Looking for adventure near Minneapolis? Burnsville, Minnesota is the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure, with mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, indoor attractions, and family-friendly thrills just minutes away. From Buck Hill and Terrace Oaks to Valleyfair, Mall of America®, and more, Burnsville makes it easy to plan an action-packed day trip or weekend getaway.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Burnsville is a convenient home base for exploring some of the Twin Cities’ best mountain biking. Ride local trails at Terrace Oaks or Buck Hill, then venture to nearby favorites, including Lebanon Hills, Murphy-Hanrehan, the Minnesota River Bottoms, Lone Lake Park, and Elm Creek Park Reserve, all within about a 30-minute drive.
Before you ride, check current trail conditions through Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC).
Winter Adventures at Buck Hill
Buck Hill has been a winter tradition in Burnsville for generations. Hit the slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding, enjoy family-friendly snow tubing, or take a lesson if it’s your first time on the snow. With activities for all ages and skill levels, Buck Hill is a must-visit destination during the winter months.
Indoor Thrills
Big Air Trampoline Park
Looking for high-flying indoor fun? Big Air Trampoline Park in Burnsville features more than 20 attractions, including wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, dodgeball, and interactive games. Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for an active indoor adventure, Big Air offers fun for all ages.
ProKART Indoor Racing
Feel the rush behind the wheel at ProKART Indoor Racing in Burnsville. Race high-performance karts around a professionally designed indoor track and challenge your friends to see who takes the checkered flag. It’s a fun option for families, date nights, group outings, and anyone who loves a little friendly competition.
Worth the Short Drive
Valleyfair and Superior Shores Waterpark
Less than 30 minutes from Burnsville, Valleyfair is Minnesota’s largest amusement park and home to more than 75 rides and attractions. Take on roller coasters, drop rides, family attractions, live entertainment, and Superior Shores Waterpark.
Whether you’re soaring through loops or cooling off on the slides, Valleyfair is a must-visit for thrill seekers.
Photo Credit: Valleyfair Amusement Park
Nickelodeon Universe® at Mall of America®
Just 15 minutes from Burnsville, Nickelodeon Universe® at Mall of America offers year-round thrills inside the nation’s largest indoor theme park. Enjoy roller coasters, spinning rides, family attractions, and the Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course, featuring ropes, climbs, and zip lines high above the park.
Canterbury Park
Looking for a different kind of excitement? Canterbury Park in nearby Shakopee offers live horse racing, card games, concerts, and special events throughout the year. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening after a day of exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Burnsville a great home base for exploring the Twin Cities?
Burnsville offers comfortable hotels, locally owned restaurants, free parking, and convenient access to many of the Twin Cities’ top attractions. Whether you’re visiting Valleyfair, Mall of America®, Buck Hill, or nearby parks and trails, Burnsville makes an ideal home base for exploring the region while enjoying a more relaxed pace.
What are the best adventure activities near Burnsville?
From mountain biking and skiing to indoor attractions and amusement parks, Burnsville offers year-round adventure. Popular activities include Buck Hill, Big Air Trampoline Park, ProKART Indoor Racing, Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and nearby Twin Cities trails.
How close are Burnsville’s top attractions?
Many of Burnsville’s top attractions are just minutes away. Valleyfair, Mall of America®, Canterbury Park, and several of the Twin Cities’ premier mountain biking trails are all within about a 30-minute drive, making Burnsville a convenient place to stay while exploring the region.
Plan Your Adventure Getaway
Whether you’re riding mountain bike trails, hitting the slopes, racing go-karts, tackling roller coasters, or exploring nearby attractions, Burnsville puts you close to some of Minnesota’s best adventures.
After an action-packed day, unwind at one of Burnsville’s comfortable hotels, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, and start planning tomorrow’s adventure.
Ready to start planning? Explore more things to do, find a hotel, and make Burnsville your home base for adventure.
Share your favorite adventures using #MyBurnsville on Instagram and Facebook. We’d love to see where your adventure takes you!
