Local Guide to Apple Valley Area

View the aerial tour of the GrandStay Apple Valley & local attractions: CLICK HERE.

With our hotel conveniently located between Minneapolis and St. Paul, there’s always something to explore in and around Apple Valley. Just north of the hotel, the Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, offers endless retail, dining, and live entertainment options. Apple Valley is also easily accessible via Highway 35 and near the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. Plus, enjoy additional shopping at the nearby Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan.

Looking for family-friendly fun? Visit the Minnesota Zoo or cool off at Apple Valley’s Spash Valley Water Park, both just minutes away.

(0.7 miles) Valleywood Golf Course

This Municipal Championship Course is ranked as one of the ten top most challenging in Minnesota. With affordable fees and pristine rolling hills and ponds, Apple Valley is fortunate to have such a gem that surprises everyone who plays here

(1.5 miles) Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center

Apple Valley outdoor pool with multiple swimming, play areas, and slides.

(3.3 miles) Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley near Minneapolis and St. Paul. 2300 animals on 500 acres. General information, education program summary, webcams page where you can watch our sharks, dolphins and gibbons live! , a virtual tour of exhibits.

(4.7 miles) Burnsville Center

Three department stores, over 150 stores, 14 delicious eateries, and 3 restaurants, offers fashion, fun and food for everyone.Just 10 minutes away, west on County Road 42.

(5.8 miles) Buck Ski Hill

Buck Hill offers 15 different runs to skiers and snow boarders of all abilities, as well as snow tubing. Buck has 11 lifts including 2 Quads and a Triple chairlift. Buck also has one of the best snowmaking systems in the Midwest, enabling the area to operate even when Old Man Winter doesn't cooperate.
Buck Hill is still operated with the family in mind, offering a full range of skiing programs for the young and the young-at-heart. Buck's reputation as a quality ski area is known across the country. Our ski racing program is also nationally acclaimed. Ski magazines calls Buck the "Legendary Capitol of American ski racing."

(10.3 miles) The Mall of America

The Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. Along with an extensive range of retail, restaurants and entertainment.

(15.3 miles) Valleyfair Amusement Park

The largest outdoor amusement park in the Upper Midwest, Valleyfair covers 90 acres and features over 75 rides and attractions including live musical entertainment, Whitewater Country Waterpark and Challenge Park.

(16.0 miles) Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park is one of Minnesota' s largest and well known entertainment facilities. Our main attractions are horse racing, poker and blackjack.

(17.8 miles) Mystic Lake Casino

Featuring exciting casino table gaming, the Midwest's largest casino buffet, a championship Minneapolis golf course, and many other amenities.

(26.3 miles) Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Enjoy a meal and experience the magic of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. The Chanhassen Live Dinner Theatre dining experience includes appetizers, a dinner menu, matinee menu, dessert menu, and an impressive wine menu.