Stuck in town for the summer? As it turns out, Eden Prairie has a lot to offer those wanting a little escape. 

 

 

 

Morning hike: A view from the top of the bluffs

What: Take a day hike
to the top of the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area.

What to bring: Good
shoes, good company and some money to finish your with a burger from Lion’s Tap
just down the road. Be sure to bring some water bottles to fill up on spring
water before your hike.

Why it’s great: When
asked about his favorite places to recreate Parks and Recreation Director Jay
Lotthammer cited a hike at the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, 18700
Flying Cloud Drive.

He wrote: “The view
of the river valley is spectacular. You can even see Valleyfair. This is a real
nature hiking area. Ten steps in, you feel like you are hundreds of miles away
from a metro area. On the way down, you can drink from the spring that is
located near the parking lot. Since you burn a lot of calories on the hike, I
either sneak across the border to the little bakery in Shakopee or I stop at
the Lions Tap for lunch.” 

After your hike through the woods, be sure to visit Lions Tap for its legendary burgers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date night: Dunn Bros. within the historic Smith-Douglas-More
house

What: The Dunn Bros
that operates within the historic Smith-Douglas-More house, 8107
Eden Prairie Road, is but a short walk away from a
regional hiking trail that connects to Eden Prairie
Road.

Why it’s great:  Dunn Bros. provides the perfect destination
after an evening’s stroll along the Southwest Regional LRT
Trail. The shop offers baked goods, sandwiches, beer, wine and of course
coffee, but the true appeal is the house itself, which includes both cozy
corners and plenty of patio space.

Information: Call
Dunn Bros. at 952-934-0145
for more information.

 

 

At Dunn Bros

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Trip: Keep it sandy

What: The sand-bottom
pool at The Preserve, 11221 Anderson Lakes Parkway,
is a hybrid lake/pool: it offers chlorinated water, but a sandy beach and
floor. A limited number of memberships are available to any Eden
Prairie resident or you can purchase a one- day
passes. Call 952-941-8400,
or visit the Preserve Office at 11221 Anderson Lakes
Parkway for more information.

Why it’s great: The
pool has been around for more than 30 years and is like no other. Along with
ample space swimming and sunbathing, there’s also a diving area. Hot pool days
are limited in Minnesota, so
enjoy them while they last.

 

Preserve pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World tour: International Festival in Eden
Prairie

What: The Eden
Prairie International Festival is one of the variety of upcoming activities
offered by the city of Eden Prairie
each week. The festival is set for 3-8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9, at Staring Lake
Park, 14800 Pioneer Trail. Bring a
blanket and lawn chairs and settle in for an afternoon of activities including
exhibits, arts and crafts.

Why it’s great: You’ll
get to take a tour of foods, including India Palace, Holyland Brand Inc.,
Pham’s Deli (with soda and snacks provided by Boy Scout Troop 695) and get a
flavor for Eden Prairie’s diverse community, with Spanish dance, Somali dance,
Tiyumba drumming and dancing from Africa, Brazil com S music, a Kung Fu
demonstration, Chinese Dance Theater and Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs.
The city also invites everyone to wear their culture’s traditional garb to the
event. For more information, visit www.edenprairie.org or call 952-949-8300.

 

International Festival