There are a lot of things to see and do in Minnesota. We love the beautiful natural areas in the state, and the cities have some of the best shopping and dining around. But do you want to guess what some of the most awesome attractions of all are in the North Star State? It’s Minnesota’s amusement parks!
Yep, if you plan to visit this state, you absolutely must make time to see some of the amusement parks in Minnesota. Not only will you have a blast, you’ll also make some awesome family memories that will last for years to come.
Minnesota Amusement Parks
Not sure which Minnesota amusement parks to visit? Not to worry, we’re here to help! Below is a list of our favorite amusement parks in Minnesota. The list contains traditional amusement parks as well as an indoor theme park, various water parks, and even an adventure park:
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Valleyfair and Soak City Water Park
- Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota
- Bunker Beach Water Park
- Casey’s Amusement Park
- Cascade Bay Waterpark
- Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
- Wild Mountain Waterpark
- Paul Bunyan Land
- Como Town Amusement Park
- Wild Woods Waterpark
Of course, you will need to know more than just the names of these Minnesota amusement parks to plan an awesome trip. Read on to learn where to stay and other important information for planning your Minnesota amusement park vacation!
Nickelodeon Universe
First on our list of Minnesota amusement parks: Nickelodeon Universe. Fans of Nickelodeon will absolutely adore this Nickelodeon theme park. Located inside of Mall of America in Bloomington, this park is open rain or shine and is the perfect family fun activity, no matter the weather. It is clean, well kept, and has absolutely adorable theming that we just can’t get enough of.
Some of the best rides in Nickelodeon Universe are actually the well-themed kiddie rides. These include Blue’s Skidoo, a ride that allows guests to ride on the back of Blue herself, the spinning Guppy Bubbler, and the super fun Reptarmobiles.
If you have thrill seekers in your group, they will be happy to hear the park has plenty for them as well. We love the Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge, as well as the Fairly Odd Coaster. Avatar Airbender is a unique and exciting ride, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock is sure to give you the adrenaline rush you’re looking for.
RV Camping Near Nickelodeon Universe
There’s nothing like resting up after a long day of immersing yourself in a world of Nickelodeon friends. You could do this in a hotel room of course, but we much prefer the comfort and privacy provided by an RV. Fortunately, it isn’t too hard to find an RV campground nearby.
Town and Country RV Park and Campground — Town and Country RV Park and Campground is one such campground. Located just minutes from Mall of America, this campground offers everything you need to be completely comfortable in between adventures. Enjoy full hookups, a pool, clean bathhouses, and a friendly staff.
Rent an RV near Nickelodeon Universe!
Planning Your Trip to Nickelodeon Universe
You have two ticket options when heading to Nickelodeon Universe. You can either purchase an all-day unlimited ride wristband for around $40 or $50, or you can purchase points that can then be spent on rides.
If you plan on riding many attractions at all, the wristband is likely the better deal, but be sure to do the math before you go to be sure it’s the best option for you. Also, consider whether you’ll want to add any extra attractions to your day.
Outside food and drink are not allowed in Nickelodeon Universe. Some rides close on weekdays, so make sure to check that your favorites are open before you head out.
Valleyfair and Soak City Water Park
More fun can be had in the Minneapolis area at Valleyfair. This awesome amusement park is the biggest in the state. It first opened in 1976 and has been going strong ever since. These days, it boasts more than 75 rides and attractions, meaning there is something for everyone and you’re definitely going to want a whole day to explore. In fact, you might want even more time than that!
Some favorite rides at this park include the “Corkscrew” and “Delirious” roller coasters. Kids love the Peanuts-themed kiddie rides such as the Charlie Brown’s Wind-Up swings and the Flying Ace Balloon Race. Meanwhile, there are plenty of family rides available so everyone can have some fun together.
As if the many traditional amusement park rides weren’t enough, this property is also home to a water park! Soak City Water Park is open during the summer months and offers guests access to a variety of slides, an awesome wave pool, a lazy river, and more.
