18 Best Things to Do in Maple Grove, Minnesota

Maple Grove is the eighth-largest city in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul metropolitan area and is only 20 minutes outside of the loop. It is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, not just for the excellent school districts but also for the sheer amount of fun that is available within and near the city.

It was voted by “Parents” Magazine as one of the top 10 best cities for families to live in. There are lots of great parks, recreation centers, and community events. It is also home to two nationally renowned shopping destinations.

Nevertheless, the very best thing about Maple Grove may be all the available fun. Here are the best things to do in Maple Grove, Minnesota, just waiting for you.

Fun & Best Things To Do in Maple Grove, Minnesota

1. Free Summer Concerts at the Maple Grove Community Center

Maple Grove is home to some of the best free concerts in the Twin Cities. Every Friday night from June through August, you can catch a great band performing for absolutely no cost whatsoever.

Concessions are available, but no alcohol or smoking is allowed. If you think you have talent, you can put in an application to perform at one of these concerts.

See Related: Best Indoor Activities in Minnesota

2. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes

The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes hosts an annual block party every year on July 3rd, complete with live music and fireworks. This event has become one of the most popular events in all of Minnesota.

So if you’re planning on staying in Maple Grove, don’t miss it. This shopping center is one of the best in the Twin Cities metro area. There are over 250 stores, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom Rack, and Pottery Barn Kids among others.

You can support local independent stores here as well.

3. Elm Creek Park Reserve 

Are you ready to get plenty of exercise when you visit Maple Grove? At Elm Creek Park Reserve you have almost 5,000 acres of land that includes miles of hiking and biking trails. There’s a pond to go swimming in as well.

Bring your camera so you can take snapshots of the abundance of wildlife including swans, eagles, bluebirds, and more. Bring your family pet and let him roam around off-leash.

There are even trails specifically for dogs. Come here to go skiing, camp out with friends, go horseback riding, and practice your archery skills.

4. Visit the Hindu Temple of Minnesota

On the outskirts of Maple Grove is the stunning Hindu Temple of Minnesota. This religious structure is a sight to see regardless of your religious affiliation. The Hindu Temple serves as a place of worship for the 40,000 Hindu people in the greater Minneapolis area. 

You can drive by and bask in the beauty of the temple, or you can attend a service. Even though Hindu people predominantly use this temple, their services are open to all respectful individuals.

They also offer tours of the building, which are worth looking into.

See Related: Best Winter Destinations in Minnesota

5. Go Ice Skating at Central Park Loop

In one of the largest and most popular parks in town sits an ice skating loop that locals and visitors alike love. The Central Park Ice Skating Loop is 20 feet wide and extends for a little over 800 feet, giving you plenty of room for a leisurely skate. 

You can rent ice skates on a first-come, first-served basis if you don’t have your own. The best part is that they have concession stands near the loop where you can grab a warm drink like hot chocolate when you need a break from the ice.

They’re open all year, depending on the weather. You can find out current weather conditions by looking on their website.

6. Admire the Art at the Maple Grove Art Center

For a day filled with beautiful art, you need to check out the Maple Grove Art Center. The center offers gallery showings frequently where you can see the works of local and national artists.

You can find their gallery schedule on their website.  Something unique about this art center is that they offer art classes. So, if you want to hone your art skills or learn something new while visiting Maple Grove, this is the place to do it.

They have adult and youth classes available.  Get insured on your travel with World Nomads travel insurance.

7. Try to Escape at Enigma Adventures

The perfect rainy day activity, or for whenever is to try your hand at an escape room. Enigma Adventures is right in town and offers two different escape rooms.

One has a storyline based on CIA agents and international spies. The other one has to do with pirates, which is a unique option. When you enter whichever escape room you’ve chosen, you’ll have 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and escape from the room.

Each room has a different difficulty level, so you can challenge yourself and your friends to an exciting activity. 

8. Paint Ceramics at Color Me Mine

What better way to take home a souvenir from your trip to Maple Grove than to create one yourself? Color Me Mine, you and your travel buddies can paint ceramics and then take them home with you. They have a variety of ceramics for you to choose from. 

You can paint mugs, plates, home decor, and more. The staff is friendly and there to assist you in whatever way you need during your time there.

You’ll want to make a reservation online prior to going, but they almost always have room unless there’s a private party going on. 

9. The Woodhouse Day Spa

When you are in the Maple Grove area, don’t forget to take some time to pamper yourself. Come to the Woodhouse Day Spa for a relaxing seasonal massage.

If you have not tried one of the hottest spa trends known as “hydrafacial”, now is the time to do so while you are here. This peaceful facility also provides manicures, pedicures, and foot wraps. 

