Fun for Everyone at Valleyfair in Shakopee, MN

Located in the heart of Shakopee, MN (located 25 miles southwest of the Twin Cities) Valleyfair has been thrilling and drenching it's guests since 1976. An ever expanding amusement park, Valleyfair is the biggest amusement park in the midwest and definitely a must do for the whole family during the summer if you're in the area.

Valleyfair is divided into three sections and it's over 75 rides can be divided into four categories. The three sections of Valleyfair include their "Whitewater Country Waterpark" - home of most of the water rides, the general area where the majority of the dry rides are, and Challenge Park, which is an area that offers mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, and The Rip Cord which each have their own fee separate from park admittance. The general area of the park has three kinds of rides -roller coasters and thrill rides, family rides, and children's rides. It's no wonder that Valleyfair has been called a "great thing to do with kids in Minnesota

The majority of repeat visitors to Valleyfair are coming there for the coasters. Valleyfair has several rollercoasters that provide great variety - from old and wooden to brand new, they loop, they swirl, they dive, and they provide a lot of fun. Some of the better known rollercoasters at Valleyfair are the Wild Thing, which holds the record as the world's longest weightless zones and has a 200 foot sixty degree drop and the 31 year old High Roller, Valleyfair's first rollercoaster. In 2007, they introduced a brand new wooden coaster with an Old West theme - The Renegade. There are also many "thrill" rides to be conquered - from the pirate ship that takes you upside down to to the Power Tower that lets you shoot 27 stories into the air, only to plummet back down at a breathtaking pace.

If you're not a roller coaster or a thrill ride fan, have no fear because Valleyfair also has many rides a little tamer for the rest of the family and smaller children. Family rides include such classics as the Tilt-a-Whirl, Ferris Wheel, Carousel, and the chance to ride on a replica of a steam powered train, as well as several other less breath taking rides. For the little ones, there are tot sized roller coasters, the Foam Ball Factory, Busy Boats, and many other attractions geared for the small in stature. Rumor has it that frequenting the less wild rides can be a great place to find a date.

For those hot days, there is always time to hit the water slides. From the four passenger rafts of Hurricane Falls to the to the Raging Rapids whitewater tube ride, there are plenty of ways to stay wet and cool at Valleyfair. A lazy river and the ever popular Log Flume provide classic rides that the less adventurous might enjoy while the rest of the family does the large drop on the Panic Falls Speed Slides.

Learn more about the rides offered at Valleyfair on their website or in this great in depth review.

While spending a day at Valleyfair, you're bound to get hungry. Never fear, because there are plenty of choices of food. From subs to pizza, cotton candy to chicken sandwiches, there is something to satisfy every hungry. With 29 regular food stations as well as carts serving anything from Dippin' Dots to kettle corn, no one should go hungry. There is also a very nice combination of outdoor / picnic style dining as well as indoor dining in air conditioning.

If that isn't enough reason to come to Valleyfair, there is still more! Yes, more! From shows ranging from bands to clowns, there is always something going on in the park to watch and enjoy. And if that isn't enough, there is always the iMax theatre - the six story screen lets you really experience the movie in the comfort of air conditioned stadium seating.

unlike many amusement parks, it's still affordable for the whole family. Adults pay $35.95, kids older than three and shorter than 48" and adults 62 and older are only $11.95, and kids under 2 are free. They often run coupons that bring adult admittance down to $25 and also offer special rates later in the day when you can still come enjoy the park but won't necessarily be there all day. Season passes are also available for those who live in the area and offer a huge savings for anyone who is going to go the park more than three times in one year. Paying to get into the park covers all rides (except those found in Challenge Park) and all the water you can drink. Food, games, and souvenirs are available for an additional cost.

As you can see, there is a little bit of everything for the whole family at Valleyfair. Fun in the sun, fun for the young, fun for the adventurous, and fun for those who like to eat! A family of four could easily enjoy the park for under $100 for a very full day of entertainment, one that would be remembered for a long time.