Brooklyn Park may not be as well known as the Twin Cities or Minneapolis, but this city is the sixth-largest in the state of Minnesota and is full of amazing things to do and sites to see. With a population of more than 86,000, this city, which sits on the bank of the Mississippi River just outside the Twin Cities, is full of discoveries. From cultural experiences to historic sites, family events, and outdoor adventures, there is truly something for everyone here. In this article, we’ll share our top things to do in Brooklyn Park for every season and audience!
1. Visit Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
First on our list of best things to do in Brooklyn Park is the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park which is the source of America’s most famous river. There are things to do throughout the year here, from outdoor sports to community events. The park hosts a summer concert series sponsored by the local Art Commission. These performances are free to the public and take place every week. Meanwhile, visitors can also take the opportunity to hike, bike, or kayak through the park. It is a popular spot for angling and, in the winter months, cross country skiing. There is also a playground for children. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is a must-visit for families, especially those with young kids.
2. Watch How Beer is Brewed at Surly Brewing Co.
Surly Brewing Co. draws visitors from not just all over Minnesota, but all over the United States. While most breweries offer free or paid tastings, Surly Brewing Co. takes it to the next level by letting visitors tour the facilities. During your visit, you will get to see how the company brews their signature craft beer and of course, taste a sampling of beers brewed on-site. The company also features a beer hall, where you can buy one of 30 beers and attend community events. The offerings rotate daily, so you are always bound to find something new at Surly Brewing Co.!
3. Participate in Paddle Share
Brooklyn Park is a top destination for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. The community makes it possible for everyone to participate through their Paddle Share program! At River Park, you can rent out equipment and sail along the mouth of the Mississippi River as it starts its journey down to the Gulf of Mexico. Kayak rentals are super easy! All you have to do is sign up online and get an access code to a kayak locker. It is yours for the day with no charge. All you have to do is return it when you are finished so it can be claimed by the next outdoors enthusiast.
4. Enjoy Fall Fun at The Twin Cities Harvest Festival
The Twin Cities Harvest Festival is a celebration of all things autumnal. Running every year from mid September to the end of October, the festival offers visitors the chance to participate in all kinds of fall fun. You can run in the corn maze, eat delicious fairground foods, buy fresh local goods from the market, and participate in activities. There is also a pumpkin patch, straw bale maze, corn pit, face painting and caricatures, and inflatable toys for kids. Meanwhile, enjoy some local food from the regularly-changing food trucks. Pets are welcome at the Twin Cities Harvest Festival, so feel free to bring your furry friend along!
5. Visit a Local Dog Park
Brooklyn Park is a popular place for four-legged friends. There are two dog parks in town, both of which are classified as off-leash. Here, dogs can run and play to their hearts’ content while meeting new friends. You might be surprised at the human friends you make, too! If you are more comfortable keeping your pup on a leash, you are welcome to do so. To keep all its visitors safe, Brooklyn Park has strict rules in place regarding dog behavior, vaccination status, and health. The goal is to make sure that all your furry friends have a great time and stay safe while doing so!
6. Learn Some History at Historic Eidem Farm
Next on our list of best things to do in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota is the historic Eidem Farm. Brooklyn Park has many years of history behind it, and these days, visitors can learn all about it at historic Eidem Farm. This living history farm rests on 19 acres and offers educational tours, seasonal events, and even rentals. The farm dates from 1890, when the Eidem family farmed potatoes there. Unlike most historic sites, where everything is off limits, Eidem farm is all about inviting visitors to participate in life as it was more than a century ago. They will even get the chance to try their hand at wringing clothes out, pumping water by hand, and explore the property.
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7. Play Some Golf at Edinburgh USA
Brooklyn Park is known far and wide for its amazing golf offerings. Golf enthusiasts will jump at the chance to visit Edinburgh USA, one of the best courses in the United States. Located just outside of Minneapolis, this course is renowned for its tricky 17th hole as well as its island fairway and peninsula. Designed by architect Robert Trent Jones II, who also designed the site of the 2015 US Open, Edinburgh is framed around a Scottish manor where visitors can stop for a meal after playing their game. The course also has the biggest putting green in the country!
