Minnesota’s Best Amusement Parks in 2024

Minnesota is a great place to visit, and one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the state is to take a trip to one of its many amusement parks. From roller coasters to water slides, Minnesota has something for everyone.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most popular amusement parks in Minnesota, and share tips for getting the most out of your visit.

Valleyfair

  1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379  More Info

Valleyfair in Shakopee is one of the most popular amusement parks in Minnesota. It features over 75 rides, including roller coasters, water slides, and more.

There are also family-friendly attractions, such as a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a train ride. The coasters are out of this world, on top with the best Amusement Parks in the country.

Valleyfair also has plenty of food options, including classic amusement parks fare like pizza, burgers, and ice cream.

There are also a variety of shows, from acrobatics to live music. Make sure to visit during some of their special weeks, like Carnival, Monster Trucks and more! With its wide variety of attractions, Valleyfair is sure to provide a fun-filled day of entertainment.

Make sure to check out my tips for Valleyfair and also some of their great festivals throughout the year:
21 BEST Family-Friendly Tips for Valleyfair in Shakopee MN
Valleyfair’s Tricks and Treats – Making the most of your Halloween

Nickelodeon Universe

  5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425  More Info

Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington is an amusement park that is sure to please kids and adults alike. With over 27 rides and attractions, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States.

The indoor park has thrilling roller coasters to kid-friendly rides. From a thrill factor, they are great way to introduce your kids to coasters and other bigger rides.

They also have extras like a ropes course and ziplining all inside the mall. It’s also home to one of the state’s largest Paul Bunyan Statues.

There are also plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from live shows and games to meet-and-greets with Nickelodeon characters.

There are also plenty of food options around the mall. You can also pick up classic amusement park fare to unique snacks and treats. Nickelodeon Universe is the perfect place for a day of fun and excitement.

Nickelodeon Universe is a lot of fun. Make sure to check out my tips on how to get the most of your day, including where to pick up discount tickets.

Como Town in St Paul

  1301 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103  More Info

Como Town in St Paul is a great place to take the whole family for a day of fun. This amusement park features over 30 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, a Ferris wheel and a carousel.

There are also plenty of places to eat, from classic amusement park fare to unique snacks and treats.

When you are done with Como Town, make sure to stop at the Como Zoo. They are Minnesota’s only free zoo. Inside you’ll get to see a great selection of Animals, including lions and tigers, and bears. They also have a breathtaking conservatory and gardens.

With its wide variety of attractions and activities, Como Town is a great place to spend the day.

Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd

  17553 MN-18, Brainerd, MN 56401  More Info

Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd is an amusement park filled with fun for the whole family. This family-friendly park features over 30 rides and attractions, including a roller, and kiddie rides.

Paul Bunyan Lands is home to a talking version of the larger-than-life fable. It will greet your kids by name when you arrive.

This theme park is geared toward younger kids, 8 and under. They do have a few attractions for bigger kids.

Once you are down with the amusement park, make sure to see the Old Farm Experience. They even have a few animals. Paul Bunyan Land is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day.

If you are looking for more great things to do in Brainerd check out: 38 FUN Things to do in Brainerd Minnesota

Great Wolf Lodge

  1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425  More Info

Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington is the perfect place for a family getaway. This indoor waterpark features over 15 attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

There are also dining options in the waterpark as well as a restaurant inside. You can pick up both day passes and all-day admission.

Great Wolf Lodge also offers a variety of activities, from live shows and games to a ropes course and an outdoor mini-golf course.

One of my favorite parks about Great Wolf Lodge is the dance parties and yoga experiences for kids. Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place for a fun-filled family vacation.

If you are interested in Waterparks, there is a great number of Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota you have to check out!

The MN State Fair Midway

  1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108  More Info

The State Fair Midway in St Paul is a temporary amusement park that is sure to excite and delight. The fair has two midways, one for grownups and one exclusively for kids.

You’ll find a variety of attractions both, including roller coasters, water slides, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and more.

There are also plenty of places to eat. Minnesota State Fair is known for its amazing selection of food. I guarantee you’ll find unique snacks and treats.

The State Fair Midway also offers a variety of activities outside of the midway, from free live shows and games. The MN State Fair always is the always the last 12 days of Summer, ending on Labor Day.

If you can time it right, the State Fair Midway is the perfect place to spend the day.

While you are at the fair, make sure to check out all the reasons to visit the MN State Fair

Wild Mountain Water Park

  37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084  More Info

Wild Mountain Water Park in Taylor’s Falls is a great place to cool off and have fun in the sun. This water park features multiple water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and more.

There have a great lazy river and kids water area that includes a 350-gallon dumping bucket.

In addition to the water park, you can also do the Arctic Rush Alpine Slide, Go-Karts and free-fall experience.

They do have food onsite, but it is one of the few amusement parks that also allow you to bring in your own food.

Pay for just the attractions you want to do, or get an unlimited wristband. With its wide variety of attractions and activities, Wild Mountain Water Park is the perfect place for a fun and exciting day.

Wild Mountain Water Park is one of the great Outdoor Water Parks around the state. Make sure to check them all out. 13 Best Outdoor Water Parks in Minnesota For Summer Fun
I also recommend exploring some of the other great things to do in Taylors’ Falls while there.

Questions about MN Amusement Parks

Tips for Visiting an Amusement Park

Visiting an amusement park can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your visit:

• Have a plan: Before you visit the park, make a plan of which attractions you want to visit and in what order. This will help you make the most of your visit.
• Buy a season pass: If you plan on visiting an amusement park multiple times, buying a season pass can help save money in the long run.
• Bring a water bottle: Most amusement parks have a variety of food options and don’t allow outside food and drinks. But the one exception is water. Bring and empty bottle and fill up when you get there.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: Amusement parks can be hot and humid in the summer, and wearing comfortable clothing and shoes will help make your visit more enjoyable. If you decide to go with sandals, make sure they have a back so they don’t fly off on a ride.
• Arrive early: Most amusement parks open early in the morning and the lines for popular rides can get long quickly. To avoid the crowds, try to get to the park as early as possible.