16 Fun Things to Do in Downtown Hopkins, MN (2026 Guide)
Hopkins is one of the smaller towns in the Twin Cities but drives many to it for its charm. It’s a suburb tucked between St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, and Edina. Hopkins is only 4 square miles but packs a punch. Here are 16 fun things to do in Hopkins MN.
Getting There
Hopkins is about 10 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis — roughly a 20-minute drive. Even better, Hopkins now has its own METRO Green Line Extension stop (opened June 2023), making it one of the easiest car-free day trips from the city. Park & Ride options are also available near the station. Free street parking is available along 8th Avenue and throughout downtown.
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. Typically held the third week of July, the festival kicks off with 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 brewery’s 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 on 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
Known for custom shops like antique stores, apparel, tailors, and record stores, Hopkins has the traditional Main Street you think of in America — 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.
Where to Eat on Main Street
Hopkins has built a surprisingly strong food scene for its size. Pub 819 is a local favorite for craft burgers and a lively atmosphere. The Wild Boar brings a more upscale spin on rustic American fare. For coffee before a morning bike ride, the Depot is the go-to spot for trail users. And for something sweet, Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe (see below) is a Main Street staple you won’t want to skip.
Angel Food
Need a sweet treat? Angel Food, formally 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 for the Arts. Inside it holds a mix of art, concert, and event space.
One of the most recognizable groups that call the Hopkins Center for the Arts home is the Stages 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.
Five Three Rivers Park Bike Trail Heads
Go for a bike ride to some of the best places in the South West Metro. Hopkins is home to five 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 rail road.
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail is a paved trail that 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 sits 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 Splash Pad
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 Court, playground, and ball fields.
But what brings most people their way during the summer is the splash pad.
ArtStreet
The sculptures around Hopkins are a wonderful surprise. Created by local Minnesota artists, you can find them all along Main Street. These pieces rotate 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 METRO Green Line Extension stop and the city’s downtown. You’ll find sculptures along the route, art installations, sidewalk art, and even some in the crosswalk. With the Green Line now connecting Hopkins directly to Minneapolis and St. Paul, The Artery has become a natural gateway into downtown for visitors arriving by rail — a great reason to leave the car at home.
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.