8. Cuddle Baby Animals at The Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival
If there is anything more exciting for kids than a petting zoo, it might be a petting zoo full of baby animals. Every spring, Brooklyn Park hosts the Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival, where the main attraction is cuddly ducklings, sheep, goats, chicks, and much more. But of course, that is not the only attraction. You can also take part in activities such as inflatable toys, a corn maze, corn pit, corn kernel dunk tank, mini golf, and a play area. Local food trucks from all over the area turn up to the festival, so there is plenty to eat.
9. Raise a Glass at Blue Wolf Brewing Company
Minnesota is known for its many amazing breweries, but Blue Wolf Brewing Company is one that you shouldn’t miss. Serving a variety of craft beers in the German style, Blue Wolf has a rotating menu. This means that you will get the chance to try craft beers that are perfect for the season, no matter when you stop in. Though the brewery doesn’t serve its own food, visitors are welcome to bring along their favorite eats to pair with the delicious beer made on site. There are also regular events at the Blue Wolf Brewing Company, such as weekly trivia nights.
10. Eat Some Fantastic Food
Brooklyn Park is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the state of Minnesota. There are more than 90 places to get some grub in the city. Thanks to Brooklyn Park’s diverse population, you can find cuisine in every style and from every culture. Some local favorites include Lemon Grass, an Asian eatery serving sushi and Thai cuisine, Crazy Cajun, and Fat Nat’s Eggs. The city is also home to plenty of food trucks and carts, so one thing is for certain: you are bound to eat well in Brooklyn Park, no matter what cuisine you enjoy.
11. Go Ice Skating
It is only to be expected that there are plenty of places to go ice skating in any Minnesota town! Brooklyn Park features two indoor skating rinks which draw 100,000 people (both skaters and spectators) each year while providing 6,700 hours of activity. You will find opportunities for both open skating and hockey throughout the year, as well as skating lessons for all ages. One rink is located in the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, which also features a gymnasium, indoor walking track, pickleball court, sunfish pond, and community event pavilion. The rink is also available for birthday parties!
12. Attend Tater Daze
Brooklyn Park got its start as a potato-farming community. Now, the city celebrates that heritage every summer with a festival known as Tater Daze. This huge event features local food and drink vendors, inflatable games for kids, family activities, skating in the park, an open-air market, and live entertainment. The event kicks off with a parade, so make sure you get there on time! Tater Daze has been going on since 1964 and has now become a Brooklyn Park institution in and of itself. No matter how old you are, you are bound to have a great time at this festival celebrating the city’s unique history.
13. Visit a Retro Drive-In Eatery
Wagner’s Drive-In is one of the top eateries in Brooklyn Park, but it is not like most other restaurants. Founded more than 35 years ago, Wagner’s has maintained the vintage feel of an old-fashioned drive-in. It is now in its second generation as a family business! You will find a menu full of classic favorites, including bratwurst, burgers, chili dogs, onion rings, hot sandwiches, shakes, malts, and more. After more than four decades, Wagner’s remains a community favorite and you will still find people flocking there week after week. There are also regular events hosted at the drive-in, including charity events, community parties, and much more.
14. Play Some Arcade Games
Brooklyn Park is a great city for those who love the attractions of bygone eras. After you grab a meal at a retro drive-in, stop by Bowlero Brooklyn Park to play arcade games. Of course, that is far from the only thing to do there! It also features a 48-lane bowling alley, laser tag arena, darts, billiards, bumper cars, and a sports bar. There is something here for every crowd, from families to teens to adult outings. So suffice it to say that Bowlero Brooklyn Park isn’t just any old arcade — it is the perfect combination of entertainment, past and present.
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15. Take a Painting Class
Brooklyn Park isn’t all arcade games and family festivals. There are plenty of opportunities to explore artistic interests as well. You can find art classes — often paired with wine and snacks — throughout the city. This is a perfect outing for a bachelorette party or just a group of friends who want a fun but low-key night out. Many of these are regular events, so you can attend more than once if you like. It just goes to show that when it comes to fun things to do in Brooklyn Park Minnesota, there is truly something for everybody.
Visiting Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park is a wonderful place to be at any time of the year. Located just outside the Twin Cities, it offers a direct line to activities both urban and rural. Whether you love shopping and entertainment, are looking for activities for families and kids, or prefer to hit the hiking trail on your own, you can find it all in and around Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
If you know of any amazing things to do in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota that we didn’t mention, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
— Update: 17-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Top 10 Things to Do in Brooklyn Park from the website www.minneapolisnorthwest.com for the keyword things to do in brooklyn park.
