Engaging Activities

Looking for something to do? Shouldn’t be a problem in Scott, frankly. We’ve got an ample supply of things happening all year, and we’ve collected a few community faves for you.

May we suggest getting friendly with farm stock — such as Friske the goat — at the Held yearly the last week of July, kids get a kick out of the animals, amusement rides, snacks on a stick, and all of the other traditions that make a county fair one of the best highlights of the summer. We sure are ready for this year’s fun on July 26-30, 2023! For the latest updates, stay connected on their website.

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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi

Wait, you haven’t attended the yearly Wacipi? Mark your calendar for August 18-2023 A contest Pow Wow where dancers compete in categories and age groups, the SMSC Wacipi is a time to gather with friends old and new. Can’t-miss dances include the Jingle Dress and Fancy Shawl, but we think you should attend as many of them as possible in order to soak in the colors and a rhythmic drum beat that celebrates Native American life.

Lakefront Music Fest

The Lakefront Music Fest is one of Scott’s highest profile events, offering two nights of classic rock and country by top national acts. On the bill in 2021 were Styx, Cheap Trick, 38 Special, Jake Owen and Noah Guthrie (we’re thinking attendees are still jammin’ out to Come Sail Away). Prior Lake, is July 14th, 2023 Lynyrd Skynyrd and July 15th, 2023 Daius Rucker, plus REO Speedwagon and more!. This is a great way to get involved in the community, too, with great volunteer opportunities for the event. And a hearty “you’re welcome” in regards to putting that classic song in your head.

SMSC Tribal Gardens

Owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Wozupi Tribal Gardens grows certified-organic vegetables, herbs, fruit, and plant starts on an organic farm in Scott County. Their bounty is available for purchase at natural foods store Mazopiya in Prior Lake, and enjoyed at The Meadows Bar and Grill, Dakotah! Deli at Dakotah! Sport and Fitness, and Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel restaurants. The farm also produces maple syrup and manages bee colonies for plant pollination. At Mazopiya, you can learn more about the farm and enjoy a cup of Native-made coffee, pick up sage and sweetgrass, or explore traditional Indigenous foods.

Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve

Unspoiled wilderness earned this park an Important Bird Area designation from the National Audubon Society, but that’s not all: Enjoy fishing, challenging cross-country skiing and skijoring, geocaching, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating and paddling, and acres of lush forest. With one of the most challenging cross-country ski areas in all of the Twin Cities, it’s a great winter place to have fun, too. Check out the interactive map on their website to start your trek.

SMSC & Mystic Lake

One of our premier employers and entertainment destinations, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel® and Little Six Casino® are owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). SMSC has a diverse collection of enterprises on its lands in Prior Lake and Shakopee, Minnesota. From Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino, and Mystic Lake Center® to natural grocery stores and fitness centers, the SMSC enterprises help drive the local economy. Play some golf, take in a show, and play the odds with a heated bingo game; it’s a Scott County mecca for fun.

MEET SMSC & MYSTIC LAKE

Valleyfair

As the Twin Cities’ most popular amusement and water park, Valleyfair has you covered when it comes to family fun. In the summer months, enjoy the rides, and prepare for spooky fun during Valleyfair’s Halloween celebration. Thinking about a seasonal job? Working with the fair is an opportunity that pays off for years to come by providing skills, fun experiences, and new friends that will last a lifetime. Meet with some of Valleyfair’s coolest to learn about networking, job interview skills, and much more.

MEET VALLEYFAIR

Cross-Country Skiing

Make the most of the snowy season and perfect your schuss at places like the Cleary Lake Regional Park, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, and Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area. It’s a great workout, and you’ll inspire yourself to see winter in a whole new light.

TC OUTDOOR GUIDE

What's Happening

We collaborate with Scott County communities and Chambers of Commerce to pull together a master calendar of events. Bookmark it to never miss a thing! Got something cool to do or see? Submit your events for us to post, too.

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