RV Camping Near Valleyfair and Soak City Water Park
After a day at Valleyfair, you’re sure to be pretty pooped. Why not wrap up your magical day with a night of relaxing RV camping? Not only does staying in an RV guarantee comfort and privacy, it also allows you to enjoy traditional camping activities such as campfires and stargazing.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campground — Not sure where to park your RV while you play? Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a good option. This park boasts full hookups, good rates, and an excellent location. The onsite trails and lake are also a lovely addition that are sure to enhance your stay.
Rent an RV near Valleyfair and Soak City Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Valleyfair and Soak City Water Park
Daily tickets to Valleyfair start at just $32.99. Meanwhile, two-day tickets are available at a slight discount (around $60). If you want to play for more than two days, consider purchasing a season pass. Remember to budget for parking!
You’ll also want to leave room in your budget for food, as outside food is not allowed in this park. Additionally, there is an option of purchasing Fast Lane passes so you can skip lines on popular rides.
Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota
Great Wolf Lodge has some of the very best indoor water parks in the country, and the location in Bloomington is no exception. This awesome water park resort features all kinds of fun for families, and since it’s so close to the two parks mentioned above, you can easily add a visit to your time in the area.
Attractions in the park include plenty of water slides for the thrill seekers in the group. There is also a water play structure that is ideal for young kids, featuring small slides, a dump bucket, and interactive water sprayers. A lazy river gives everyone a place to relax and float. Meanwhile, a surf simulator offers a super fun challenge.
The water park is plenty of fun to fill several hours. That said, it is far from the only thing to do on the resort property. Be sure to also check out the MagiQuest game, rock climbing wall, arcade, onsite eateries, and more!
RV Camping Near Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota
You could stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Resort itself, but we actually prefer RV camping. Staying in your RV ensures you have privacy and gives you the ability to cook your own meals, something many parents find a huge benefit. Besides, who doesn’t like a good camping trip?
Cleary Lake Regional Park — A lovely little park, Cleary Lake County Park is the perfect place to park your rig while exploring Bloomington and Minneapolis. This park has full hookups, cement pads, kayak rentals, a golf course, and more. It’s the ideal place to relax after exploring, and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Rent an RV near Great Wolf Lodge!
Planning Your Trip to Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota
Day passes are available for the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park. You can expect to pay around $50–$60 for a full-day pass or about $10 less for a half-day pass.
Keep in mind that outside food is not allowed in Great Wolf Lodge. This means you will need to eat before or after your visit, or enjoy one of the many onsite restaurants.
Bunker Beach Water Park
Great Wolf Lodge might be home to the best indoor water park in Minnesota, but Bunker Beach Water Park in Coon Rapids is the state’s largest outdoor water park. This place is conveniently located just minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and has all of the water park fun you could possibly want.
First of all, this place is home to an awesome wave pool that is sure to be thrilling for kids and adults alike. Prefer slides over waves? They’ve got those too—seven of them, actually. Of course, the lazy river is another popular attraction that the whole family will love. Finally, we must mention the zero-depth pool with multiple water play features for little ones.
Feeling hungry? The onsite concession stand serves up all your theme park favorites. Whether you want pizza or ice cream, this spot has you covered.
RV Camping Near Bunker Beach Water Park
The best place to stay when visiting Bunker Beach Water Park? The campground that is found in the same park as the water amusement park, of course! Staying here allows you to have all the comforts of home accessible, even when playing in the water.
Bunker Hills Campground — Bunker Hills Campground is well reviewed for a reason. Guests love the location right by the water park. They also appreciate the water and electric hookups, along with the golf course and disc golf course that are both located in the park as well. Of course, the ability to drive to Minneapolis in just a few minutes is also pretty fantastic!
Rent an RV near Bunker Beach Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Bunker Beach Water Park
Admission to Bunker Beach Water Park is $16 per day for those over 48” tall, and $14 a day for those under this height. Seniors also pay the $14 rate, and babies under 18 months are free.
Want to save some money? The park also offers a Twilight Admission option. This option saves you $4 on every person’s admission if you enter the park after 4pm.
Tube rentals are available, as are locker rentals. Parking is free.
