Outdoor Winter Fun Getaway (3 days)

When temperatures plummet and the snow falls, there’s no shortage of opportunities for winter fun in Lakeville, Minnesota! This three-day itinerary will immerse you in Lakeville’s winter wonderland for action-packed days and warm, cozy nights.

DAY 1

Welcome to Lakeville! Check into one of our hotels, all of which are located within a short distance of I-35. From upscale to budget friendly, Lakeville’s hotels offer a variety of amenities, whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, group or even for business.

Once you’ve had a chance to unpacked, it’s time to bundle up and head back outdoors for your first adventure – good old fashioned ice skating! Your heart will be pumping as you glide along one of Lakeville’s many ice rinks. Traditional outdoor skating, with warming houses and rink lights, is available at 10 ice rinks located in parks throughout Lakeville. Usually open by late December through mid-February, these outdoor rinks are subject to weather conditions so please call the Lakeville Parks & Recreation Hotline at 952-985-4690, option 1 for availability.

If the weather outside is too frightful for your liking, Lakeville Ames and Lakeville Hasse Arenas both offer indoor open skating opportunities year-round, along with rental skates, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s dinner time! Tonight, you’ll be dining at Lakeville’s casual, family-owned Northern Taphouse. With an incredible craft beer and cocktail list, tasty appetizers, unique burgers, and hand-stretched stone fired pizza, there’s something on the menu for everyone at Northern Tap.

DAY 2

Rise and shine! It’s breakfast time! This morning, head to historic downtown Lakeville for mouth-watering bites at The Better Half. With breakfast available from 8 am to 3 pm, this downtown eatery serves up the morning classics while putting a new twist on old favorites, such as creme brulee french toast and breakfast flatbread.

Fueled up for the busy day ahead, you’re ready to hit the slopes at the famous Buck Hill Resort where Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn got her start. It’s located just a few miles away in Burnsville, Minnesota, and offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing from November to March. With nine lifts and 16 runs, as well as freestyle terrain for the adventure-lovers, Buck Hill will keep every level of skier challenged. Buck Hill also has 12 snow tubing lanes, complete with a magic carpet for an effortless ride back up to the top, making it one of the state’s largest tubing parks. For a break in between runs – or some après-ski fun – the Buck 54 Bar & Grill is just steps from the base of the hill, so you can click out of your skis and join the party. Warm up around the fire with a beverage or tasty appetizer while taking in the beautiful views of Buck Hill’s 60 acres of rolling hills from the spacious deck.

For dinner, you’ll head back into Lakeville to satisfy even the biggest appetite with surf and turf at Porterhouse Steak & Seafood. This classic full-service dinner house offers the finest selection of premium aged steaks and fresh fish and seafood, served in a warm and cozy environment. With a vast cocktail and wine list and exceptional service, it’s the perfect way to cap off your day.

DAY 3

The final day of your trip will get you back into the great outdoors. But first, you’ll want to grab a warm beverage and pastry from Tapestry Coffee in downtown Lakeville. This quaint coffeehouse roasts its own beans ethically and sustainably.

Next, head to the crown jewel of Lakeville’s park systems, Ritter Farm Park. This 340 acre park offers 5.7 miles of trails that are groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing, but are perfect for winter hiking. Whether you brought your skis, snowshoes (rent from Lakeville City Hall) or hiking boots, your heart will be pumping as you meander through woodlands and ascend vast rolling hills. Keep your eyes to the sky – you just might see a majestic eagle soaring overhead!

When it’s time to come in out of the cold, grab some grub at Lakeville Brewing Co. in downtown Lakeville. This family-friendly brewpub serves up brunch on the weekends from 11 am to 1 pm, with a special menu featuring casual fare such as breakfast tacos and walleye hash. On the tap list, you’ll find an extensive list of craft beers that are brewed onsite. Enjoy a cold one now and take your favorite home to enjoy later in a crowler!