Eden Prairie is a suburb just southwest of Minneapolis, and it's the 7th largest suburb in the Twin Cities. Eden Prairie was named #1 Best Place To Live In America by Money Magazine in 2010 because of the strong economy, and the plethora of lush nature and parks, including the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area and the Staring Lake Observatory at Staring Lake Park. There are plenty of hiking/biking/walking trails in the parks, too. It was rated #2 by the same magazine in 2016.
The city also is supportive of the arts, as evidenced by the Eden Prairie Art Center. The Art Center believes that life is infinitely better with art in it, and it's their mission to nurture local artists and their creativity. They provide open studio time for the artists as well as art programs and classes for people of all ages and skills.
There are roughly 61,000 people, and the community is a diverse one. It has a thriving business sector with the top employers being Optum, Starkey Hearing Technologies, and the Eden Prairie School District.
Bryant Lake Regional Park is part of the Three Rivers Park District, and it truly is a sight to behold. It has 170 acres of hills, open greenery, trees and other flora, fauna, and wetlands, on the majestic waters of Bryant Lake. It has several off-leash areas for dogs to meet other dog friends and to romp, including one that is 9 acres. The 9-acre off-leash area has space specifically for small dogs to play. The park also has walking trails, a disc golf course, beach volleyball, and plenty of water-related fun activities including fishing and swimming. There is an area for children to play in as well, and there are great spots for a picnic.
Purgatory Lake Park is a great place to go to relax and to get away from it all with the abundance of serene waters and tranquil greenery. It has hiking trails and biking trails, and there's a park shelter, too. It has the Lambert Pavilion, and it can be rented from April until October for a variety of festive events. The park also has the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial in it.
Staring Lake Park is a neighborhood favorite in part because it offers so many amenities. There is an off-leash dog area for your four-legged companion to run free and make canine friends. There is also the Staring Lake Observatory that is only open to the public for specific events. It also has an amphitheater, an archery range, a disc golf course, a playground area, a sledding hill, a baseball field, and much more.
Gogi Bros. House is a Korean brick-and-mortar restaurant of a popular food truck. Gogi means meat in Korean, and there is plenty of that to be found here. The decor is no nonsense, and the staff is friendly. The menu has several kinds of bulgogi including a bulgogi burger, japchae, and mandu.
Kyoto Sushi is a casual sushi restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly staff. It has all-you-can-eat sushi for lunch and dinner, which includes sushi, sashimi, and rolls. They also have hibachi, teriyaki, teppanyki, tempura, donburi, and udon noodles. Have a glass of sake with your sushi or a glass of wine. Sushi goes well with any kind of drink.
Lotus Leaf is a contemporary and unpretentious Thai restaurant that serves many favorites with innovative twists. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is knowledgeable and friendly. The menu includes Pad Thai, Panang Curry, Fried Tofu, and Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry. Try the Mochi Ice Cream for dessert while you're there.
Peoples Organic Eden Prairie is an organic cafe under the Peoples Organic Coffee & Wine Cafés umbrella, founded by Lynn Gordon, a trailblazer in the natural food industry. The decor is warm and contemporary, and the service is friendly. They have many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu includes Minnesota wild rice pancakes, an organic tofu scramble, a quinoa bowl, the peoples bison burger, and a Mediterranean wrap. They also have organic coffees and wines. If you want tasty food that is also good for your health, this is the place for you.
Redstone American Grill is a spacious contemporary rustic restaurant that serves jazzed up American classics. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff members are friendly and helpful. The menu includes jerk chicken fondue, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, and baby back ribs. Their drinks list includes plenty of wine and cocktails, and even a few mocktails. They have a gluten-free menu that also has a few vegetarian options on it. There is patio dining for when the weather is nice, and it's perfect for sipping a Cool As A Cucumber Mojito.
Teque Arepa is a Venezuelan restaurant opened in 2013 by the Erwin Chacón and his family, who moved to Eden Prairie specifically to open a restaurant. The decor is bright and colorful, and the staff is cheerful and friendly. Arepa means 'pocket sandwich', and the base is a thick maize flatbread that is folded before being stuffed with many combinations of delicious ingredients. The crowd favorite is the traditional Pabellón, and while the menu has several different kinds, Chacón encourages his customers to create their own. They also have burritos and empanadas as well as Yuca Frita and Tajadas.
Dewey Graff Fine Art, Inc. is fine art gallery/fine art brokerage that is based in Minnesota and started its business in Minnesota in 1987. They believe in personalized service, and they will listen to the needs of their clients. Some of the services they provide are framing, free delivery and installation in Minnesota, guaranteed authenticity, and yearly appraisals of the artwork. They firmly believe that every home deserves a little fine art in it, and they want to help you find the perfect match.
