Burnsville Travel Guide

Plan your itinerary with our comprehensive guide. Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay during your trip to Burnsville.


Introduction to Burnsville

Burnsville is a city located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota. It is well-known for its beautiful parks, shopping malls, and cultural attractions. Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, there is something for everyone in Burnsville.

List of Places to Visit in Burnsville

If you are planning to visit Burnsville, make sure to add these must-see attractions to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Ames Center: This is the city’s premier performing arts venue featuring concerts, theater productions, and art galleries.
  • The Dakota County Historical Society: This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the county’s past.
  • Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: This is a nature preserve that offers hiking and birdwatching opportunities.

Natural Attractions of Burnsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Crystal Lake: This is a picturesque lake surrounded by a park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beach.
  • Terrace Oaks Park: This park has beautiful walking trails, a playground, and a disc golf course. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
  • Buck Hill: This small ski hill located in the heart of the city offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter. In the summer, it offers mountain biking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burnsville

  • Minnesota River Bottoms Trail: This is a popular route for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. The trail features stunning views of the Minnesota River.
  • Lebanon Hills Regional Park: This park features over 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. It offers scenic views of the lakes, forests, and rolling hills.
  • Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve: This park offers over 20 miles of dirt trails that are perfect for mountain biking and hiking.

Best Things to Do in Burnsville: Activities and Tours

  • Burnsville Performing Arts Center: This venue hosts a range of concerts, musicals, and comedy shows throughout the year.
  • Minnesota Zoo: This zoo is home to a variety of animals and exhibits that showcase Minnesota’s diverse wildlife.
  • The Works Museum: This educational museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that teach children about science, engineering, and technology.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burnsville

Day 1: Visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Crystal Lake.

Day 2: Explore the cultural attractions of Burnsville, such as the Ames Center and the Dakota County Historical Society.

Day 3: Hike or bike the Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Day 4: Visit the Burnsville Performing Arts Center for a live performance.

Day 5: Spend the day at the Minnesota Zoo.

Day 6: Go skiing or snowboarding at Buck Hill.

Day 7: Visit the local shops and restaurants in Burnsville.

Food and Drink Scene of Burnsville

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy: This is a Twin Cities classic sandwich that features a stuffed burger patty with melted cheese inside.
  • Hotdish: This is a quintessential Minnesota dish made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and a starch, topped with cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Surly Brewing Company: This local brewery is famous for its wide range of craft beer.
  • Sociable Cider Werks: This cidery offers a variety of hard ciders made with local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Burnsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • AmericInn by Wyndham Burnsville: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location near local attractions.
  • LivINN Hotel Minneapolis South / Burnsville: This hotel offers modern amenities and easy access to the freeway.
  • Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn: This hotel offers luxurious accommodations and an on-site restaurant.

What to Buy in Burnsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Minnesota-themed apparel: Look for t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts with designs featuring the state flag or motifs such as loons, lakes, and forests.
  • Birch bark crafts: Local artisans create beautiful baskets, boxes, and trinkets using this distinctive tree bark.

Local Culture and Customs of Burnsville

  • Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet.
  • Minnesotans value punctuality, so try to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and for most services.

Best Time to Visit Burnsville

The best time to visit Burnsville is from June to September when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are in full swing. The fall months of September and October offer beautiful foliage, while the winter season is perfect for skiing and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burnsville

Do:

  • Visit the local parks and natural areas.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the Juicy Lucy and hotdish.
  • Take in a live performance at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local customs and culture.
  • Be rude or disrespectful to locals.
  • Leave without experiencing the natural beauty of Burnsville.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burnsville

Burnsville is a safe city, but visitors should always take precautions, such as locking doors and windows, using a safe in hotel rooms, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Burnsville

Burnsville has high-quality medical facilities and hospitals. Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance.

Getting to Burnsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Burnsville

The closest airport to Burnsville is Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which is located 15 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Burnsville

Greyhound Bus Lines has a station located in Minneapolis, which is 20 miles away from Burnsville.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or use ride-sharing services from the airport or bus station. Car rental is also available at the airport.

How to Get Around in Burnsville

Burnsville has a variety of transportation options, including ride-sharing services, taxis, and car rentals. The city also has a public bus system called the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority.

Where to Go Next from Burnsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Minneapolis: This vibrant city is located just 20 miles away from Burnsville and is known for its art museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • St. Paul: The capital city of Minnesota is located just 17 miles away and offers historical and cultural attractions.
  • Rochester: This city is home to the famous Mayo Clinic and is located about 85 miles away from Burnsville.

Conclusion

Burnsville is an excellent travel destination that offers a diverse range of activities, culinary experiences, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty. Whether you are visiting for a day or for an extended stay, there is something for everyone in Burnsville. Plan your trip ahead of time and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.