While Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," residents of the state capital of St. Paul and visitors to the area who prefer to stay dry will have no trouble finding fun at one of the region's amusement parks. Those who feel the itch to hop on a roller coaster during the winter months are even in luck; the St. Paul suburb of Bloomington features an amusement park inside Mall of America, which includes 4.2 million square feet of retail space.
Como Town opened in 2005 and, according to its website, attracts more than 1 million visitors per year. It occupies 4 acres and is located next to the Como Zoo. The amusement park is geared toward family entertainment, featuring rides such as the Tilt-A-Whirl, Frog Hopper, Kiddie Grand Prix and Pony Carts. Admission is free, but there is a charge for each ride. The park also has games, concerts, puppet shows, story time and children's summer camps. Children and their parents can have their faces painted and have caricatures made of their likeness.
Como Town
1301 Midway Parkway
St. Paul, MN 55130
651-487-2121
comotown.com
Valleyfair amusement park opened in 1976 and is located 25 miles southwest of St. Paul in Shakopee. It includes more than 75 rides and attractions spread over 90 acres. Valleyfair features roller coasters, children's rides, family rides and live shows. A water park, Soak City, is located on the grounds. Admission to both parks is included with each ticket purchase. Challenge Park is the family-oriented section of Valleyfair, and visitors have to pay a separate admission charge to gain entrance. Challenge Park features the Skycoaster ride, a go-kart track, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a clubhouse, snack bar and video-game arcade.
Valleyfair
One Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-445-6500
valleyfair.com
Nickelodeon Universe is an amusement park located inside the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington, Minnesota. Bloomington is 30 miles southwest of St. Paul. Nickelodeon Universe features rides and attractions that are centered on characters from the children's cable network. The park has roller coasters, a ferris wheel, waterfall drop, bumper cars, the interactive Ghost Blasters ride and a stage featuring live musical acts.
Nickelodeon Universe
5000 Center Court
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-883-8800
nickelodeonuniverse.com
