Eagan Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich city of Eagan, Minnesota with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, and more.


Eagan is located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota in the Midwest region of the United States. The culturally rich city offers a wide range of attractions, from natural outdoor adventures to historical sites. This comprehensive tour guide for Eagan will provide you with everything you need to plan your visit.

Introduction to Eagan

Eagan is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of modernity and history. Its proximity to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The city’s rich history is reflected in the variety of attractions it offers. Eagan’s numerous hiking and biking trails, parks, and museums make it an ideal destination for people of all ages.

List of Places to Visit in Eagan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Minnesota Zoo - The state’s largest zoo, the Minnesota Zoo, is a must-visit destination when in Eagan. The sprawling 485-acre campus boasts over 4,300 animals across 500 species. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals and even feed them.

  2. Fort Snelling State Park - This historic site offers a glimpse into Minnesota’s past and is one of the oldest parks in the state. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort, explore the visitor center, and walk through the park’s numerous trails.

  3. Minnesota Historical Society - Located in nearby St. Paul, the Minnesota Historical Society is a hub of Minnesota history and culture. The museum’s exhibits focus on everything from ancient Native American civilizations to modern-day Minnesota.

Natural Attractions of Eagan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park - A nature lover’s paradise, Lebanon Hills Regional Park boasts over 2,000 acres of natural landscape. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and even camping.

  2. Cascade Bay Waterpark - This waterpark is a popular destination for families. The park features a wave pool, slides, and numerous water attractions for all ages.

  3. Caponi Art Park - This unique park combines art and nature to create a whimsical experience. Visitors can explore the wooded trails and admire the sculptures and artwork scattered throughout.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eagan

Eagan’s numerous parks and nature reserves make it an ideal destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the most popular trails in the area include:

  • Lebanon Hills Regional Park Trails - The park boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails that run through forests, fields, and lakes.

  • Minnesota River Greenway Trail - This trail follows the scenic Minnesota River for over 17 miles. The trail is ideal for hiking, running, and biking.

  • Thomas Lake Trail - This 3.5-mile trail is a popular destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Eagan: Activities and Tours

  1. Skyzone Trampoline Park - This indoor trampoline park offers a fun and unique experience for visitors of all ages. Visitors can jump, flip, and play on over 40 trampolines.

  2. Alary’s Bar - This local watering hole offers visitors a unique taste of Eagan. The bar is famous for its live music and friendly atmosphere.

  3. iFLY Indoor Skydiving - This exhilarating experience allows visitors to experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe, indoor environment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eagan

Day Activity
Day 1 Minnesota Zoo
Day 2 Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Day 3 Fort Snelling State Park
Day 4 Caponi Art Park
Day 5 Cascade Bay Waterpark
Day 6 iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Day 7 Alary’s Bar

Food and Drink Scene of Eagan

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Walleye Nuggets - This local favorite features small pieces of walleye that have been battered and fried.

  2. Juicy Lucy - A Minnesota staple, the Juicy Lucy is a burger stuffed with cheese that oozes out when you take your first bite.

  3. Hot Dish - This classic Minnesota casserole is made with Tater Tots, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup.

Local Beverages

  1. Surly Furious IPA - This locally brewed beer is a favorite among beer enthusiasts. The IPA features a hoppy flavor with a citrusy finish.

  2. Summit EPA - Another locally brewed favorite, Summit EPA is a crisp and refreshing beer with a slightly bitter finish.

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

Eagan offers visitors a wide range of lodging options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best options in the area include:

  1. Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South - This hotel is conveniently located near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, and free breakfast.

  2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - This hotel offers visitors a home away from home. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool.

  3. TownePlace Suites Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport/Eagan - This extended-stay hotel is perfect for visitors who plan on staying in the area for an extended period. Amenities include a fitness center, outdoor grills, and a patio with a fire pit.

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

  1. Wild Rice - This native Minnesota grain is a staple in the local cuisine.

  2. Brenda’s BBQ Sauce - This locally made BBQ sauce is a must-try for anyone visiting Eagan.

  3. Minnesota Vikings Merchandise - Sports fans can show their support for the local NFL team by picking up some Minnesota Vikings memorabilia.

Local Culture and Customs of Eagan

Eagan is a friendly and welcoming city, and visitors should expect to be greeted with warm smiles and friendly conversation. Tipping is standard in the service industry, and visitors should aim to tip around 15-20%.

Best Time to Visit Eagan

The best time to visit Eagan is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit when the leaves change colors and the air is crisp.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eagan

Do:

  • Do visit the Minnesota Zoo, Fort Snelling State Park, and Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

  • Do try the local cuisine, including walleye nuggets, Juicy Lucy, and hot dish.

  • Do take advantage of Eagan’s numerous hiking and biking trails.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to tip in the service industry.

  • Don’t litter or damage Eagan’s natural resources.

  • Don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing for the weather and outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eagan

Eagan is a safe city for visitors, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions like locking your car and valuables. Visitors should also be aware of the city’s parking regulations to avoid getting ticketed or towed.

Health in Eagan

Visitors should take standard health precautions when visiting Eagan, like staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors. In case of any medical emergencies, there are several hospitals and medical clinics in the area.

Getting to Eagan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eagan

  1. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport - This airport is located just 10 minutes from Eagan.

  2. Flying Cloud Airport - This airport is located approximately 25 minutes from Eagan.

Bus Stations Near Eagan

  1. Martineau Bus Company - This company provides bus service to and from Eagan from nearby cities.

  2. Jefferson Lines - This bus company offers routes to and from Eagan and nearby cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to get around Eagan and the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Eagan

Eagan is an easy city to get around, with numerous taxi and rideshare options available. Visitors can also take advantage of the city’s public transportation system, which offers several bus routes throughout the area.

Where to Go Next from Eagan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Minneapolis - Just a short drive from Eagan, Minneapolis offers visitors a wide range of attractions like the famous Mall of America, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.

  2. St. Paul - The capital of Minnesota, St. Paul is another nearby city that offers visitors a variety of attractions, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

Conclusion

Eagan is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of modernity and history. With its numerous outdoor adventures, museums, and historical sites, the city is an ideal destination for people of all ages. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their trip to Eagan with ease and enjoy all that the city has to offer.