The city of Shakopee, Minnesota is one of the larger suburbs located south of the river. With a population of close to 40,000 residents, Shakopee is home to a dynamic and active community. Residents enjoy the beautiful setting, engaging events, area attractions, and rich amenities that are found within the city.

There are many events that take place throughout the year in Shakopee. Shakopee Derby Days is the city’s premier event. Hosted annually during the month of August, the Derby Days are a celebration of life in Shakopee. Activities include a 5k run, bingo, fireworks, live music, parade, community market, soapbox derby race, and much more. A highlight for many of the city’s residents, Shakopee Derby Days is an event you do not want to miss. Another great event in Shakopee is the annual Shakopee Holiday Festival. With a lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Shakopee, caroling, sleigh rides, and even a visit from Santa Claus, the Shakopee Holiday Festival brings the Christmas spirit to all who attend.

Perhaps the most famous event in the area, however, is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. While run by a private company, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a long-standing tradition that draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The event is the largest Renaissance Festival in the nation and takes place on grounds modeled after a 16th-century village. Guests are encouraged to dress up in medieval garb and take part in the festivities. Visitors are sure to be enchanted by the immersive atmosphere, hundreds of vendors, live jousting, competitions, food, entertainers, and more, all set within a medieval theme.

The residents of Shakopee have numerous amenities to enjoy within their community. One of the most popular is the SandVenture Aquatic Park. While not free, SandVenture is attached to the local Lions Park and offers a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. The park features a sandy-bottom swimming area, 300-foot waterslide, two 12-foot drop slides, and a diving board. Additionally, the park also offers numerous lounging areas to soak up the sun as well as a concessions stand. The Shakopee Community Center is another amenity that residents enjoy. A central location for the community, the center is home to Shakopee’s ice arena, Enigma Teen Center, and skate park in addition to fitness facilities, classes, and meeting spaces. As an all-inclusive health facility, residents can exercise in a number of ways for a very low price. The ice arena is home to Shakopee’s high school teams, but is also open to the public. It operates throughout the year, allowing visitors to skate during the warmer months. The Enigma Teen Center is a free resource for local teens to use. With video games, foosball, ping pong, live bands, Dj dances and more, the Enigma Teen Center is very popular among local youth.

There are several very important organizations located within the city of Shakopee. Valleyfair is one of the most popular area attractions in Minnesota. As the largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, Valleyfair features more than 75 rides and attractions. With rides for all ages, Valleyfair is a great family destination that draws in over 1 million visitors each year. Canterbury Park is another important organization. One of two horse racing tracks in Minnesota and home to a casino, Canterbury Park is an area attraction that draws in hundreds of thousands each year. In addition to horse racing, the park brings in ostriches for exotic animal races throughout the summer, and snowmobiles to keep the racing spirit alive during the winter. Sever’s Corn Maze and Fall Festival is a final area attraction. A longstanding tradition within the community, Sever’s Corn Maze and Fall Festival features a new design each year. With the corn maze itself in addition to numerous other activities, Sever’s Corn Maze is a great destination for the whole family. In addition, a giant corn pit is always a huge hit among the kids.

Shakopee’s location, area attractions, and active community engage millions of visitors each year. Residents enjoy living in a city that offers suburban comforts and top-notch entertainment.

If you have any questions regarding the city of Shakopee, Minnesota, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to visit TwinCitiesPropertyFinder.com or call 1-800-909-1953.