Good Day Sunshine! A Guide to 5 Exciting Outdoor Activities Around Apple Valley and Savage

After spending a Minnesota winter indoors, it's time to cut loose and play in the sunshine. Here are some of the great outdoor activities we're looking forward to near our Springs Twin Cities luxury apartment communities.

Springs at Apple Valley

Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley
952.431.9200
2.9 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

There's always something new to see at the zoo, such as Kangaroo Crossing, this summer's special exhibit, which recreates the Australian outback with kangaroos, wallabies and emus roaming the grounds. Listen to music under the stars with the zoo's impressive concert lineup. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for kids 3-12.

Dakota County Fair
4008 220th St W, Farmington
651.463.8818
9.6 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

Nothing says summer more than a lively county fair. The Dakota County Fair is a local tradition dating back to 1858. This year's event, scheduled for August 7–13, includes popular activities such as carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, live entertainment and demonstrations. Don't miss Heritage Village, the fair's centerpiece attraction that takes you back to life in Dakota City 100 years ago. Watch the website for news about hours and ticket sales.

Valleywood Golf Course
4851 McAndrews Rd, Apple Valley
952.953.2323
4.2 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

Golf is a relaxing sport that can be enjoyed by almost everyone regardless of age or fitness level. Valleywood is a public golf course that offers the beautiful scenery and amenities of a private club. The 18-hole course has multiple sets of tees to accommodate players of any skill, including a set of junior tees for kids. Relax after a round at the restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio. Valleywood is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Springs at Egan Drive

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
15501 Murphy Lake Rd, Savage
763.694.7777
4.2 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

There are few better spots to be surrounded by nature than Murphy-Hanrehan's mostly undeveloped 2,786 acres, with a hilly terrain and lush, forested grounds. The challenging 10-mile mountain bike trail is popular with cyclists, and there are also trails for hiking and horseback riding. Take your leashed dog on paved trails, or let him enjoy a romp at the off-leash dog park. Park hours are 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Cleary Lake Regional Park
18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake
763.694.7777
5.9 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Cleary Lake is nature's version of an amusement park, with days' worth of activities for the entire family. Features include a nine-hole golf course, fishing pier and swimming beach along with biking and hiking trails and an off-leash dog park. Paddleboards, kayaks, row boats and canoes are available for rental. Cleary Lake also has several campsites, so you don't need to worry about squeezing all the fun into one day. The park is open 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Did we miss your favorite outdoor fun spot? Share it with us in the comments!