Did you know that Brooklyn Park is the sixth-largest city in Minnesota? Did you know that it's also the second most diverse city in the entire state? This eclectic area sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River, upstream from downtown Minneapolis. Its vibrant dining scene, natural wonders, exciting attractions and local events make it a not-to-be-missed stop when you’re visiting. Here are 10 of our favorite things to experience in Brooklyn Park!
1. Go on an adventure at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
Revel in the wonders of the Mississippi River and its surrounding habitat at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. The 160-acre green space features trails for walking, running and biking, and in the winter, it’s covered with cross-country skiing tracks. A wide observation walkway spans the river, and outdoor enthusiasts can view both sides of the roaring dam and watch spectacular sunsets. As part of the Mississippi River Paddle Share program, you can rent a kayak from the shores of the river and leisurely paddle seven miles downstream to the kayak return station at North Mississippi Regional Park in Brooklyn Center.
2. Create memories at spring and fall festivals
Twice a year, the northwest corner of Brooklyn Park comes alive with family-friendly festivals that celebrate the changing seasons. Start the year by ushering in spring at the Twin Cities Spring Babies Festival, which features adorable baby chicks, ducks, bunnies and goats for you and your kids to cuddle, feed and learn about. Then come back to the same location in the fall for the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, featuring Minnesota’s largest corn maze! Run by Bert Bouwman, an experienced farmer and corn maze-developer, both festivals take place on 20 acres of farmland and include other fun activities for kids and families, like a corn seed pit, hayrides, giant slide and a straw bale maze.
3. Savor international cuisines
Brooklyn Park’s dining scene shines with its varied selection of cuisines from around the globe. Lemon Grass Thai has been delighting diners’ taste buds since 2005 and is known as one of the best Thai food spots in the Twin Cities. Ann Ahmed, owner and head chef, creates original recipes inspired by her upbringing and travels, and she translates them into distinguished dishes. Try the Bento boxes at lunch, the freshly prepared sushi, or delve into the wine list in the evening – you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And with its low lighting and chic atmosphere, Lemon Grass Thai makes a lovely location for a quaint dinner with friends or a special someone.
Mama Ti’s African Kitchen serves up some of the best African dishes in Minneapolis Northwest. Kabobs, seasoned wings, fried fish, jollof rice, oxtails, couscous, fried okra, collard greens and more provide a wide range of choices. You can even purchase select food items from their store, such as palava sauce, palm butter soup, kittley torborgee and cassava leaf, so you can bring African flavors to your home. With any meal, you’ll want to pick up Mama Ti’s West African Ginger Beer, too (non-alcoholic).
4. Sip a craft beer or craft cocktail
Blue Wolf Brewing Company, the city’s first brewery, has everything you want in a craft brewhouse – great beer, plenty of seating, access to food and extremely friendly staff and owners. Blue Wolf’s German-style beers strike a perfect balance of malt and hops, and flights are presented in vintage cupcake tins. The No Coast Pale Ale is perhaps its most popular beer, earthy but balanced and not overly bitter. The Wolf Cry Rye Beer is recommended for those just learning about craft beer, or someone looking for a lighter brew; the hops are subtle, and the rye gives the beer a little spice. Varying food trucks are on site throughout the week, as well as live music and paint nights, so be sure to check Blue Wolf’s complete schedule online.
Brooklyn Park is home to the metro's newest and best distillery, Skaalvenn Distillery & Cocktail Lounge. The swanky-yet-comfortable Japanese-inspired cocktail bar invites guests to “pillage responsibly.” Afterall, the word Skaalvenn translates to “Cheers, friends!” This is a perfect spot for date night, a celebration, or for those times when you simply want to sit back and take your time savoring a premium craft cocktail. We recommend the Skaal Sour with bourbon, passionfruit, yuzu, lemongrass and aquafaba. During chilly months, the Hot hot hothothot Toddy will warm you from head to toe. Enjoy other creative seasonal gimlets, mojitos, martinis using locally made spirits.
