Idlewild Spa. Photo: Omni Hotels and Resorts
When you can’t go far, take a mini-break at these local destinations.
Whether you’re constrained by time, work or family obligations, there are plenty of small ways to break up a long winter without airplanes, trains or seemingly endless car trips. Spend a weekend at an indoor waterpark; indulge in a massage and a fancy dinner; or enjoy a night of live music and maybe a little gambling—all without straying too far from home.
Bond With Family
Book a room for a couple of nights at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Lakeville, and you can easily entertain the family for a weekend. The hotel features a waterpark with a two-story water slide for bigger kids, zero-depth splash pads for toddlers and a 3 1/2-foot deep pool with basketball hoops, plus a 20-person hot tub for adults to rest their weary muscles.
Rudy’s Redeye Grill, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, offers a crowd-pleasing menu that’ll keep the entire crew fueled for a day spent splashing in the water.
Looking for family-friendly destinations nearby? Catch a movie at Emagine Lakeville (20653 Keokuk Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.5324; emagine-entertainment.com), indulge in a sweet treat at Cream of the Cakes (20655 Kenrick Ave., Lakeville; 952.469.2253; creamofthecakes.com) or grab lunch or dinner at Baldy’s BBQ (11276 W. 210th St., Lakeville; 952.469.3343; baldysbbqmn.com).
Holiday Inn & Suites Lakeville
20800 Kenrick Ave., Lakeville; 952.469.1134
Facebook: Holiday Inn & Suites Minneapolis – Lakeville
Relax and Recharge
Plan a weekend with friends or a romantic couples retreat at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan. Enjoy the view with floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the hotel’s well-appointed 320 guest rooms and suites. The onsite Idlewild Spa emphasizes thermotherapy, encouraging guests to cycle between hot and cold treatments, and offers Nordic and couples massages, facials and manicures and pedicures. Make reservations in advance, especially if you’re booking for a group.
Guests don’t need to travel far for fine dining. The hotel’s restaurant, Kindred, boasts a menu created by James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim. Those willing to venture out into Eagan won’t be disappointed by Hope Breakfast Bar (1012 Diffley Road, Eagan; 612.489.5793; hopebreakfast.com), Southern Social (1940 Rahncliff Court, Eagan; 651.478.7919; southernsocialmn.com) or Kitchen and Rail (3344 Promenade Ave., Eagan; 612.402.7380; kitchenandrail.com).
Need more pampering? Head on over to Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan, and browse through more than 85 shops, including Coach Outlet, Kate Spade New York and more.
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
2611 Nordic Way, Eagan; 651.689.9800
Let Your Hair Down
Make time for fun and games at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake. Book a guest room or suite in the hotel, and then schedule your day around entertainment, games and dining.
Catch a concert or show in the Mystic Showroom, which regularly features nationally touring bands, comedians and performing acts. Upcoming shows include the Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2024 Tour (February 9), Air Supply (February 24) and The Price is Right Live (March 7–10).
Guests can also try their luck on the slot machines, at the Blackjack tables, electronic game tables or by playing Bingo. Cosmic (think glow-in-the-dark) Blackjack and Bingo are offered on weekends.
There’s a variety of onsite dining options, including Mystic Steakhouse, featuring steak, seafood and fine wines, and the Minnehaha Cafe, which has a classic American menu.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake; 800.262.7799
Facebook: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
Instagram: @mysticlakecasino
X: @mysticlake
