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  Canterbury Park Racetrack

  1100 Canterbury Rd Shakopee, MN 55379-1873 US +1-952-445-7223

  SHAKOPEE. At Canterbury Park, you'll find horse racing from May until Labor Day, not to mention gaming and simulcasting throughout the year. A children's play yard is available too, as are picnic facilities, restaurants, and concession stands. Racing novices can take advantage of seminars on betting before the start of each day's events. When the ponies aren't running, there may be rock concerts, motorcycle races, and swap meets.

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  Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

  501 W 78th St Chanhassen, MN 55317 +1-952-934-1525

  Chanhassen presents three theaters showing Broadway musicals and comedies. Complete meals precede shows, and dessert is typically offered during intermission. Food is excellent; shows, outstanding ­ a thoroughly professional experience. Prices vary based on day and time of performance. Past productions have included Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade," "Singin' in the Rain," and "Grease." If you opt for a show without a meal, you must book at least ten days in advance.

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  Historic Fort Snelling

  1 Post Rd Junction of Hwys 5 & 55, one mile east St. Paul, MN 55111 US +1-612-726-1171

  FORT SNELLING. Built in the 1820s, this fort had as its dual original purposes the promotion of the American fur trade and the keeping of the peace on the frontier in the years before white settlement was allowed. Although much of the fort has been reconstructed, several original buildings remain. Today, visitors can explore the old fortress and meet a variety of costumed characters from the 1820s. Regular cannon firings, drills, craft demonstrations, cooking and children's activities are presented. Fort Snelling State Park, adjacent to the restored fort, offers a variety of recreational activities.

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  Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

  3815 American Blvd E Bloomington, MN 55425 US +1-952-854-5900

  BLOOMINGTON. This federally managed nature preserve offers sanctuary for a range of migrating birds and waterfowl. The refuge features an excellent interpretive center offering programs and exhibits dedicated to the natural history of the Minnesota River area. As part of the Minnesota Valley Recreation Area, which is itself part of the Minnesota State Parks system, the refuge features cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking on trails that feature bird-watching sites and picnic grounds.

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  Minnesota Zoo

  13000 Zoo Blvd Apple Valley, MN 55124 US +1-952-431-9200

  APPLE VALLEY. Five trails wind through 500 wooded acres. Habitat trails allow visitors to view animals in their natural surroundings. A range of wildlife from birds and bats to snakes and lizards to monkeys and bears are featured. More wildlife includes moose, tigers, camels, and lynx, all housed in natural surroundings. There is a large amphitheater where playful dolphins entertain the crowds, an underwater coral reef, an IMAX theater, and a Zoo lab where children can touch all sorts of creeping, crawling critters. The zoo also boasts an excellent gift shop, bookstore, and concession stand. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter.

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  Trillium Spa

  1700 East American Blvd 2nd Floor Radisson Hotel Bloomington Bloomington, MN 55425 +1-952-229-5735

  Whether you want a full day of relaxation or a quick massage therapy fix, Trillium Spa has got you covered. Try one of their signature facials, like the Myoxy Caviar & Pearls Anti-Aging facial or the customized Skin Care Purify facial. This upscale spa also offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, makeup applications and lessons, massages and spa packages with a little of everything, which are ideal for wedding parties, romantic dates and special occasions of all sorts. Stop by Trillium Spa inside the Radisson Hotel Bloomington for an unforgettable spa experience.