Casey’s Amusement Park
A family amusement center located in Alexandria, Casey’s Amusement Park is an awesome place to go for family fun. While this park is smaller than most amusement parks, it is also a lot less overwhelming, making it a great option for those who are easily stressed at larger parks.
Mini golf is one of the main attractions at Casey’s Amusement park, and we highly recommend playing a round (or two) while you’re there. Next up, be sure to try the go-karts, which kids and adults love. Kiddie karts are available for younger children.
Bumper boats are another great option, and they tend to leave everybody laughing by the time the ride is done. Finally, make sure to try your hand at batting in the batting cages.
RV Camping Near Casey’s Amusement Park
RV camping is the way to go when visiting Casey’s Amusement Park. Not only will you get to enjoy all the comforts of a home on wheels, you’ll also be able to hop from one part of the state to another with ease. Of course, the ability to enjoy camping fun while you hop from place to place is also a major bonus.
Cruise Inn RV Park and Lodging — one of the best places to park your rig in the area is Cruise Inn RV Park and Lodging. Located just minutes from Casey’s Amusement Park, this campground is simple but comfortable. Here you’ll find large grass sites, full hookups, and a laundry room.
Rent an RV near Casey’s Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Casey’s Amusement Park
The cost of visiting Casey’s Amusement Park is completely dependent on what you do during your visit. Go-karts and bumper boats cost $6 per ride and mini golf is $8 per game. Specials are available and are listed on the parks’ website, so be sure to check those out if you wish to save some money.
Cascade Bay Waterpark
Located in (and run by) the City of Eagan, Cascade Bay Waterpark is an excellent place to cool off during the hot summer months and another of our favorite Minnesota amusement parks. Local families flock here for a reason, and even visitors see it for themselves as soon as they walk onto the property.
Though Cascade Bay is on the smaller side, it offers a ton of amazingly fun things to do. A giant pirate ship is the centerpiece of the park. Every side of this ship features a slide of a different color and path, creating a maze of 5 slides in total. These aren’t the only slides though. In fact, there are a total of 8 awesome slides scattered across the property.
Not a slide person? Don’t worry, there are options for you too! Check out the lazy river for some floating fun, or hang out in the leisure pool. Parents are sure to appreciate the zero-depth entry pool for their little ones, and the sand play area is a favorite of preschoolers.
Be sure to try your hand at mini golf when you’re finished swimming!
RV Camping Near Cascade Bay Waterpark
There is no place we wouldn’t visit in an RV, and we’re going to go ahead and say that would be our lodging option of choice when visiting Cascade Bay Waterpark. We love that staying in an RV gives us the ability to use our own kitchen and bathroom, plus it really allows us to spread out after a long day of adventuring.
Mystic Lake Casino — Of course, you will need a place to park your RV while you check out Cascade Bay and the surrounding area. This is where Mystic Lake Casino comes into play. This casino-run campground has everything you need to be comfortable. This includes a beautiful bathroom, lovely landscaping, full hookups, level sites, and more.
Rent An RV near Cascade Bay Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Cascade Bay Waterpark
Cascade Bay hosts two four-hour swim sessions each day. One from 10:45am–2:45pm, and another from 3:15pm–7:15pm. Admission to each session is $13 for those over 42” tall and $11 for those under this height. Seniors pay only $10 per session, and babies under a year old enter for free.
Want to stay all day? Purchase an all-day-access ticket for $19 and get access to both swim sessions and unlimited mini golf.
Visiting with a toddler or preschooler? Consider visiting during “Little Mates” hours from 9:30am–10:30am daily (except Wednesdays) for a quieter, more laid-back experience.
No outside food is allowed in this park, but concessions are available onsite.
Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
Another city-run water park, Apple Valley’s eponymous Family Aquatic Center is also an awesome spot to cool off and have some fun during the summer months. This park is smaller, making it a good place for parents who are worried about losing kids. That said, it is not short on things to do.
Bigger kids, teens, and fun-loving adults will adore the park’s collection of water slides. The bowl slide is especially fun in our opinion, but all are worth a ride or two. While the brave souls are enjoying the slides, little ones can have fun playing under sprayers and dump buckets. At the end of it all, the whole family will enjoy floating in the lazy river.
