16 Fun Things to do in Downtown Hopkins MN 2024
Hopkins is one of the smaller towns in the Twin Cities but drives many to it for its charm. It’s a suburb stuck in between St Louis Park, Minnetonka, and Edina. Hopkins is only 4 square miles but packs a punch. Here are eight fun things to do in Hopkins MN.
Fun Things to do near Downtown Hopkins MN
Raspberry Festival
The Raspberry Festival is a weekend event that marks the middle of Summer for most. During the first day, there are vendors selling goods on the street, delicious food, and community sporting events.
On Sunday there is the Largest Parade in Minnesota. I’ve had the privilege of both being a spectator and in the parade. It is one big party. Get there early for curbside seating.
LTD Brewing
Limited batches are what sets apart LTD Brewing. The breweries small batches allow them to constantly rotate and experiment with new ingredients and styles.
Not only do they have a great product but a great atmosphere too! With live music every Friday in their bar, you’ll want to check it out for yourself.
Love Historic Downtowns, Make sure to check out the neighboring Excelsior MN. Over 20 Things to do in Excelsior MN: A lake lover’s dream
Historic Walking Tour of Downtown
I love it when towns embrace their history. And that is what is so great about Hopkins. They have preserved every bit of Downtown Hopkins and many of the buildings and shops utilize what is there.
My favorites include the Clock Tower Plaza and the Opera Hall. Most of the historic businesses in on historic Main Street in Hopkins MN are repurposed into restaurants and boutique shops.
The exteriors stand. To find out more, stop by the Hopkins Historical Society on Main Street or take a Historic Walking Tour of the town.
For more great small towns to explore, check out Stillwater MN. The small river town is bustling with activities. Over 28 Fun Things to do in Stillwater MN
Shopping in Downtown Hopkins
Know for custom shops like Antique stores, Apparel, Tailors, and Record Stores. Hopkin’s has the traditional Main Street you think of in America. With historic buildings, food, shopping, and nightlife.
Specialty stores like Blackstone Manor Clock Repair and Bongo’s & Bud’s have not just survived but thrived on Main Street. They also have stores like Kiddewampus Toy Store.
What surprises me is how much Hopkins has created a balance of many restaurants and great food. Pub 819, The Wild Boar, and more.
Amy’s Cupcake Shop
Need a sweet treat? Amy’s Cupcake shop on Main Street has the most amazing collection of sweet treats and custom cakes. But what I love is their collection of Cupcakes.
It’s hard to walk by her shop without getting something to take home!
Hopkins Art Center & Stages Theater Company
One of the most stunning parts of Downtown Hopkins is the Hopkins Center of the Arts. Inside it holds a mix of Art and Concert and event space.
One of the most recognizable groups that call the Hopkins Center for the Arts home is the Stage Theatre Company. The theatre puts on a dozen different performances a year that cater to young audiences.
They bring some of their favorite books to life like the “True Story of the Big Bad Wolf”, “I love you Stinky Face“, and “Fancy Nancy”.
They offer affordable prices so everyone can enjoy it. If you are a member of the Library, you may even be able to score free tickets through the MELSA SmartPass program.
Swimming at Shady Oak Beach
A list of fun things to do in Hopkins MN wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. To cool off at Hopkins, the neighborhood kids go to Shady Oak Beach.
Most summers the beach is packed with swimmers. The beach has a dock to swim out to, concessions, and multiple play areas.
The beach is owned and run in combination with the City of Hopkins, and operated by the City of Minnetonka’s Recreation Department.
It is technically just outside of Hopkins borders, but when we are this close, it’s hard to keep it off the list.
Choose From Four different Three River Parks Bike Trail Heads
Go for a bike ride to some of the best places in the South West Metro. Hopkins is home to four great Three Rivers Park Bike Trails.
Public Parking for all the trailheads is at the Depot. The depot is a popular coffee shop, especially for bikers in the morning.
MN River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail
The trailhead for the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail is also in Hopkins. The bike route connects downtown Hopkins to downtown Chaska using an old trail road.
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail paved trail meanders through Hopkins, Edina, Minnetonka, and Richfield as it follows along Nine Mile Creek. 14.6 miles.
Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail
The Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail is very popular as it goes from Hopkins to Minneapolis along the former Great Northern Railway and the Minneapolis and St. Louis Trail way. Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail
North Cedar Lake Regional Trail
The North Cedar Lake Regional trail also runs from Hopkins to Minneapolis. The trail is only 4.3 miles and connects around Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. This trail is very popular with families. North Cedar Lake Regional Trail.
Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail
The Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail is a limestone path that runs west from Hopkins to the Carver Park Reserve in Victoria. It’s 15.9 miles and provides a view of Lake Minnetonka along its route. Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.
Want to spend the night? Stay at the nearby Minneapolis Marriott Southwest.
Overpass Skate Park
One of the largest skate parks in the twin cities is in Hopkins MN. The overpass Skate Park opened in 2020 and ists under highway 169.
It covers 18,000 square feet and has piano banks, fun boxes, kinked rails, and staircases. It’s available for skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX bikers.
There is a small fee to enter, and a discount for Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St Louis Park residents.
Burns Park Splashpad
Burns Park is a great park in the heart of Hopkins. Just a few blocks away from downtown. The park has an Ice Skating Rink, Horseshoe Pit, Grill, Basketball Park, playground, and ball files.
But what brings most people their way during the summer is the splash pad.
ArtStreet
Love the sculptures around Hopkins. The sculptures were all created by local Minnesota artists! You can find them all along Mainstreet. Thes pieces are on rote every year before finding a new city to enrich.
THE ARTERY
The Artery is a bike, pedestrian, and vehicle connection on 8th avenue between the planned METRO Green Line and the city’s downtown.
You’ll find sculptures along the route, art installations, sidewalk art, and even some in the crosswalk. This exhibit adds a lot to the city. Even though the light rail isn’t completed yet, you can still appreciate these great works!
Would I Go Back to Hopkins MN?
Quite simply yes. I actually lived on the border of Hopkins for 4 years and never fully embraced it. I think it had something to do with my notion that all shopping should be done in Malls.
Now that I’ve moved, I’m kicking myself on all I was missing out on. If you have a couple of hours, you need to visit and do some of these fun things to do in Hopkins MN.