Eden Prairie Center opened in 1976 and is 1.3 million square feet and two levels. It has expanded over the years, and with over 90 stores and restaurants, it offers plenty of variety. The flagship stores are Target, JCPenney, Von Maur, and Kohl's. There also are plenty of entertainment options such as an 18-screen AMC Theatre and an IMAX. Foodwise, there's Crave, Wildfire, and Pasta Zola, among others. Other stores include ones for electronics, health & beauty, apparel, and accessories.
Homade is a gift shop that also has a creativity room in the back. They are proud to feature several local artists, and they have items with internationally-recognizable brands as well. Their products range from mugs to jewelry to home decor. They also have clothing, plaques, and other gift options. The craft room can be rented out for birthday parties, bridal showers, and much more. You can have your book club meeting in it as well if you wish, or you can practice your calligraphy. They offer classes, too, for people of all ages.
PROP Shop is a nonprofit organization that sells quality donated goods in order to help families in need. They opened in 2007 when community members realized that there was an increase in the number of people in dire straits. To that end, they started PROP Shop, and the proceeds (and some of the donated goods) go towards helping families in need. The products include home furnishing, books, clothing, toys, and games. In the decade-plus since the store has been opened, they have helped thousands of families in need.
Bowlero Eden Prairie is more than just bowling, it's an entertainment experience for the family. It has 32 lanes, pool/billiards, an arcade, and laser tag. Everything is state of the art, and there is something for everyone. There is also a sports bar if you want to grab a pint and watch a game while taking a break from bowling or playing Mario Kart. Foodwise, they have the usual--burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and wraps, and your food will be brought to your lane.
Kona Grill is a bar and grill--with sushi. The place is open, airy, and contemporary. The atmosphere is slightly upscale, yet relaxed, and the service is seamless. The sushi menu includes jalapeño yellowtail sashimi, shrimp tempura naruto, and the picasso roll. Their kitchen menu has a veggie pesto wrap, an avocado chicken club sandwich, and jambalaya. Their drink menu includes a Moscow mule, draft beer, and a saké bomber. It's a great place to spend the evening with family/friends.
Tavern 4&5 is neighborhood pub with contemporary decor, cheerful service, and a relaxed atmosphere. They have several menus, and they include everything from wood-fired pizzas to Bang Bang Mahi Tacos. They also have cinnamon monkey bread, a beef & quinoa salad, and a hot chocolate cheesecake for dessert. On the drinks side, they have beer, cocktails, wine, bourbon, and scotch. They have a private dining area as well, equipped with WiFi, a full bar, a sound system with a microphone, and 3 big-screen TVs, so it's perfect for all sorts of different occasions.
The Eden Prairie Art Center has a mission of improving the creativity and lives of people in the community through the availability of and access to art. It has programs ranging from glass fusion to ceramics, painting, and drawing, and they are offered to people of all ages. The Art Center is mostly open to the public, and it has open studio hours, too. They have an open area for kids, and they host children's parties as well including birthday parties. They run the Public Art Program as a way to focus on the creative people in the community.
The Eden Prairie Community Center is focused on encouraging members of the community to live their best lives, and one of the major boons of this facility is their state-of-the-art fitness center. It includes free weights and weight machines, cardio machines, pools, fitness studios, and so much more. There are also three ice rinks, a water slide, and two full-length racquetball courts. They also have playground equipment for the younger set, and many programs to aid you with your fitness goals.
The Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair is an annual event that the City sponsors in April on or around Arbor Day. It's in Staring Lake Park, and it's a way to enjoy some nature while learning more about eco-friendly activities. There are green-themed vendors who sell plants and provide useful information about said flora. There is also live music, free seedlings, and concessions. You will also find information about tree health and renewable energy. In addition, there are family activities that everyone can enjoy.
Arts in the Park is an annual event that occurs in May. It's held in the Purgatory Creek Park, and it showcases the artistic talents of several local and regional artists. The mediums include sculpture, jewelry, painting, and more, and there are vendors for every medium. There is also food trucks, wine tasting, arts for kids, and live entertainment. It is an event that the whole family can enjoy.
The Women's One Act festival is a newly-created festival hosted by the Eden Prairie Players as a way to highlight and celebrate dramatic works created by women. The Eden Prairie Players choose plays written by women from around the country, and they hire local female directors to direct them. They believe the themes are universal, however, and that the plays can be enjoyed by everyone.
The Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie is an annual musical event that takes place in June in the Staring Lake Park Amphitheater. It showcases six area big bands, including the titular Jazz on the Prairie, and traditionally, the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary has its annual fundraiser, the Rib Fest, at the same time. You can enjoy jazz music and ribs at the same time--what a great combination.
PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture is a yearly festival celebrating the different cultures within the community. It's held at different venues including the Eden Prairie Community Center, the Staring Lake Park Amphitheater, and the Eden Prairie Art Center. Some of the programs include a performance from the Somali Dance Troupe, Salsa del Sol, and Muslims in Minnesota: Many Cultures, One Community. There are also library-related events. In addition, there are different camps for activities from around the world. There is something for everyone here.
