Amazing Things To Do In Blaine, Minnesota

Loaded with indoor and outdoor sports, shopping, beautiful parks, great restaurants, and more, you will find an abundance of amazing things to do in Blaine, Minnesota. Located just a half-hour north of the Twin Cities, the suburb of Blaine, is ready for you, offering fun activities for all. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, there are plenty of fun things to do in Blaine, Minnesota.

The National Sports Center

The National Sports Center is the world’s largest amateur sports facility. This sprawling space has room for over 12 different sports for both kids and adults. You’ll also find a variety of events held throughout the year at the 36,000 square foot Welcome Center, such as meetings, conferences, and trade shows. You can also rent the space for your own team-building events, banquets, picnics, and more. Here are some of the other fun things to do in Blaine at the National Sports Center.

• The Victory Links Golf Course was created by PGA Tour Design Services. The 18 holes are set across 400 acres of prairie grasses and wooded areas. This public golf course was designed to be just as high-quality as executive courses. Newcomers and experienced golfers alike are welcome, and the course is considered challenging enough to host major PGA Tour events for professionals.

• The outdoor stadium has a field made from Field Turf Revolution 360, a state-of-the-art artificial turf that is used in professional soccer stadiums and universities. The 5,500 spectator grandstand has restrooms, concessions, press box, and camera platforms. There is a fence around the perimeter that can be used to control access for ticketed events. Next to the field is a paved area for food trucks, merch tents, and additional spectator space.

• With over 50 full-size soccer fields, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Some fields can also be used for other sports including rugby, lacrosse, and ultimate Frisbee. The Guinness Book of World Records has named the National Sports Center as the largest soccer complex in the world. Fields can be rented for personal or group use, and they also host sports leagues of their own.

• Under the roof of the Schwan Super Rink you’ll find four Olympic-sized sheets of ice plus four NHL-sized sheets. Nearly two million people visit each year to play youth hockey, high school hockey, figure skating, short-track speed skating, broomball, and open skating. There is also a restaurant, the Hat Trick Cafe, and 32 oversized locker rooms.

• Minnesota is well-known for having harsh winters that eliminate a lot of sports activities. The National Sports Center makes these sports possible again with their two indoor facilities: The Sports Dome and the NSC Sports Hall. Here, you can play soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, football, rugby and ultimate. The NSC Sport Expo Center hosts basketball, volleyball, futsal, and many other activities.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The City of Blaine has over 60 parks and hundreds of miles of trails which means there are plenty of fun things to do in Blaine outdoors. Take a breath of fresh air during a spring walk, cool off in the summer with a dip in the lake, and enjoy the beautiful colors of fall at these top Blaine, Minnesota, parks.

Lakeside Commons Park

On the north side of Blaine, just 0.75 miles mile east from Radisson Road on Lakes Parkway, you’ll find Lakeside Commons Park next to Sunrise Lake and its beach. This area features a public beach with a splash pad, beach house, concessions in the boathouse, a playground, volleyball court, and a picnic pavilion with tables for rent. Use the dock to get your boat on the water, or rent canoes and kayaks for an adventure.

Aquatore Park

For the best outdoor gatherings in Blaine, head to Aquatore Park. This is the site of the annual Blaine Festival, and you can also rent space for family reunions, company picnics, and more. There are two large picnic shelters with tables and grills, an open area with plenty of shade, modern restrooms, three softball/baseball fields that host football games in the outfields, a half basketball court, dog park, playground, and connecting bike trail.

Blaine Wetland Sanctuary

Blaine got its start as a hunting site thanks to the abundance of wetland and sandy soil. The city has set aside an area of this wetland to maintain the purity of the land for the species that call it home. The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is over 500 acres of native vegetation, birds, and wildlife. Since the summer of 2017, you can take a stroll along the boardwalk which extends from the parking area through the habitats and connects to the paved trail.

Pioneer Park

Another park that is preserving the natural wetlands is Pioneer Park. Among the 100 acres of upland woods and wetlands, you can hop on the trails to experience the great outdoors on foot, by bike, with rollerblades, or any other way you choose. As the largest park in Blaine, you have access to picnic shelters with tables for grabbing a snack or hosting a scenic get-together.

Lochness Park

If fishing is one of your favorite activities, you’ll want to check out Lochness Park. Featuring a 20-acre lake, you’ll have access to a fishing pier for catching Bluegill Sunfish and Black Crappie. When all the fishing leaves you famished, grab a picnic lunch at one of the two shelters with tables. There are also two miles of trails to explore, a nine-hole disc golf course, and portable restrooms.

Savor a Delicious Meal & Beverage

With all the fun things to do in Blaine, Minnesota, you’re bound to get hungry … and thirsty! Check out one of the delicious restaurants that are serving up tasty menus and refreshing drinks for kids and adults alike.

