Escape the Cold

Some people love the icy cold and snow of a Minnesota winter – and some don’t. If you find yourself in the latter group, then we have just the itinerary for you! You’ll enjoy three days of indoor fun for everyone, whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple or in a large group. Plus, there will be good eats and sips every step of the way!

DAY 1

Welcome! You’ve made it to your home base, your chosen Lakeville hotel. You’re conveniently located just a few miles from I-35 and every adventure we have planned for you this weekend. But first, take a few minutes to relax, get unpacked and prep for your weekend of fun.

Today, you’ll get your adrenaline pumping at Lakeville’s entertainment and recreation destination: Bowlero. With bowling, laser tag, arcade games and food, Bowlero delivers outrageous fun for everyone! You’ll start off with a game of bowling on one of Bowlero’s 38 lanes, equipped with black lights, sleek loungers and huge HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family films. Enjoy tasty food and drinks from Bowlero’s laneside menu, which offers fan-favorite shareables like wings, nachos and their party-starting 123 ounce dunk tank cocktail. There’s also craft beers, burgers, pizzas and more.

If bowling wasn’t enough for your competitive spirit, things are about to get serious with a game of laser tag. Put on your power pack, grab your laser, take aim, and have a blast in Bowlero’s state-of-the-art laser tag arena. Go it on your own or compete in teams and experience the thrill of this epic indoor battlefield. You’ll also want to check out Bowlero’s massive arcade of more than 65 interactive games. There’s old-school classics like billiards, beer pong, air hockey, darts, and more.

Once you’ve worked your way through all the fun that Bowlero has to offer, you may be ready to call it a night. But if you’re looking for a wind down or a late-night bite, why not have a nightcap at Rudy’s Red Eye Grill in Lakeville? Rudy’s is known for its extensive martini menu, carefully crafted wine list and local brews.

DAY 2

After yesterday’s adventures, you’re bound to be hungry this morning. Start your day right at Lakeville’s retro diner, The Buckboard Family Restaurant. This super casual, rustic eatery has been serving up hearty portions of old-fashioned comfort food for more than 40 years! Try the legendary pancakes or one of their down home skillets. Your stomach will thank you.

Now, you’ll drive just a few miles north for all-day entertainment at the Mall of America® in Bloomington, Minnesota. If shopping the day away sounds like the perfect escape from the elements, then you’ll be in heaven at MOA®. With 520 stores under one roof, you’ll find apparel, toys, electronics, specialty foods, beauty and so much more.

The largest mall in America is more than just a shopper’s paradise. At the center of the mall is Nickelodeon Universe®, which has more than 25 rides and attractions across seven acres, including thrilling roller coasters, water adventures and kid-friendly classics. The mall is also home to Minnesota’s largest aquarium, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, where you’ll find thousands of sea creatures including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses and more! You won’t want to miss amazing attractions such as the FlyOver America flight simulation ride, The LEGO® Store, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and Crayola Experience!

After a long day at the mall, you’ll be ready to rest your feet and get a bite to eat. Experience real southern style cooking at Bourbon Butcher in Farmington. As the name implies, you’ll find a simple menu of house smoked meats, flame grilled burgers and a huge selection of bourbon, craft cocktails, local draft beer and vintage sodas. After dinner, head next door to Farm Town Brew Hall for games, axe throwing and a late night happy hour featuring half priced whiskey and wings.

DAY 3

There’s no better way to kick off a Sunday morning than with a hearty brunch! This morning, you’ll enjoy a decadent brunch buffet at Lakeville’s Chart House Restaurant. This historic full service restaurant and banquet center is shaped like a ship and sits on beautiful Lake Kingsley. Watch the snow fall from inside the cozy space while sipping a mimosa and enjoying carved New York strip, sweet crepes, biscuits and gravy, and other brunch favorites.

It’s game day, so you might have tickets to watch your favorite team play. Located within 30 minutes of Minnesota’s top sports venues, Lakeville’s location on I-35 provides easy access to Target Field, Xcel Energy Center and U.S. Bank Stadium.

If you enjoy live stage performances, you’ll love the Lakeville Area Art Center. This local theater offers a variety of shows throughout the winter, including their Coffee Concert series as well as holiday-themed music, plays and ballet productions.