Minnesota Garden Party

Finally, the season we’ve all been waiting for — summer! Flowers are blooming, grills are fired up, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than outdoors, especially for corporate gatherings. Every meeting, corporate retreat, company picnic, party, conference or team-building session just works better and is more memorable if it’s held outdoors. Of course, these days there are as many activities, venues, resorts and destinations to choose from as there are flowers in a garden. That’s why at mp, we’re having a garden party, presenting you with all the colorful options out there so that you can create a bountiful bouquet of fabulous activity and a fantastic experience for your attendees this season. What will you pick?

Pick a Golf Outing

For a swingin’ good time, grab those clubs and drive that team out to the links. Plan a tournament or even just a couple of friendly rounds at Stonebrooke Golf Club, a truly unique course featuring 13 water holes (one that even requires a ferry boat ride to reach). Or expand the activities to include golf, tennis and swimming at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club with 175 acres of rolling hills, hard-surface tennis courts and a championship outdoor swimming pool. Town and Country Club is a St. Paul landmark and holds the notable distinction of being the course where the first round of golf was ever played in Minnesota. In southwestern Minnesota, your group will love the challenge of the 18-hole championship course at Jackpot Junction’s Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, while in the north metro they’ll enjoy the lush green hills at Green Haven Golf Course, Majestic Oaks Golf Club or Bunker Hills Golf Club.

Pick a Private Charter Cruise

Cool breezes, the sound of water lapping against the side of a boat and the relaxing atmosphere of a cruise — all just a short walk down the pier when your crew boards any of the Padelford Riverboats. Plan a theme night when you set sail on Paradise Charter Cruises, or glide through the calm waters of Lake Minnetonka aboard one of Al and Alma’s fleet of luxury yachts. The Lady of the Lake is yar with three decks that cater to parties of up to 125, while the Saint Croix Boat and Packet offers first-class sailing service down the scenic St. Croix River.

Pick a Day at the Races

And they’re off … off of work, off the clock, off to have a good time, so pick a winning place for them to spend it. Between the live racing, simulcast racing, poker, casino games and other special events, you’ll be in the winner’s circle when you pick a day for your group to spend at Canterbury Park.

Pick a Concert

The sound of music blends with the sweet sounds of summer in the optimal place to listen and enjoy the season — Mystic Lake Amphitheater. With 6,322 tiered seats this new outdoor venue is the perfect place to combine entertainment with the great outdoors.

Pick Your Own Backyard

You just might have the perfect setting for a corporate gathering right at your own place of business. If that’s the case, then your time will be best spent when you rent a tent (or two) from either Après Party and Tent Rental or Ultimate Events, Inc.

Tie it Up with a Bow

Sometimes the easiest way to plan is to plan to have someone else do the planning … or at least help. Make your job easier and tie everything together with the assistance of any of the regions’ Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus, such as Minneapolis Northwest CVB, Eagan CVB, Bloomington CVB or Burnsville CVB, to name a few.

After all the details are done, be sure to slip off your shoes, put your feet up and drink in the ambience and splendor of what you’ve created — a party well-planned and an event much anticipated.