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5. Experience turn-of-the-century life at Historic Eidem Farm
Take a break from the ordinary when you visit Historic Eidem Farm and discover how one of the nation’s top potato-producing areas worked during the 20th century. The homestead is a living history farm and has been restored to the time of 1890-1910. The property consists of a large red barn and a restored multi-level Victorian-style home. Each season brings tours and activities, such as planting gardens, making fresh apple cider in the fall and exploring the grounds during the winter months. Take a tour and say hello to the friendly farm animals, or attend the homestead’s many events, including story times and movie nights.
6. Celebrate Brooklyn Park events
Throughout the summer, the city hosts a variety of community-building events called Celebrate Brooklyn Park. These fun, family-friendly events acknowledge Brooklyn Park's past as a potato-growing center while creating opportunities to celebrate its rich cultural diversity! Events are open to all ages and are sure to educate and inspire. The new Plaza Park has grown into an inviting event space and has hosted art festivals, live performances, family painting events and much more. Typically held in August, Tater Daze is accompanied by Brooklyn Park History Day and features special events at Historic Eidem Farm. Other Celebrate Brooklyn Park events include Music on the Lawn, Brooklyn Park Farmers Market, Concerts on the Farm, a Halloween Spooktacular, and a winter Holiday Lights tour!
7. Hit the links at Edinburgh USA
For golfers, Brooklyn Park offers Edinburgh USA, a “Scottish design” Championship golf course that’s ranked in the nation’s top 100 by Golf magazine. The amenities at Edinburgh are lovely and the high quality of the course design is remarkable, with purposeful, strategic placement of each and every shot. Known as a “thinking person's course,” you may have to reach for a few more clubs than you’re used to. Publicly owned, Edinburgh USA is operated by the City of Brooklyn Park and includes nearly 70 bunkers, 12 acres of water and an island fairway. If you looking for an easier time on the green, check out Brookland Golf Park, also in Brooklyn Park, which features nine traditional holes, FootGolf and disc golf!
8. Crack open king crab legs at Crazy Cajun
Insider Tip: Brooklyn Park serves the best seafood boils beyond the bayou! Since it opened in 2015, the Brooklyn Park’s Crazy Cajun has become a big hit serving southern fare with a bit of Minnesota flare. While the menu is decked out in po’ boys, frog legs, gumbo, jambalaya, oysters, and fried catfish and gator, the seafood boils are the star. Tie on your plastic bib and go to work cracking open the steamy king crab legs to get to the tender, buttery meat inside. Add corn, potatoes and pork sausage to your boil for even more deliciousness. Crazy Cajun owner and head chef John Nguyen has a long history in the restaurant business and smartly includes rolls of sturdy paper towels on the tables and plenty of wet naps.
9. Spend a night (or two) at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
Whether you’re exploring Brooklyn Park or the Twin Cities metro area, the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest is the perfect place to make your home base. Relax in the lap of luxury at the city’s finest hotel, which is consistently recognized as one the Midwest’s premier all-suite hotels and meeting and event venues. You’ll be greeted by welcoming staff and wowed by the grand, open-air atrium, natural stonework and signature fireplace. The glass elevator adds extra magnificence, while the chic couches and armchairs invite guests to sit back and converse. You’ll feel at ease in your spacious suite with its comfortable furnishings, and you can escape to the in-house Wadsworth Restaurant for signature cocktails and regionally inspired dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients.
10. Taste Wagner’s Drive-In
Wagner’s Drive-In has been serving hand-crafted burgers, homemade coleslaw and crispy fries for more than 35 years and is one of the only remaining drive-ins in the state. Park and order your meal from the car and have it brought to your window old-school style or opt for the picnic tables outside. Juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches and onion rings fried to perfection are just a few of the must-have menu options. Save room for an old-fashioned malt, ice cream cone or sundae after your meal. On Monday evenings during the summer months, Wagner’s hosts Wag-niters and invites car collectors to bring their classic cars out for a mini auto show. All ages are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, enjoy a burger and meet other car fanatics.
Bowlero Brooklyn Park hits the spot for all your high-energy gaming needs. Along with 48 bowling lanes, the venue boasts pool tables, a giant game room with arcade and sports games, and even laser tag! It’s so much more than a bowling alley and makes a great party venue, too. With the variety of activities available, everyone can find something to love, no matter their age or ability.
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