RV Camping Near Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
In case you haven’t noticed yet, we are big advocates of RV camping no matter where you roam. Apple Valley is the perfect RVing destination, and taking your home-on-wheels on your waterpark vacation helps ensure you are 100% comfortable in between trips to the park.
Dakotah Meadows RV Park — Obviously, you will need a place to stay while in Apple Valley. This is where the wonderful Dakotah Meadows RV Park comes into play. This is a casino RV park with well-kept grounds, awesome full-hookup sites, and a great location. Rates are very fair and there is even an onsite RV wash!
Rent an RV near Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center!
Planning Your Trip to Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
Admission to this community water park is just $12 per person and gets you in for the entire day. Babies 12 months and younger are admitted free of charge, but all little ones who aren’t yet potty trained must wear swim diapers.
Concessions are available for sale in the park, so you won’t need to pack a lunch. You will want to bring your own towels and sunscreen though!
Wild Mountain
A year-round attraction, Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls has something to offer thrill-seeking guests during every season. We love that this park plays host to so many unique attractions, and we believe you will appreciate the many options as well.
Don’t believe us? Read on!
During the winter months, Wild Mountain is an incredible spot to ski and snow tube. The park offers a wonderful beginner learning area for little ones and first-time skiers, but also has plenty of options for the more experienced skier. Meanwhile, the snow tube run is just plain fun, especially the nighttime Starlight tubing.
Planning a summer trip? You’ll find plenty of fun at Wild Mountain during this time as well. The super fun water play area features small slides, a huge dump bucket, a climbing structure, interactive water features, and more. Prefer something a bit more thrilling? Head to the Avalanche Alley Waterslide section or the Arctic Rush Alpine Slide.
The bravest visitors might even try out the FreeFall XP attraction that allows you to jump two stories onto a giant air bag. And of course, everyone loves the go-karts!
RV Camping Near Wild Mountain
You’re going to want to completely immerse yourself in the “wild” theme on this trip, so RV camping is definitely the way to go! Not only will staying in an RV allow you to stay in the middle of nature, it’ll allow you to do so in complete and total comfort.
Interstate State Park — Our favorite place to camp in Taylors Falls? Interstate State Park! The name of this place is totally misleading; it’s actually a gorgeous park with shaded partial-hookup campsites, a dump station, and best of all, a beautiful river running through it. This is definitely the place to go for a lovely little slice of nature and the perfect place to stay when exploring Minnesota amusement parks.
Rent an RV near Wild Mountain!
Planning Your Trip to Wild Mountain
Wild Mountain attraction prices vary based on what it is you want to do. As an example, a two-hour snow tubing session is $26. Meanwhile, a Super Day Ticket that includes all summer attractions costs $39.
This park invites guests to bring their own food and drink. Lockers are available, and you will want to pack everything you need for the whole day!
Paul Bunyan Land
Did you know there is an entire theme park dedicated to tall tale legend Paul Bunyan? There definitely is, and you definitely need to pay the place a visit! Whether you grew up with tales of Paul Bunyan or barely know who he is, you’re bound to have fun in Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd.
The first thing we have to mention about this one of the Minnesota amusement parks is the gigantic Paul Bunyan animatronic that greets you when you arrive. This enormous statue sits in a giant chair near Babe, his giant pet blue ox. He blinks, moves his head, and even talks! That’s not all he does though. This animatronic actually greets guests by name and can answer questions and hold conversations. How cool is that?
Besides the giant animatronic (which really is the main attraction here), guests at Paul Bunyan Land can also enjoy visiting a “ghost mine”, touring a pioneer village, riding a collection of classic rides, and spending time in Paul’s Petting Zoo.
RV Camping Near Paul Bunyan Land
One of the best things about visiting Paul Bunyan Land? The ability to camp right there on the property! That’s right, Paul Bunyan Land has an RV campground of its own, meaning you won’t have to wander far to find an excellent place to call home while you visit.
