Overview
Apple Valley, a relatively-modern suburban community at the southern edge of Minnesota's Twin Cities region, is far enough from the city to have plenty of open space to host parkland, a golf course and the state's expansive zoological gardens while remaining close enough to allow easy access to Minneapolis and its big-city amenities.
1 sights · 4 things to do · 20 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Apple Valley
Minnesota Zoo
This nationally-recognised zoo, established by the state in 1978 as the primary local attraction and "wildest place in the Twin Cities", includes 2500 animals on 485 acres. Themed walking trails range from one to two mil…
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Forests, grasslands, marshes and wetlands. Largest park in Dakota County. Hiking and mountain biking. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, camping and horseback riding in summer; skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and ice fishing…
Valleywood Golf Course
18 holes on 190 acres, banquet space, full scale bar, restaurant and outdoor patio, Valleywood Grill (+1 952-953-2335), pro shop (+1 952-953-2323), lessons.
Apple Valley Freedom Days
One of the area's biggest parades, includes local marching bands and a fireworks display.
Apple Valley Winter Carnival
Ice skating, contests and children's events.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Saint Paul)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- RST Rochester International Airport, Rochester — 67 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $110–$110 a night (typical $120), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$150, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Minnesota Zoo, Valleywood Golf Course, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
- Lunch Satay 2 Go
- Afternoon Apple Valley Freedom Days, Apple Valley Winter Carnival
- Dinner Bogart's Place
- Evening Wild Bills Sports Saloon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Apple Valley (population 56,000 in 2021) is an outer suburb located on the southern edge of the Twin Cities, south of Minneapolis-St. Paul's international airport and the Mall of America. The city was named for Apple Valley, California by developers who started building in then-rural Lebanon Township in 1969. The state of Minnesota constructed the 485-acre zoo in 1978.
Get in
By car
- Interstate Highway 35E is the main road into Apple Valley from St. Paul; 35W forks at Burnsville to reach Minneapolis.
- Highway 77 from Minneapolis-St. Paul airport becomes Cedar Avenue (County Road 23) in the northern part of Apple Valley.
- County Road 42 runs east into Apple Valley from the Interstate highways.
By bus
Get around
See
See Minnesota Zoo
This nationally-recognised zoo, established by the state in 1978 as the primary local attraction and "wildest place in the Twin Cities", includes 2500 animals on 485 acres. Themed walking trails range from one to two miles in length. Exhibits are divided by climate, not species, into six themed areas including a Tropics Trail (animals from rain forests and tropical habitats), a Northern Trail (large animals from the world's cold climates, such as musk ox) and a Minnesota Trail (Minnesota native animals including black bears, wolves, wolverines and a beaver pond). There are monkeys, penguins and an aquarium. Extra charge applies for IMAX and the Conservation Carousel ride. Restaurant, souvenir shop, live music venue on-site. 24-hour information line: +1 952-431-9500.
Do
Events
Buy
Shop Apple Valley Square
Eat
Eat Bogart's Place
Main Street grill, tavern, event space.
Eat Egg Roll King
Chinese fast food, delivery within 5 mile radius.
Eat Panino Brothers
Sandwiches and draft beer.
Eat Taste of Thaiyai
Locally-owned authentic Thai restaurant.
Eat Osaka (Osaka Seafood & Stakehouse)
A hibachi grill, where teppanyaki chefs put on a show, with many daily specials.
Eat Satay 2 Go
As basic Asian spot. Red-bean buns, Japanese pizza, rice noodles and satay are among the options.
Eat Vivo Kitchen
Seasonal menu of eclectic American small plates and mains.
Eat Darbar India Grill
Authentic Indian cuisine.
Eat Hawaii Poke Bowl
Poke technique originates from Hawaii, fusing fresh diced fish with rice, veggies, and an array of other delicious toppings. Customize your bowl or choose menu options.
Eat Valley Diner
Home-cooked food
Eat El Azteca
Authentic Mexican food
Eat Costa Vida
Coastal Mexican food.
Eat East China
Chinese cuisine and delivery
Eat Kalli's Popcorn Shop
Gourmet popcorn, fire-roasted fresh daily.
Eat Pho Valley
Authentic Vietnamese pho and cuisine.
Eat Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery
Gourmet cupcakes and homemade ice cream
Eat Sotarol
Sushi bowls and Asian burritos, and other Minnesotasian tastes.
Eat Ooka Asian Bistro
Beer, wine, fresh sashimi and seafood tapas.
Drink
Drink Rascal's Bar & Grill
Burgers, seafood & steak.
Drink Wild Bills Sports Saloon
Eat Crooked Pint Ale House
A nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant, featuring 32 craft beers on tap and 28 wines on tap (using a nitrogen preservation system).
Eat Celts Craft House
Craft beer and hand-crafted cocktails.
Sleep
Nearby
Burnsville
City / town · 3 listings · 4 mi away
Rosemount
City / town · 2 listings · 5 mi away
Eagan
City / town · 20 listings · 6 mi away
Bloomington
City / town · 35 listings · 8 mi away
Richfield
City / town · 11 listings · 11 mi away
Inver Grove Heights
City / town · 4 listings · 12 mi away
Edina
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
Cottage Grove
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
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