Brick’s Kitchen & Pub

When it comes time for date night, you want to go out for something special. That’s where Brick’s Kitchen & Pub comes in. The dark interior with leather upholstery on steel and wood chairs and benches instantly makes you feel more upscale. Enjoy salads, tacos, craft burgers, or pizzas for a lunch or dinner date, or go outside the box and stop in for brunch.

The Roadside

The Roadside might sound like a honkey-tonk bar and grill, but it’s exactly the opposite. A sister concept of Brick’s, this location features more family-friendly fare such as sandwiches, wings, chicken fingers, cheese curds, and tots. Head out to the patio for a game of bocce ball while you wait for your food to arrive or to let the kids release some energy.

Invictus Brewing Co.

The craft beer revolution has taken over America and made its way to Blaine, Minnesota. Invictus Brewing Co. is on a mission to create “Beer for the Unconquerable Soul”. This has become their motto since “Invictus” in Latin means “unconquerable”. Within their taproom, there is seating for 200 people among the long tables and bar area. Two garage doors behind the bar open up to a spacious patio for soaking up the sun and suds.

Tipsy Steer

Also inside the Invictus building is Tipsy Steer, which serves up “local sassy brew food”. Their menu uses locally-sourced beef, dairy, and produce items, as well as hormone-free natural chicken. You can also order brick oven pizzas, hand-patted burgers, street-style tacos, and house-smoked sausages. Be on the lookout for menu items that incorporate Invictus beers to truly get a taste of both worlds.

Carol’s Restaurant

If casual, diner-style food is more your thing, you’ll love Carol’s Restaurant. In the mornings, wake up with classics like country-fried steak, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, and French toast. For lunch and dinner, fill up on beer-battered onion rings, walleye, or chicken strips, pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more. For those age 55 and older, don’t forget to check out the Senior Specials on weekdays.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

When most people think of the best shopping in Minnesota, they think of the Mall of America. But if you’re looking for something a little less overwhelming, head to the suburbs. Whether you’re shopping for the necessities, or looking to have a little fun, shopping is one of the great things to do in Blaine. From traditional shopping malls to outdoor centers, and even boutique shops, you’ll find it all here.

Northtown Mall

For a classic shopping mall experience, visit Northtown Mall. Here, you’ll find staple stores including Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Rue21, Maurices, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Hobby Lobby. When you get hungry, grab a snack at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, a sandwich from Potbelly, or your favorite burrito from Chipotle. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and the fun will never end.

The Village of Blaine

The Village of Blaine shopping center has a bit of everything. At this outdoor shopping center, you can upgrade your home with items from Pier 1 Imports, tap into your creative side with the crafts at Michael’s, try on a new look at Maurices or Dressbarn, or bring home a treat for your furry friend from Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet.

Blaine Town Center

When it comes to just the essentials, Blaine Town Center is your one-stop shop. Feed the family with groceries from Cub Foods, or grab a pizza at Papa John’s. Find the perfect gift at Hallmark and send it to a loved one at the UPS Store. Freshen up your mani/pedi at Great Nails. Entertain the kids at Hi Score Video Games or get them active at the Karate studio.

Reverie Boutique & Co.

The dreams of two sisters-in-law come together at Reverie Boutique & Co. At this unique spot, you can find trendy boutique clothing, accessories, and gift items. To enhance your new wardrobe, step into the salon for a quick wash and style, or go all out with fresh color and extensions. You can also have your makeup done, brows waxed, and false lashes applied for you.

Vintage Rose

When you need to find a gift for the person that’s hard to buy for, you need to visit Vintage Rose. This gift shop has a wide variety of items for children, teens, adults, interior decorators, home chefs, spa enthusiasts, coffee lovers, fashion queens, and anyone else you’re shopping for. Stop by during the holiday season for specially-themed gifts you can’t find anywhere else.

Looking for More Fun Things to Do in Blaine, Minnesota?

Try playing mini-golf in the dark for a fun date or day with the kids. Take a curling lesson at the Four Seasons Curling Club to learn more about one of Minnesota’s favorite winter activities. Let kids and teens jump around at Sky Zone trampoline park while playing ultimate dodgeball, show off their skills on the ninja warrior course, or reach for the sky while climbing up the vertical obstacle course. Make it a family day at The Fun Lab and you can all enjoy laser tag, mini bowling, bumper cars, or the ropes course.

Just in case that’s not enough, you’re also near other cities with plenty of fun things to do in Anoka, Coon Rapids, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. No matter what it is that you and your family or friends think is fun, we guarantee Minnesota has it for you.

If your favorite things aren’t on this list, let us know in the comments below and we’ll make some recommendations just for you! You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest and greatest Minnesota has to offer.