A Trip From Chanhassen to Lakeville: Museums, Parks and Landmarks to Visit

Are you planning a road trip from Chanhassen to Lakeville, Minnesota? Look no further! This journey is perfect for exploring museums, parks, and historic landmarks with family and friends.

One interesting fact about the route is that you'll pass through Bloomington, a city that is home to the largest enclosed shopping mall in the United States, the Mall of America.

At the halfway point of your trip, you'll reach Bloomington, where you can stop and take a breather. It is a great place to shop, dine or even catch a movie at the mall.

This journey is approximately 23 miles long and takes around 30 minutes to complete, depending on traffic.

Here are the top five places to visit:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - If you're a nature lover, then this is a perfect place to stop and explore breathtaking flora and fauna. You can learn a lot about ornamental plants, prairies, and woodland gardens. The arboretum covers 1,137 acres with 16 miles of trails. Try visiting in the fall for the peak autumn colors.
Canterbury Park - This is a great destination for horse racing enthusiasts who want to experience some live racing action. They also have a casino, game arcade, and many dining options available.
Valleyfair Amusement Park - If you're looking for a thrill, then this is the perfect stop. Valleyfair has something for everyone with thrilling coasters and waterpark rides. They also offer kid-friendly activities, live entertainment, and delicious food options.
Historic Fort Snelling - If you're a history buff, then this is for you. The fort is one of the oldest military establishments in the US, dating back to the early 1820s. Visitors can take a guided tour of the stone fortress and the museum that houses exhibits about military life and the history of the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota Zoo - This destination reopens June 1st 2021, this family-friendly attraction features a wide array of animals that live in various habitats like the Tropics Trail, Northern Trail, and the Minnesota World Trek Adventure. You can also find adventure ropes courses, 4-D movies, and an indoor play area for kids.

Here are some point of interest recommendations to make your trip even better:

The arboretum has a beautiful gift shop, which features many great finds, from plants to books.
The museum at Fort Snelling has replicas of uniforms, guns, and other military gear that visitors can try on.
Valleyfair Amusement Park has live music entertainment from local bands.
When you visit the Minnesota Zoo, attend a feeding or training session to learn more about the animals.
Finally, if you miss the great museums and landmarks we've listed or want to fit more into your itinerary, or just want to get a local's perspective, it's definitely worth taking a detour along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway Route. This route has numerous historic sites and natural wonders, including the Mankato Symphony Orchestra performance and the Jeffers Petroglyphs, just a few of many places to add to your list.

In conclusion, the journey from Chanhassen to Lakeville is the perfect opportunity to explore nature, history, and amusement parks. You can complete this trip in about 30 minutes, making it possible to visit all five destinations. Bring your family or friends along for a fun-filled adventure to create memories that you'll cherish forever.