1. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
City: Prior Lake, MN
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (952) 445-9000 or (800) 262-77
Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.
Description: About 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis, the 600-room Mystic Lake Casino Hotel rises next to the alcohol-free casino of the same name. The hotel features such amenities as an Olympic-size pool with water slide, 18-hole golf course, fitness center, and the largest casino in the Upper Midwest, with some 4,000 slot machines and 100 blackjack tables. Major celebrities regularly headline at the Mystic Showroom, and guests can partake in the massive buffet. The hotel is near Canterbury Park, which features betting on live horse racing during the summer months and a card room year-round.
2. Cleary Lake Regional Park
City: Prior Lake, MN
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (763) 694-7777
Address: 18106 Texas Ave.
Description: The 1,045-acre Cleary Lake Regional Park, southwest of Burnsville, is a popular year-round recreation spot in the southern metro area. A distinctive three-season pavilion, available by reservation, is great for large group gatherings, while golfers find challenge in the par 3, nine-hole golf course and driving range. Water sports available include swimming, boating, and fishing in Cleary Lake. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on groomed trails and snowshoeing anywhere in the park except the ski trails. Boats, bicycles, in-line skates, and cross-country skis are available for rent at the visitor center; reservation picnic areas and campsites are also available.
3. Mystic Lake Casino
City: Prior Lake, MN
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (952) 445-9000 or (800) 262-77
Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.
Description: Besides its trademark high-stakes bingo, Mystic Lake Casino has nearly 4,000 slots and 100 blackjack tables as well as restaurants, including a huge buffet. The gaming facility offers concerts by big middlebrow draws (Alan Jackson, Tony Bennett, and Kenny G), a hotel, and free daily shuttles across the Twin Cities. It is operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The casino is smoke and alcohol free. Mystic Lake Casino is about 6 miles south of Canterbury Park and about 30 miles from either downtown St. Paul or downtown Minneapolis. It is the closest full casino to the Twin Cities.