Minnesota's Fun, Family-Friendly Amusement Park Is The Largest In The Upper Midwest

If you're planning a vacation to the Midwest, particularly during the warm-weather months, Minnesota has a lot to offer. You can go sightseeing in the city of Minneapolis or enjoy the clean and shimmering water along the shore of Lake Superior for some swimming and recreation. However, the North Star State also features the largest amusement park in the Upper Midwest, Valleyfair. This park, which covers 90 acres and has over 75 rides and attractions, was taken over by Enchanted Parks in early 2026. One admission fee covers both Valleyfair and the Superior Shores Waterpark (formerly Soak City, which has added new rides since the name change). Open since 1976, Valleyfair is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the time of this writing.

Valleyfair has everything from a traditional carousel and Ferris wheel to Peanuts-themed rides like Charlie Brown's Windup, which takes kids up in swings before spinning them back down, and Snoopy's Deep Sea Divers, also for the younger set. In fact, there are plenty of rides for even the littlest park visitors to choose from, making Valleyfair very family-friendly. Located in Shakopee, Minnesota, Valleyfair is just under 20 miles from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the most traveler-friendly airports in the Midwest. It's close enough that you can go straight from your flight to a roller coaster if you want to.

There's lots to do at Valleyfair, with rides like Antique Autos, where kids and adults can drive mini classic cars (along a rail for safety) past Minnesota landmarks, and a "mini-drop" for kids on the Kite Eating Tree. There are 10 roller coasters in total, including the Corkscrew, a fast-paced twisty coaster, and the Wild Thing, which runs at speeds up to 74 mph. Make sure to also ride the High Roller, a classic wooden coaster that dates all the way back to the park's opening.

At Superior Shores Waterpark, you can hit Barefoot Beach, a splash pad that covers an entire acre, or cool off in the Breakers Bay Wave Pool. Also noteworthy are Lighthouse Landing, a high-speed slide area that takes you through curling tubes, and Minnow Bay, a giant pool with kid-friendly slides so everyone in the family can join in the fun.

If you're looking to snack or dine while visiting, Valleyfair has a wide range of places to eat. You can get a quick fuel-up with Auntie Anne's, Dippin' Dots Ice Cream, or Cinnabon. Or, sit down at the 1950s-diner-themed Coasters, Lucky Loon Kitchen, or Renegade Smokehouse. Adults can also enjoy a few drinks at Wild Thing Brews and Spirits. The park offers free Wi-Fi and locker rentals, and you can upgrade your stay with rental cabanas. There is a fee for parking, but if you're doing a drop-off or pick-up with the kids, you can do so for free. Finally, if you're looking to visit more amusement parks in the Midwest, America's tallest and fastest water roller coaster is opening at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Indiana in 2027.