Paul Bunyan Land Campground — The Paul Bunyan Land Campground offers 32 campsites. Each site has water and electric hookups, and a few are pull-through sites. A bathhouse is available for guests to use, as is a dump station. Of course, the best part is the ability to hop into the fun of Paul Bunyan Land first thing in the morning!
Rent an RV near Paul Bunyan Land!
Planning Your Trip to Paul Bunyan Land
Paul Bunyan Land is open Friday through Tuesday throughout the summer months. Admission is about $24 per person, but seniors pay a reduced rate of $18.95, and those under two years of age enter for free.
Concessions and a gift shop are available onsite.
Como Town Amusement Park
Located in Saint Paul right next to the Como Zoo, Como Town Amusement Park is an absolutely adorable place to enjoy an outing with the family. While this one of the Minnesota amusement parks does not have any big roller coasters, it has plenty of smaller rides and is especially wonderful for the under-10yo set.
Some favorite attractions at Como Town include the Soaring Eagle and the Tilt-a-Whirl. Little kids love driving the cars at the Kiddie Gran Prix, and the Como Town Swing is the perfect family ride. Of course, you mustn’t miss the fun at the Hodge Podge Park playground!
Looking to cool off? Como Town Amusement Park also boasts a fantastic Splash Zone as well as a super fun Water Wars attraction. Kids also love the foam parties that happen regularly at the park.
RV Camping Near Como Town Amusement Park
Clearly, you will need a place to stay while visiting Como Town. Camping is the perfect option. There are plenty of great campgrounds in the area, and by bringing an RV, you can rest assured you have a clean and comfortable bed to sleep in, as well as a clean place to shower and cook.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve — One of the best places to stay when visiting Saint Paul is the Lake Elmo Park reserve. The park is beautiful and really gives you a taste of Minnesota nature. You might even see animals wandering through your site! The sites themselves are well-kept and include water and electricity. A dump station is available onsite.
Planning Your Trip to Como Town Amusement Park
At Como Town, there are a variety of different admission options. Unlimited ride wristbands are a great choice. These cost $27.95 for kids 42 inches and taller. Those under 42 inches pay only $21.95 for the same wristband, and adults pay only $13.95. Looking to save a bit? Visit after 3pm and get all kids passes for just $19.95.
Another option is to buy points. Each ride requires between 4 and 18 points (depending on the ride you choose), and points cost $.50 each.
Parking is free and food can be purchased onsite. No outside food is allowed.
Wild Woods Waterpark
Like the Great Wolf Lodge mentioned above, Wild Woods Waterpark in Elk River is an indoor water park that offers splashing fun all year round. This year-round Minnesota amusement parks option is themed to look like an old river town and is chock-full of awesome attractions of all sorts. We’re betting you’ll find something great to love about the place!
Wild Woods Waterpark boasts a handful of super fun four-story slides that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The lazy river is also perfect for visitors of all ages and offers a great way to relax while hanging out in the water.
Looking for something for younger visitors to do? Check out Buddy’s Playground, which offers a zero-depth entry pool and a variety of toys for toddlers and preschoolers.
RV Camping Near
Wondering where you should stay while visiting Wild Woods Waterpark? You could stay in the hotel attached to the waterpark, but we recommend bringing an RV instead. Staying in your RV gives you more freedom to roam, spread out, and live your vacation life as you see fit.
Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey — When visiting Elk River, Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey is definitely one of the best lodging options. Like most KOA parks, this place is incredibly clean and maintained very well. The staff are friendly, the sites offer full hookups, and the amenities include fun things like a pool, a playground, and a mini golf course.
Rent an RV near Wild Woods Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Wild Woods Waterpark
Day passes to Wild Woods Waterpark are available. You must purchase these passes in person. Spectator wristbands may also be purchased at the door and are much cheaper than the usual admission price.
It’s important to note that this park is not open every day. We recommend calling in advance to be sure they are open before you visit.
Clearly, there are plenty of Minnesota amusement parks to keep you busy for a good long time, and we’re betting you can find even more by searching “amusement parks near me” once you arrive in the state. That said, there are more things to do in Minnesota than just amusement parks.
Check out the links below for information on other great Minnesota attractions:
