Brady Drake
Close to the action … far from the noise
Discover the vibrant communities north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Twin Cities Gateway connects you to the best of Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, Ramsey, and Shoreview. We’re your year-round resource for planning everything from meetings and conventions to sports tournaments and family fun. Let us help you find top hotels, exciting restaurants, and unforgettable attractions any day of the year!
Stay Awhile!
Comfortable, affordable accommodations in the Twin Cities Gateway
Anoka
- Regency Inn and Suites
- Ticknor Hill Bed & Breakfast
Arden Hills
- Quality Inn & Suites
- Springhill Suites
Blaine
- Best Western Plus at the National Sports Center
- Blaine Town Inn & Suites
- Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott
Coon Rapids
- AmericInn by Wyndham
- Baymont by Wyndham
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- InTown Suites
- Quality Inn
- Wingate by Wyndham
Fridley
- Budget Host Inn
- Extended Stay America
- LivINN Hotel
Ham Lake
- AmericInn by Wyndham
Lino Lakes
- Hampton Inn & Suites
Mounds View
- Mounds View
- AmericInn by Wyndham
- Twin Cities Inn
New Brighton
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
Ramsey
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Home2 Suites
Shoreview
- Best Western Plus
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- Hilton Garden Inn
Loaded with Attractions Play Time
Regardless of the season or the weather, there’s always tons of fun to be had in the Twin Cities Gateway just minutes away from downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Grab the whole family for a day of fun at any of these great indoor attractions. Whatever the ages of your family members, we’ve got you covered. From toddlers to teens, moms and dads and grandparents, there’s some indoor Twin Cities fun for everyone!
Year-Round Indoor Fun
The water is always warm and welcoming at Tropics Indoor Water Park at the Shoreview Community Center. Bamboo Bay is a new zero-depth shallow-water splash pool with an interactive play structure. The Shipwreck Beach play area incorporates a boat slide, a challenging water walk, interactive splashing palm tree, water volleyball and more. Head to the main pool to play water volleyball, or slam-dunk basketball, or climb aboard a giant floating sea creature and the threestory Shark Attack waterslide.
Take a spin on the Sky Rider indoor coaster to fly over Urban Air Adventure Park, named “Best Place to Take Energetic Kids,” and “Best Gym in America for Kids” by Shape magazine. For more airborne fun, the 30,000-square-foot space offers a ropes course with 10 obstacles, a challenging climbing wall, a slam-dunk rack, and wall-to-floor trampoline arenas that provide several zones to jump, flip and fall into foam.
Leap as high as you dare at Zero Gravity Trampoline Park in Mounds View, where you’ll find 11,000 square feet of leaping, jumping, bouncing and flipping fun. In addition to an open-jump arena packed with trampoline surfaces; the park offers a basketball slam-dunk, a reverse-style climbing wall; an aerial challenge court with net, rope and other challenges; a dodgeball zone; laser tag plus an arcade.
A tot spot ensures that little ones tackle challenges that are safe and sized right for their age. Your whole family can somersault in the air, flip into a foam pit and bounce off the walls here!
Get Out and Play!
With 11 golf courses to choose from, the Twin Cities Gateway offers a golfing experience for all abilities in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area. Minnesotans are crazy for golf! And even the most die-hard golfers are sure to find a course to their liking in the Gateway.
So when in the area — whether it be to watch some of the biggest names in golf compete at the annual 3M Open PGA Tournament at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine or just visiting for business or pleasure — make sure you take the time to tee it up on one or more of the area’s golf courses.
Splash around at Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park, Bunker Beach! This expansive oasis of summer fun now features six towering waterslides, a good lazy-river tubing experience, leisure pool with climbing wall, a zero-entry pool with a water play structure, a creative sand play area and, as always, Minnesota’s largest outdoor wave pool! Large open areas for sunning and relaxing are scattered throughout the water park. Concession options, changing rooms and a metro-area location make Bunker Beach a perfect family destination.
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are well known as one of the best metropolitan areas for biking in the USA. In the Twin Cities Gateway, biking enthusiasts will find a vast-paved trail network with connections to iconic bike trails like the Mississippi River Trail. Other must-ride trails include Rum River Trail in Anoka, Coon Creek Regional Trail in Ramsey and Anoka, and Rice Creek Trail, shared by Fridley, New Brighton, Shoreview, Mounds View and Lino Lakes.