The spa is conveniently located at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. So come here to relax and get pampered in the middle of a long shopping spree. Find the best accommodation in Maple Grove with Hotels.com.

10. Show Off Your Swing at Rush Creek Golf Club

Minnesota has some beautifully designed golf courses. If you want to spend your morning or evening on the green, Rush Creek Golf Club is the best golf course in Maple Grove. This championship golf course was founded and opened in 1996 and features 18 holes for people of all skill levels to enjoy. 

You can take lessons or hit the driving range to practice your game. In addition, they have a great restaurant for you to enjoy a meal after your game. The restaurant has all your favorite classic American dishes and plenty of delicious local beers for you to kick back and relax with. 

11. Visit the Pierre Bottineau House

Near the chalet in Elm Creek Park Reserve is the Pierre Bottineau House. This tin home is a restored 1854 home. As you visit, you’ll feel like you’ve teleported back in time. Once you walk in, you’ll be surrounded by exhibits that depict the life of the legendary Bottineau. 

Bottineau was a hunter and early settler of Maple Grove. You’ll learn how he used his skills and dedication helps him mold the early cities of Minnesota. Since the beginning, the house has been moved around several times and has resided in Maple Grove since 2009.

12. Tackle an American Ninja Warrior Course at Ninjas United

If you’ve ever seen American Ninja Warrior and thought about how fun it would be to be one of the athletes on the course? Now you can show off your skills at Ninjas United in Maple Grove. This authentic American Ninja Warrior course is large and features a variety of obstacles for people of all ages and skill levels. 

Kids and adults can participate, and it’s an enjoyable experience. You’ll need to purchase a class to be able to enter the gym and try out the obstacles. The staff is friendly and excited to be there and help you throughout the course. 

13. OMNI Brewing Co.

After taking in a baseball game or a long day of shopping at the massive malls in the area, it may be time for an ice-cold beer. There are tons of beers on tap as well as seasonal selections for you to try. The place is even dog friendly so bring your pup in during the happy hour. 

If visiting The Tap Room for a range of beers is not enough, come here for the many events as well. Every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. bring friends or family over for Tacos and Tunes. 

Be on the lookout for scheduled food trucks or check out the calendar to see which ones will be there. Unlike most places, you can even bring outside food to The Tap Room. If you need some beer for your next event, consider using their mobile Taproom service.

14. Get Fresh Produce at the Maple Grove Farmers Market

One of the most relaxed yet fun experiences you can have in town is to check out their Farmers Market. The market has been a staple within the community since 2004, where farmers and other vendors can gather and share their creations with locals and visitors. 

As you browse the booths, you’ll find plenty of fresh produce, flowers, and other unique creations from vendors. Some people sell jewelry, antiques, clothing, and more.

You can find the market inside the Maple Grove Community Center during the winter and spring. 

15. Spend Time at Town Green Park

All the parks in Maple Grove are lovely, but Town Green Park is known for sharing a love for the performing arts. There’s a stage with seating around it. There are constant performers and shows happening for the community. If you’re not in the park when a performance is going on, there’s still plenty for you to do. 

The park has all the facilities you need in a park. You can walk, have a picnic, ride your bike, or post up with an excellent book and enjoy the fresh air.  Look for the best rental car to get in Kayak and enjoy touring Maple Grove, Minnesota.

16. Go Boating on Eagle Lake

There’s no better way to beat the Minnesota heat in the summer than boating. Locals and people from the greater Minneapolis area love taking a boat out onto the lakes, and the best one in Maple Grove is Eagle Lake. 

There’s a boat ramp near Eagle Point off 63rd Avenue North. If you or your friends have a boat, then that makes this day even more effortless. If you don’t, there are several boat rental companies nearby where you can snag a pontoon boat for the day. 

See Related: Best & Fun Things to do in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

17. Venetian Indoor Waterpark

Did you know that there was such a thing as an indoor water park that is themed as Venice, Italy… in Maple Grove? Yeah, it exists. This water park is only open on the weekends but has extended hours during holidays and school breaks.

This source of family fun is part of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Arbor Lakes. Unfortunately, the water park is only available to hotel guests. Hotel guests get free admission for up to 5 guests.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Prior Lake

18. Browse Jewelry at Lottie’s Trinkets

One of the best things about visiting new places is shopping at local boutiques and stores. Lottie’s Trinkets is a local jewelry store in Maple Grove and a great place to get souvenirs for friends back home or for yourself. 

Lottie’s Trinkets offers necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even sets so you can have matching options.

Related Resources

• Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Visit
• Ideas for Weekend Getaways in Minnesota
• Best Minnesota Family Vacations
• Best and Fun Things to do in Minneapolis