you can also take a detour to visit some of the neighboring towns, such as Shakopee or Chanhassen. No matter which route you choose, we hope you have a great time exploring Minnesota!