Got a horse lover in your family? Bring them to Bunker Park Stable, the area’s only riding stable. Staff will educate your family about horses and guide you on a trail ride through beautiful Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids. Kids younger than 8 can enjoy a 20-minute pony ride led by a parent, or you can experience a horse-drawn hayride anytime of year with your whole family
The Ultimate Guide Local Brews & Delicious Dining
The craft beer and local wine businesses are booming in Minnesota, and beer and wine enthusiasts are in for a real treat in the Twin Cities Gateway. The region boasts four craft breweries and a local winery that offer tours, taprooms and/or tastings right next door to Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
10K Brewing
First up, you’ll want to visit 10k Brewing, Anoka’s first and only taproom. Sample a flight of some of their wide variety of brews and take home a growler or two of your favorites. 10K’s taproom features a friendly atmosphere and entertainment. Nice beer. Nice people.
Nucky’s Speakeasy
Nucky’s Speakeasy, named after the famous Atlantic City, NJ, political boss and racketeer Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, is located in the heart of downtown Anoka beneath Club 300 Jamasian Cuisine Restaurant, in the Old Post Office. This beautiful structure was built in 1916 and is on the Minnesota Historical Registry. Craft cocktails, beer, prohibition drinks, appetizers and desserts await you.
Forgotten Star Brewing Co
And lest we forget, Forgotten Star Brew Co. in Fridley is a new brewery and taproom fashioned from a 1940s pump company that was converted to manufacturing cannons for the Navy during World War II. The plant was recognized seven times throughout the war for efficiency and excellence — and is one of just eight plants to achieve this lofty recognition. Forgotten Star Brewing is committed to this same level of excellence in brewing craft beer.
Willow Tree Winery
Wine enthusiasts have a special treat in store at Willow Tree Winery in Ham Lake. Willow Tree is a new vineyard and tasting room featuring several varietals and seasonal wines. Willow Tree wines are only available on site, so find your favorites and bring a bottle or two home. The tasting room is open Thursday – Sunday.
Anoka Hardware Store
Don’t let the name fool you. The Anoka Hardware Store is a speakeasy, craft cocktail, whiskey and jazz lounge offering a unique experience. Reservations are highly suggested as seating is very limited. Find the red light. When it’s on, they’re open! Be sure to tell the “hardware specialist” you’re there to buy a hammer.
Restaurants
The next time you visit the Twin Cities Gateway, be sure to take time to enjoy a quick bite or an elegant meal at one of our many fine Twin Cities restaurants, bars and grills. The Twin Cities Gateway communities offer dining to suit every taste. Enjoy a burger and fries at a local diner. Gather at your favorite sports bar for a beer and some delicious hot wings and appetizers with friends. If you’re feeling a bit more exotic, dive into delicious sushi or other special Asian treats.
No matter what you’re hungry for – American, Asian, Mexican, Italian, sports bar or neighborhood diner – you’re in for a treat! Please note that the restaurants included on our site are only a taste of what’s available.
Fun events for the family Celebrate
Fridley 49er Days Festival
Mid-June
A community tradition, the Fridley 49er Days Festival has something for everyone from the young to the “young at heart.” Some of the fun events include a parade and two free street dances. On Saturday, we have our popular Kids Day activities including a climbing wall, pony rides, games, crafts, face painting and more!
Blaine Festival
Late June
Formerly known as Blaine’s Blazin’ 4th, the newly named Blaine Festival kicks off with a full schedule of events that includes a carnival, car show, softball tournament, petting zoo, live street dancers, magic and entertainment shows, helicopter rides, kids’ games, craft and business vendors, and food. blainefestival.org
Ham Lake Freedom Festival
Late June/Early July
Kick off your Independence Day celebrations the Saturday prior to the 4th of July with bingo, live music, business and craft vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks, music and fireworks. All events held at Ham Lake Lions Park.
Coon Rapids 4th of July
Early July
Join the Independence Day celebration in Coon Rapids and enjoy our parade, carnival, car show and more! Live bands every day and fireworks on the 4th at 10 p.m. Event festivities take place at Boulevard Plaza.
Anoka Riverfest
Mid-July
Don’t miss one of the Twin Cities’ largest outdoor craft fairs! In addition to more than 140 jury-selected arts and crafts exhibitors and their unique wares, you’ll find live music, great food, boat rides and so much more. Admission, parking and most of the events are free! Anokariverfest.org
New Brighton Stockyard Days
Early August
Enjoy a full week of good food, good music and good times at the New Brighton Stockyard Days. You’ll enjoy a street dance, petting zoo, idol karaoke contest, crafters and food vendors, antique car run, teen tent, car show, 5/10K run and fireworks. stockyarddays.org
Slice of Shoreview
Late July
This annual festival celebrates life in Shoreview with a wide variety of activities including a carnival, parade, art and craft fair, food vendors, various displays and demonstrations, talent show, lots of entertainment and of course fireworks! sliceofshoreview.com
Lino Lakes Blue Heron Days
Mid-August
A highlight of the festival is the parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday on Lake Drive. After the parade, come to Lino Park for a day of family fun, including the Magic Bounce giant waterslide, Centennial Area Chamber Business Expo, Lions petting zoo, bingo, entertainment and more. tcgateway.come/blue-heron-days
Mounds View Festival in the Park
Mid-August
Another great family event happening during mid-August is the Mounds View Festival in the Park at Silver View Park. Take in the fun parade, hunt for handcrafted treasures, visit local businesses’ booths and enjoy the fireworks.
