Part Waterpark And Part Amusement Park, Valleyfair Is The Ultimate Summer Day Trip In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published June 21, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Here in Minnesota, we have a surprising number of waterparks. There’s the sprawling Bunker Beach Water Park in Coon Rapids. And there’s the small but unique Lagoon at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, which comes complete with an adults-only swim-up bar. These – and all of Minnesota’s other great parks – are awesome spots to have fun and relax. But there’s one place in Minnesota that ups the ante by offering not only a waterpark but also an awesome amusement park that is sure to put a smile on your face. If you’re looking for the ultimate summer day trip in Minnesota, a trip to Valleyfair is in order. Read on below to learn more about one of Minnesota’s favorite destinations:
Valleyfair is a popular attraction in Shakopee, Minnesota. Covering 125 acres, there is enough to do there to warrant dedicating an entire day to your visit.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll spot many of the park’s most popular amusement park rides. If you’re looking to go up high, a ride on Power Tower is in order. This 275-foot-tall tower speeds up to 50 miles per hour, making for a thrilling ride with a great view.
Wild Thing is another popular attraction. It’s the tallest roller coaster at Valleyfair! The exhilarating ride starts with a slow climb up a 207-foot hill, followed by a drop that speeds up to 74 miles per hour!
Other favorite rides for thrill-seekers include Steel Venom, an inverted roller coaster; the Renegade, a wooden coaster built in 2007; and Corkscrew, a looping roller coaster.
Aside from the amusement park, Valleyfair is also well known for its waterpark, known as Soak City. With slides, pools, a children’s area, and more, this is an awesome way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Many people love Breakers Bay, a 34,000-square-foot wave pool. The intermittent waves range from small to large depending on where you choose to float. Whether you use a raft or swim, this fun attraction is a favorite!
Ripple Rapids is a lazy river - stretching 1,200 feet long - that loops around the area. Grab a floaty and hop in! This is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the sun without getting too hot.
For those looking for more thrills, Soak City is home to plenty of waterslides. Hurricane Falls is a tube ride for four people. Riders speed down the slide, twisting around curves before splashing into a pool.
Breakers Plunge is an extreme waterslide that rises 90 feet into the air. Riders experience a near-vertical drop as they plunge down the slide on their backs. There are two side-by-side slides so that riders can race to the bottom!
Soak City has several other awesome slides, such as Panic Falls and Raging Rapids. Outside of the Soak City area, the Wave and Thunder Canyon are other popular water attractions.
All in all, Valleyfair is a classic Minnesota day trip destination. It never gets old enjoying the thrills of the amusement park or the splashy fun of the waterpark. We highly recommend a visit! For more information about the park, including hours, attractions, and more, check out their website and Facebook page.
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