Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chanhassen, Minnesota and Plymouth, Minnesota

Minnesota is famous for its scenic drives, charming towns, and beautiful countryside. The road trip from Chanhassen to Plymouth is a picturesque journey that takes you through some of the state's most impressive landscapes. This article will guide you through the best things to do on your road trip from Chanhassen to Plymouth, which covers a distance of approximately 26 miles.

The halfway point on this trip is Eden Prairie, MN, which offers many attractions for visitors to explore. Eden Prairie has some excellent parks and lakes that attract visitors who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. This city has an extensive park system that includes over 2,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces. Visitors can take a hike in Bryant Lake Regional Park or head to Purgatory Creek Park, where they can explore the rolling hills and scenic trails.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Lake Minnetonka Lake Minnetonka is a vast lake with over 100 miles of shoreline and 14,000 acres of water. It is a popular destination for boaters and anglers, and visitors can rent a boat or take a guided tour to explore the lake's many bays and inlets. The lake is surrounded by charming small towns such as Wayzata, Excelsior, and Tonka Bay, which have many shops and restaurants to explore.

   Interesting fact: Lake Minnetonka is the ninth-largest lake in Minnesota and is known as the "land of sky-blue waters."

2. Paisley Park Paisley Park is a museum dedicated to the life and music career of Prince. The museum offers guided tours that take visitors through Prince's private recording studio, concert hall, and living quarters. The museum also has exhibits of his costumes, instruments, and rare memorabilia.

   Interesting fact: Paisley Park was originally built as a recording studio for Prince, and he lived there until his death in 2016.

3. Ridgedale Center Ridgedale Center is a shopping mall located in Minnetonka, MN. The mall has over 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors can shop at popular stores such as Macy's, Apple, and Nordstrom, or catch a movie at the AMC theaters.

   Interesting fact: Ridgedale Center is the fourth-largest mall in Minnesota.

4. French Regional Park French Regional Park is a 182-acre park located in Plymouth, MN. The park has hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a beach. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty, which includes prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

   Interesting fact: The park has a disc golf course and is home to many bird species, including bald eagles.

5. Millennium Garden The Millennium Garden is a public garden located in Plymouth, MN. The garden has over 22,000 plants arranged in themed gardens such as the Shade Garden, Sun Garden, and Cutting Garden. Visitors can take a stroll through the garden and enjoy its many water features, sculptures, and art installations.

   Interesting fact: The Millennium Garden was designed to commemorate the start of the new millennium in 2000.

Conclusion

The road trip from Chanhassen to Plymouth is a perfect way to explore the natural beauty and small-town charm of Minnesota. In just under 30 miles, visitors can experience the serene Lake Minnetonka, the legendary Paisley Park, the bustling Ridgedale Center, the peaceful French Regional Park, and the colorful Millennium Garden. The trip can take an entire day or can be stretched over a weekend, depending on how long visitors want to spend at each attraction. Regardless of the duration, visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable road trip.