Ramsey Happy Days
September
You can count on a full day of fun at Happy Days! This family-friendly event features something for everyone, including a 5K and Youth Fun Run, a lively parade, a car show, and even a dog show. You’ll also find an expo with local vendors, delicious food trucks, inflatables for the kids, a bean bag tournament, and live music. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display
Anoka Halloween
Throughout October
You’re in for a spooktacular time during Anoka’s annual Halloween celebration. Anoka is the Halloween Capital of the World by congressional proclamation. October is loaded with fun events including races, parades, pumpkin-carving contests, costumes and more! anokahalloween.com
We’re All Good Sports Game On
The Twin Cities Gateway, located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul and the MSP International Airport, is the premier destination in the U.S. for youth and amateur sports, with a variety of venues capable of hosting virtually any event, tournament or competition.
You’ll always find fun amateur Twin Cities sporting events happening in the Gateway. Check out our online sports calendar to find everything from golf to ice hockey, soccer to curling. Plus the Gateway is just minutes away from exciting Twin Cities sporting events. Cheer on your favorite team and then enjoy a fun and relaxing stay in the Gateway.
Vital Sports Venue Stats
- 118 soccer fields
- 159 ball fields
- 16 indoor ice rinks30 outdoor ice rinks
- 98 tennis courts
- 19 sand volleyball courts
- 60 pickleball courts with 12 indoor
- 11 golf courses
- 7 bowling complexes
- Four Seasons Curling Club: Past training site for international Olympic athletes
- 27 lodging properties within minutes of all venues
The National Sports Center
The National Sports Center (NSC) – the world’s largest amateur sports facility – is a $40 million, 660-acre sports, event and meeting campus, located in Blaine. The NSC generates over 4 million visitors annually, making it the most visited sports facility in the state.
The NSC is also the most diverse amateur sports facility in the world. They offer a large variety of sports events, leagues and development programs. The NSC has established programs in the following sports: soccer, hockey, golf, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, rugby, broomball and volleyball
Included on the NSC campus, the Super Rink is the world’s largest ice arena with eight sheets of ice under one roof. It plays host to numerous adult and youth tournaments throughout the year, including Stick It to Cancer, The All American Girls Hockey Tournament.
The NSC boasts a whopping 60 soccer fields and has been recognized by the Guiness Book of Records as the largest soccer complex in the world. As such, the NSC offers soccer tournaments throughout the year including the NSC Spring Cup, the NSC Fall Cup, the NSC All American Cup and the USA Cup. No other soccer complex in the country can match the tournament atmosphere generated at this facility.
3M Open
The 3M Open is an annual PGA Tour event that takes place at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. The event brings 156 of the best professional golfers in the world and 150,000 spectators to Blaine each year. The Twin Cities Gateway is a proud sponsor of the event.
TPC Twin Cities proudly started hosting the 3M Championship in 2001. It was succeeded by the 3M Open, a new professional golf tournament on the PGA tour, in 2019. The 3M Open is the PGA Tour’s first regular stop in Minnesota in five decades.
Honored multiple times by Golf Digest magazine as among the top 20 golf courses in Minnesota, TPC Twin Cities’ par-72, 7,468-yard championship golf course was designed by legendary golfer and golf course architect Arnold Palmer to blend seamlessly with the natural rolling terrain on the site of a former sod farm 15 miles north of Minneapolis/ St. Paul. The course features bent-grass tees, fairways and greens; native prairie grasses; picturesque wetlands; and 27 bodies of water, all framed by stately stands of mature oak, spruce and pine trees. The course plays as a par 71 for the PGA TOUR players.
Game Fair, Ramsey
This expansive event celebrates all things outdoors, especially hunting and dog sports. A major highlight is the diverse array of dog events, including thrilling dock diving, agility courses, and retrieval games. Expert sportsmen and sportswomen also offer valuable advice through hourly seminars on topics like deer hunting and duck calling, while kids can enjoy activities like slingshots, air rifles, and archery
