Work + Play - Minnesota Unique Venues for Summer Parties

Ahhhh … summer in Minnesota! Remember being a kid and having what seemed like an endless stretch of hot days and fun times ahead of you? Of course now that we’ve grown up, most of us don’t have the luxury of spending our days playing on the beach or bobbing around in a boat. But that doesn’t mean that work has to be all dull conference centers and stuffy boardrooms. We think it’s high time to combine work with play and have the best of both worlds! And we know just the unique venues in Minnesota to do it!

What a thrill!

With group discounts, on-site catering, rides, waterpark and live entertainment, Valleyfair is a gas for any group. Including the kiddies? They’ll get a kick out of Planet Snoopy while mom and pop enjoy dining, shopping and more. Speaking of shopping … if you’ve got Ninja shoppers on your team, than a day at MOA might be the ticket. Of course, Nickelodeon Universe located at the center of the Mall of America will be the center of attention, with delicious deals for groups on thrill rides, family rides, and attractions. 

Sail Away

Nothing says summer like a cruise on the lake. Board your bunch onto one of Al + Alma's luxury yachts, on which as many as 149 people can sail away the day on Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy mouthwatering meals on board or leave the lake and enjoy food and drink at the legendary Al + Alma’s Supper Club.  Or, charter an afternoon or evening cruise with Destiny Cruises. Your group will enjoy fine cuisine, frosty drinks and a serene sail on sparkling Gull Lake. If you’re in the mood for a more historic float, then choose a classic boat. Lady of the Lake, Paradise Charter Cruise’s Minneapolis Queen, Padelford Riverboats and Breezy Point’s Breezy Belle all offer your crew the chance to experience a lake or river excursion aboard an old-time paddle wheeler. They’ll enjoy drinks, dinner, and entertainment while savoring the sights and traveling the way folks used to do on these Minnesota unique venues.

You’re on a roll

Why not get a little competitive and have your team rock out to some good rolling? Get team building and take them to the Mermaid Entertainment Center for bowling, food and fun. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, an adjacent 69-room hotel, plus restaurant, bar and game room, they’ll have the best of both worlds. In addition to knocking down some pins, your guests can groove to big name musicians and entertainers at Medina Entertainment Center. They’ll enjoy fabulous fare at the Center’s very own Robert’s Restaurant + Bar, then rest up at the lovely Medina Inn next door. Or, choose one of Brunswick Zone’s four locations in Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie or Lakeville for your gang to go bowling, play laser tag, team build and have great food and even greater fun.

A sure thing

Want to bet your bunch would love a casino night at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel? What better way to bring them together than through fun-filled gaming, lively entertainment and good food? With great meeting space and a 586-room hotel featuring spa, golf and a pool, odds are good your event will turn out great! For a gathering outside the metro, put your money on Shooting Star Casino, Hotel + Event Center in Mahnomen, Minnesota. It’s the top entertainment destination in the region with gaming, hotel, spa and fantastic dining, all under one roof.

Time for tee

Corporate golf matches and tournaments are a great way to encourage healthy competition, entertain clients and/or foster team building. There are myriad course choices and each has their own special appeal. Bunker Hills Golf Club has been recognized as one of the top 25 public courses in the county. With its expansive banquet facilities, onsite dining, and state-of-the-art Event Center, you’ll find everything you need in one location. Greenhaven Golf Course offers great golf tournament packages with an onsite staff that can help you coordinate everything from a small corporate outing to a large charity tournament.  For a wide range of options, you’ll want to book a tee time at Majestic Oaks Golf Club. An 18- and 9-hole course, fabulous clubhouse restaurant, and interactive comedy dinner theater will make yours an unforgettable gathering. Gorgeous Rush Creek Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course, Highlander restaurant with outdoor dining, and spectacular views.

A run for your money

Canterbury Park located in Shakopee, Minnesota is in the lead for being one of the best places for a group gathering. Bet on them for live horse racing, simulcast wagering, poker, table games, on-site catering, and outstanding banquet and reception space.

Hit one out of the park

Why not take your team out to the ol’ ball game? A Saint Paul Saints game at their new home in St. Paul’s Lowertown, CHS Field will be a big hit. There’s nothing minor league about the spectacularly entertaining Saint’s games. Your team deserves to experience it at least once in their lives. If it’s a major league experience you want, Target Field Events offers it. Get a great price on group seating with discounts and even scoreboard recognition for your group. With mouthwatering on-site catering and ten venues from which to choose, you can’t help but hit this one out of the park.