So you’ve booked a stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel or you’re planning a day trip to Prior Lake. You’re ready for the gaming floor, the buffet, and maybe a show at the Mystic Showroom. But what happens when you want to step away from the slots? If you’re traveling with a partner who isn’t a gambler, or you just need a break from the neon lights, you might be surprised to find that the area offers more than just blackjack tables.
The good news is that you don't have to drive all the way to downtown Minneapolis to find quality entertainment. Right here in Scott County, you’ve got championship golf, sprawling parks, and enough local dining to keep you busy for days. Here’s a breakdown of the best attractions within a short drive of the casino.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
If you’ve been sitting at a video poker machine for three hours, your body is probably craving movement. The land surrounding Mystic Lake is surprisingly lush, offering some of the best outdoor spots in the southern metro area.
Golf at The Meadows at Mystic Lake
You don’t even need to leave the property to find a top-tier course. The Meadows at Mystic Lake is a championship 18-hole golf course located right across the street from the casino. It’s not just some generic pitch-and-putt; this place hosts major tournaments and features bentgrass greens and fairways that rival private clubs. Even if your swing isn’t tour-ready, the course is playable for average golfers while still offering enough hazards to keep low-handicappers interested. It’s a convenient way to get fresh air without losing your parking spot.
Exploring Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Less than 10 minutes from the casino, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve is the antidote to casino fatigue. If you’re looking for solitude, this is it. The park is known for its quiet atmosphere—no motorized boats on the lake, minimal traffic noise. It has over 12 miles of hiking trails that wind through heavy woods and around the shoreline of Lake Rebecca. In the winter, these trails transform into some of the best cross-country skiing routes in the region. It’s a solid choice if you want to burn off a heavy buffet breakfast.
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Just a few miles south, Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a different vibe. It’s busier but has more amenities. You can rent boats here, play a round on a 9-hole executive golf course, or hit the swimming beach during summer. It’s also a popular spot for winter fat-tire biking if you visit Minnesota during the colder months.
Dining and Local Flavor Beyond the Casino
The Meadows Bar and Grill and the Mystic Steakhouse are solid options inside the casino, and the Minnehaha Cafe serves a mean breakfast. But sometimes you want to get off-property and see where the locals eat. Prior Lake and nearby Savage have a few spots worth the short Uber ride.
Char House Prior Lake
If you want a classic American steakhouse experience without the casino price tag, Char House is the local favorite. It’s an upscale-casual spot that takes its meat seriously. They offer dry-aged steaks that compete with what you’ll find inside the casino, but with a neighborhood feel. It’s a great option for a date night or a quieter dinner away from the slot machine chimes.
Turtles Bar and Grill
For a more laid-back atmosphere, Turtles is about five minutes away. It’s the kind of place where you can watch a Vikings game, grab a burger, and not feel out of place in a hoodie. Their patio is popular in the summer, offering views of Prior Lake. It’s a reliable spot for bar food that hits the spot after a long day.
Entertainment and Nightlife Options
Mystic Lake brings in big names for its showroom—acts like KISS, Blake Shelton, and Jay Leno have performed there. But if you’re looking for something different, or the showroom is dark during your visit, check out the nearby Canterbury Park.
Canterbury Park Racetrack
Located about 10 minutes north of Mystic Lake, Canterbury Park is a staple of the Minnesota summer. The horse racing season typically runs from May through September. Even if you aren’t a handicapper, a day at the track is a unique experience. Admission is cheap, you can walk right up to the paddock to see the horses, and the energy is contagious. They also host extreme demolition derby events and concerts throughout the year. Since Mystic Lake and Canterbury have a partnership, you can sometimes find shuttle services running between the two venues on race days.
Valleyfair Amusement Park
If you have kids in tow—or you just love roller coasters—Valleyfair is roughly 20 minutes away in Shakopee. It’s the Upper Midwest’s largest amusement park, featuring the Wild Thing roller coaster and a massive water park included with admission. It’s an easy way to turn a gambling weekend into a family vacation, provided the weather cooperates.
Shopping and Day Trips
You won’t find high-end retail right next to the casino, but you aren’t far from some massive shopping destinations.
Mall of America
It’s the obvious choice, but for good reason. The Mall of America is about a 25-minute drive north on I-35W. It’s not just shopping; there’s an aquarium, a theme park in the center, and hundreds of dining options. If the Minnesota weather turns bad, this is the ultimate indoor backup plan. You can easily spend a full day here without spending a dime on retail, just walking the circumference and people-watching.
Historic Downtown Prior Lake
For a more low-key shopping experience, the historic downtown area of Prior Lake offers small antique shops and local boutiques. It’s quiet and charming, a stark contrast to the sensory overload of the gaming floor. It’s worth a quick walk-through if you have an hour to kill before dinner.
| Attraction | Distance from Mystic Lake | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meadows Golf Course | On Property | Golfers / Relaxation | Championship 18-hole course |
| Canterbury Park | ~3 miles (10 min) | Sports Fans / Summer Fun | Live horse racing & events |
| Valleyfair | ~12 miles (20 min) | Families / Thrill Seekers | Roller coasters & water park |
| Mall of America | ~20 miles (25 min) | Shopping / Entertainment | 500+ stores & indoor theme park |
FAQ
Is there a shuttle from Mystic Lake to other attractions?
Mystic Lake operates a shuttle service, but it primarily runs to and from various pickup points in the Twin Cities to bring guests to the casino. For getting around locally to places like Canterbury Park or local restaurants, you will generally need to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or have your own vehicle.
How far is Mystic Lake from downtown Minneapolis?
Mystic Lake Casino is located in Prior Lake, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The drive typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic on I-35W or Highway 169.
Can you walk from Mystic Lake to Canterbury Park?
While they are geographically close (about 3 miles apart), walking is not practical or safe as the route involves major highways without pedestrian walkways. It is a quick 5 to 10 minute drive between the two locations.
Is the golf course at Mystic Lake open to the public?
Yes, The Meadows at Mystic Lake is a public golf course. You do not need to be a hotel guest or a casino member to play, though booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends.