Explore Twin Cities Gateway

Twin Cities Gateway is a destination management organization dedicated to promoting tourism, events, and economic activity across a collection of communities in Minnesota. The organization represents Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview, and plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors, businesses, and event planners throughout the year.

Their mission focuses on fostering a collaborative spirit across these cities to highlight the region’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, sports venues, and cultural landmarks, which create memorable experiences for families, leisure travelers, and business groups alike. From meetings and conventions to sports tournaments and family vacations, the Twin Cities Gateway region has something for everyone.

Twin Cities Gateway is committed to promoting tourism 365 days a year, working closely with local businesses, event organizers, and municipalities to boost community pride and local economies. Whether it’s through organizing sports tournament

s, facilitating conventions, or hosting leisure travelers, this network of communities provides a rich blend of culture, adventure, and hospitality for everyone.

The National Sports Center

Did you know that the largest amateur sports complex in North America is in the Twin Cities Gateway? The National Sports Center in Blaine, MN, opened in 1990, plays host to numerous tournaments throughout the year. It features over 60 soccer fields, 8 sheets of ice, and an 18-hole golf course. It’s also home to the USA Women’s Hockey Team and practice facilities of the MN United!

One of the complex’s most notable reoccurring events is the Target USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere with over 1,000 teams, many of which come from outside the United States.

In total, the facility hosts 100+ events annually and draws in over 4 million visitors per year.

Over the years the center has hosted national team wresting duals, Special Olympic contests, national weightlifting competitions, Olympic Cycling trials, the North American Indigenous Games, the World Broomball Championship, the ISI World Figure Skating Championships, former President George Bush, National Women’s Soccer games—and that’s just to name a few things.

The Largest Waterpark in MN

If you’re looking for an unforgettable aquatic adventure, Twin Cities Gateway is home to the crown jewel of waterparks in Minnesota—Bunker Beach Water Park. Situated in the heart of Coon Rapids, this water park is packed with attractions for all ages, making it a must-visit summer destination for both thrill-seekers and families.

Features:

The Wave Pool: Experience the excitement of Minnesota’s largest outdoor wave pool! Feel the thrill as waves roll toward you, perfect for riding, splashing, or simply floating on the surface.
Twisted Towers and Splash Cove: Six towering waterslides will test your courage and sense of adventure. Slide through high-speed twists and turns before splashing into the plunge pool. Kids can also enjoy the excitement of Splash Cove’s milder slides and splash features.
The Lazy Loop: Float along a 900- foot lazy river that gently meanders through the park. Grab an inner tube, relax, and drift through a lush and scenic setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful break from the more actionpacked attractions.
The Adventure Pool: Test your skills with a challenging climbing wall and other exciting water activities designed for kids and adults alike. This pool offers adventure at every turn with spaces for interactive fun.
Zero-Entry Pool & Rocky Bay: Ideal for young children and families, the zero-entry pool allows easy access and features a colorful water play structure with fountains and slides. Meanwhile, Rocky Bay offers a quiet retreat for those wanting to enjoy water play at a slower pace.
The Plunge Pool: A deep-water pool reserved for serious thrill-seekers, perfect for diving or cooling off after an exhilarating ride down the water slides.
The Sand Box and Volleyball Court: For those who prefer to stay dry, the Sand Box offers a creative play area where kids can dig, build, and explore. Nearby, the volleyball court invites visitors to enjoy a friendly game and some friendly competition.

Anoka

Did you know that Anoka, MN proudly holds the title of the “Halloween Capital of the World?” The city earned this title in 1920 after hosting one of the first organized Halloween parades as a way to curb pranks and mischief. Today, Anoka continues to embrace its spooky heritage with an annual Halloween Festival that spans the entire month of October.

