Near Minneapolis Is A Charming City With Scenic Lakes, Vibrant Shopping, And Local Eats

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It's rare to find a city that can deliver on stunning natural beauty as well as culture and cuisine. Those lucky enough to visit Minneapolis, Minnesota, can check off a lot of boxes in a place known for its lakes, music scene, and tantalizing range of restaurants. It's a successful formula that spills over to its neighbors, including the community of Maple Grove. How can you not want to visit a city whose high school is in the shape of a maple leaf? Outdoor recreationists will appreciate a chance to visit one (or many) of Maple Grove's seven lakes before hitting up local stores and eateries, from casual cafes to steakhouses and pubs. And the cozy vibes turn up in winter when shopping centers break out the holiday lights and fire pits. 

The area's woodlands and beauty were instrumental in Maple Grove's growth. Once home to native populations, the dense groves attracted settlers, who took up farming and maple syrup production, per Minnesota realtor Mackenzie Rasmus in a YouTube video. Today, its accessibility makes it a popular destination for day-trippers and those exploring the state's scenery. Located just 17 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Maple Grove sits at the junction of three highways — Interstates 94 and 494 and Highway 610. Those coming from out of state can fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), rated as the best in North America in the past. There's lots to explore in Maple Grove, so if you decide to stay the night, you can enjoy affordable lodging at Staybridge Suites, which includes breakfast and a fitness center, or take advantage of the kitchenettes and weekend admission to the on-site indoor water park at the Holiday Inn & Suites.

There's no shortage of outdoor destinations in Maple Grove, starting with Fish Lake Regional Park, where the water is a stunning blue on clear days. Enjoy the views as you walk the 3 miles of trails. Depending on the season, you can swim in the sparkling 238-acre lake or paddle around with a rented canoe or kayak. A short drive away, on the city border with Plymouth, is Eagle Lake Regional Park and its surrounding watershed. It's an outdoor hub for fishing, mountain biking, and golfing. Walkers on AllTrails note that the park's 1.8-mile trail starts at the golf course — much to the irritation of golfers — then takes you to forested areas and a wooden footbridge over the lake where you may see ospreys diving for fish. Also in town is the Weaver Lake Community Park, an 80-acre spot packed with family amenities, including a sandy beach on the 152-acre lake, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.

When hunger strikes, you're in luck. Maple Grove calls itself the "Restaurant Capital of Minnesota" with roughly 150 eateries, so plan strategically. Mornings can be savored at Kingdom Coffee, with in-house roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches, or at Tous les Jours, a French-Asian bakery popular for novelty drinks like ube tea lattes and treats like mango cream croissants and curry croquettes. A number of eateries are smaller chains, like family-owned Northern Taphouse, known for pretzel bites, wings, and smash burgers, and Granite City Brewery, which offers seasonal brews on tap. The elevated fare crafted from Grackle's scratch kitchen, such as the peanut papaya salad and chimichurri steak, served in a modern setting, is a welcome surprise to locals. One Yelp reviewer calls it a "hidden gem in Maple Grove."

When you're ready to do some shopping, Maple Grove has a little of everything, from boutiques to chains. There are the Main Street shops, including Chico's, Men's Wearhouse, home goods store Mama's Happy, and dental and realty businesses, on a well-manicured thoroughfare with curved lampposts, benches, and brick sidewalks. On a summer visit, admire the colorful creations rendered by professional and amateur artists at Chalkfest, a free, two-day festival. Additionally, summer concerts take place just north of the shops at the Town Green park.

A bigger retail draw is the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, an open-air mall designed to look like a quaint village with hanging flower baskets, fountains, and fire pits in the winter. The center's 60-plus stores include specialty outlets and familiar brands, such as Gap, H&M, Lululemon, and Ulta. Meanwhile, Minnesota retailer GoodThings caters to all shopping whims with clothes, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, and Minnesota merch. Another local spot is Grey Duck Games & Toys, where you can linger among the games, puzzles, and brain teasers. There's also a mix of dining options, from Shake Shack to Redstone American Grill, for every craving from quick burgers to leisurely meals. Residents welcome this addition to Maple Grove. "Whether I'm running errands, grabbing a meal, or just enjoying a walk around the area, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes always feel like a lively and inviting place that continues to contribute to the city's glow and growth," writes one Google fan. For more picturesque outings, here are 10 charming towns near Minneapolis, along with Minneapolis' best attractions tourists should never skip.