Its close proximity to Shakopee is only one of Eden Prairie’s many blessings. The pristine suburb just southwest of our own has the Wilkie Unit National Wildlife Refuge, where you can stroll and birdwatch alongside the shores of three lakes and the bank of the Minnesota River. Shakopee’s historic riverside downtown is a joy to meander through, replete with interesting shops and fine dining. There is also Stonebrooke Golf Club, a public course that parallels any elite country club’s challenge and presentation.
But Shakopee’s summer fun isn’t all contemplative. No Minnesota July is complete without a white-knuckle tootle across the Wild Thing, Valleyfair’s screaming-fast roller coaster. And even if you aren’t a gambler, no other spectacle is more bracing than a live horse race at Canterbury Park. Mark your calendar on July 30th, when the track will feature races by the world’s most athletic breed of dog: the corgi.
“We are always improving and expanding on the experience we offer to our guests,” said Michael Kerski, director of planning and development for the city of Shakopee. “We are investing $3 million into streetscaping and storefronts that will make downtown’s River City Centre even more welcoming. The Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park at Quarry Lake Park turns two this summer, and it has already attracted a devoted following of enthusiasts. For the children, we have recently added a new playground to Quarry Lake Park, as well as another at Huber Park. And if you’d like to play disc golf, basketball, tennis or hockey – or enjoy the beach at the SandVenture Aquatic Park – Lions Park has it all.”
The Shakopee Chamber’s Rhythm on the Rails concert series, which turns downtown's Lewis Street into the Twin Cities’ premier destination for live music, is already underway. Go there 6–9:30pm on any Wednesday from July 12th through August 9th for family fun and games, delicious food and beer, and outstanding performances by regional headliners!
- Wednesday, July 12th - Xpedition, featuring tributes to Journey, Styx, Kansas and Foreigner
- Wednesday, July 19th - Mallrats, featuring covers of the top hits of the ‘90s
- Wednesday, July 26th - Shane Martin, featuring the hit songs of legendary Southern rock band Alabama
- Wednesday, August 2nd - The Fabulous Armadillos Party Band, featuring hit songs spanning all genres and recent decades
- Wednesday, August 9th - Shakopee Community Spirit Night, featuring Josh Baldwin of Bethel Music and Maryanne J. George of Maverick City
“We were honored by the massive turnout at last year’s inaugural TAP Brew Fest,” said Michael. “That’s why we’re proud to announce TAP 2023. The festival will once again feature more than 40 Minnesotan breweries including Rahr Eagle Brewery by Shakpee’s own Rahr Malting Company, as well as pay tribute to the innovative businesses that have turned Shakopee into the southwest metro’s economic powerhouse. This year’s featured businesses include Steelhead Outdoors, which designs and manufactures high-tech modular gun safes right here in town, REMastered Sleep, which has developed the world's first water bottle that fights snoring through tongue exercise, Otso Cycles, which makes versatile, performance-first bikes inspired by the spirit of the Northwoods, and Written Hugs Designs, which creates thoughtful and sensitive greeting cards that are currently available at HomeGoods stores nationwide. They are all testaments to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Shakopee forward and continually improves our great city!”
TAP 2023 begins at noon for VIPs and ends at 4pm. At 6pm there will be a chamber-sponsored concert featuring A Salute to the Music of Prince by Chase & Ovation.
Please visit discovershakopee.org to plan your summer vacation just over the river, tap2023.com for up-to-date information about this year’s TAP Brew Fest, and makeitinshakopee.com to learn more about the Shakopee’s meteoric economic development. I’ll see you at the corgi races!
Mark your calendar on July 30th, when Canterbury Park will feature races by the world’s most athletic breed of dog: the corgi.