The Festival includes:

Grand Day Parade: elaborately decorated floats and costumed performers parade through the heart of Anoka in the festival’s grand finale.
Night Parades: Experience the thrill of after-dark parades illuminated with glowing lights and creative Halloween displays.
Pumpkin Carving Contests: Get into the Halloween spirit with friendly competitions showcasing impressive pumpkin art.
Haunted Houses: Dare to explore spooky haunted houses that will test your courage and provide a heart-pounding adventure for thrill-seekers.
5K Gray Ghost Run: Dress up in costume and join hundreds of runners for this lively 5K race, a tradition that merges fitness and fun in true Anoka style.
Family Activities: The festival offers family-friendly events like face painting, costume contests, and story-time for younger visitors

Arden Hills

Arden Hills, MN, nestled in the Twin Cities Gateway, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation with 6 scenic lakes, 14 city parks, and Tony Schmidt Regional Park along Lake Johanna. The park features a sandy beach, fishing pier, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails, making it a popular destination. With over 22 miles of multiuse trails, residents and visitors can enjoy biking, walking, running, and cross-country skiing year-round. Arden Hills combines the peace of suburban life with easy access to Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it an ideal place to explore, unwind, and stay active.

Blaine

If sports at the National Sports Center aren’t your thing, Blaine, MN, still offers plenty of entertainment, including the annual Blaine Festival every summer. This family-friendly event features live music, a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, a craft market, kids’ activities, and a fireworks show. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore Lochness Park for scenic trails and fishing, enjoy a round at TPC Twin Cities golf course, or discover local restaurants, breweries, and shops. Whether attending an event or just passing through, Blaine offers something for everyone to enjoy year-round.

Coon Rapids

No matter the season, Coon Rapids, MN has something exciting to offer! During the summer, the city shines with the Bunker Beach Water Park, one of the largest and most popular outdoor waterparks in Minnesota. When the snow starts to fall, Coon Rapids transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Snowflake Days celebration. This cherished event, held every January and February, brings the community together with activities that embrace the season. Popular events include snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding, along with family-friendly activities like snowman-building contests, a medallion hunt, and a winter carnival. The celebration also features ice fishing tournaments, live music, and community gatherings that warm up the coldest days of winter.

Lisa Peterson, Marketing Director
Lisa Peterson holds a marketing degree from Augsburg College and has thrived in the ever-evolving realm of tourism marketing, achieving notable recognition along the way. Her accomplishments have garnered her prestigious awards, including Explore Minnesota’s Excellence in Marketing Award in 2018 and Destination Marketing Award in 2020.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa’s passion for community and volunteerism led to her being honored as an Honorary Commodore by the Minneapolis Aquatennial Organization in 2019. Lisa is an enthusiastic traveler and loves music, finding inspiration in diverse cultures and rhythms. She also cherishes quality moments with her family at their rural Wisconsin cabin.

Fridley

Attractions in Fridley, MN include Crooners Supper Club, a reinvented classic American nightclub on the shores of Moore Lake; Forgotten Star Brew Co, a new brewery and taproom fashioned from a 1940s pump company that was converted to manufacturing canon for the navy during WWII; Manomin Park, the Reidel Estate and Farm, and Riverfront Park.

Ham Lake

The city of Ham Lake, MN, originally settled by the Scottish, continues to carry its lineage. This Scottish heritage carries on in the sport of golf. Ham Lake is home to the Majestic Oaks championship golf course, which is one of the most highly regarded courses in the area. Ham Lake also has great aquatic activities and campgrounds!

Lino Lakes

Lino Lakes, MN offers a wealth of exciting things to do. Called by residents, “The Natural Choice,” Lino Lakes offers biking, hiking, canoeing and camping. Take a canoe or kayak down the 23 mile water trail or hit the harness races, all in Lino Lakes, MN.

Mounds View

Travel to Mounds View, MN for their many attractions and the arts, for their Festival in the Park or for just a great leisurely getaway. Mounds View is a charming city located at the juncture of Interstate 35W and State Highway 10, just a short ten miles from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

New Brighton

Travel to New Brighton, MN—the century old city that is truly young at heart. New Brighton is ideally located at the intersection of I-694 and I-35W, a 15-minute ride to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. New Brighton offers 13 neighborhood parks, an exceptional community center, and a beautiful executive golf course, Brightwood Hills.

Shoreview

Shoreview, MN’s beautiful environment includes lakes, parks, wetlands, and open space areas. There are eleven lakes in the community, including three with public beaches. Visitors enjoy outdoor recreation in 14 parks, and the city has more than 50 miles of trails and sidewalks. During late July, don’t miss the Slice of Shoreview Days, featuring an art fair, parade and fun for the whole family.

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