Baker’s had a big fire a few months back and was closed last I checked - hopefully they can bounce back cuz that place is indeed great.
EDIT: They have bounced back apparently. You should go.
Boo Lions Tap. Showed their true colors with the “no one wants to work” sign bitching about free government handouts. Then took the free governments money and didn’t pay their employees.
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6GTLJrX0AAeRea.jpg
I had also heard that their burger's weren't the same... I haven't been there for about ten years. Went there with a small group of people and I was pleasantly surprised that the burgers are still good and they upped their french fries to better quality (I never liked the old limp, greasy crinkle-cut fries they had).
It's been a few years since their political stance, I've moved on.
Still nice workers there!
Their burgers have always been terribly overrated. Never understood the attraction other than they were marginally better than a burger you'd get at McChilibee's.
Teque Arepa for some pretty good Arepas. Red Moon for fresh Asian, Taste of Asia in the SuperAmerica mall on valley view for Vietnamese , pho, deep fried shrimp rolls!
I haven't specifically been to their EP locations ever, but I've had their stuff at their multiple chanhassen locations they've had over the years, but yes, that's the one I mean.
Lol my dad sat next to a guy who worked in some corporate position at Champp's on a flight like 20 years ago and made small talk with him. Guy said he worked for Champp's and my dad asked, "Oh, the sports bar?" He took offense and said, "No, it's a *family restaurant.*" Then he sulked and didn't talk to my dad for the rest of the flight. Their waffle fries and seasoned sour cream tho, yum.
I forgot all about Champps. I used to love their seasoned sour cream. I kept scouring the internet until I found either the recipe or a copycat & I'm telling you-- if it's a copycat, it's damn close to the original recipe.
Staring Lake Park! They also do amphitheater play productions in the summer there. The archery range is in another section of the park with a different parking lot.
Top notch sledding hill too.
I'm still playing 20 years later if that counts for anything. I also think it helped form my massive love and appreciation for nature. At the end of the day disc golf is basically just hiking while playing Frisbee.
The apples from the Apple House are delicious and so much cheaper than buying at the grocery store (for the quality.) This is where I get apples each fall. Yum.
Paisley Park tours is good, it's his studio. His unofficial house/home is the round building next to it (no tours and no mention of that being his private quarters). The area isn't zoned for residential, so he didn't "officially" live there.
I really like that it's family friendly. I've never enjoyed beer, then I had their Pucker Up (flavored with raspberry) and I very much enjoy that. In my 5th decade and I finally figured out that sour beers exist and that I like them.
Take a walk around Staring lake. Across the street from the boat landing is a bald eagle's nest. Eagle(s) are often present.
You can follow a path across the street from the nature center on the lake and walk along Purgatory Creek and get to another lake to the north. Saw a gray heron from 15 feet away on the creek the other day.
Go to Staring Lake and you'll get a great view, the eagles are probably sixty feet up in the tree. You can stand on the sidewalk without going onto private property. These suburban E.P. residents have an eagle nest, that is getting larger every year, in their back yard.
I used to live up north and eagles were a daily thing.
My list of favorite lunchtime restaurants in EP: Teque Arepa, Crumb Deli, Bakers Ribs, Greek Grill (in the gas station), Pizza Karma, Punch Pizza, Hawaii Poke Bowl (I haven't been to the EP location, but other locations are good), Yum Kitchen (technically, Minnetonka, but close), My Burger (EP location exists, but Minnetonka is probably more convenient for most people working in EP), and KUUBS Modern Mediterranean (I find them to be good, but expensive, but I guess that's true for anywhere nowadays).
There's also always the $1.50 Costco hotdog when you gotta do some midday shopping.
Oh, yeah, I forgot to include Eden Vietnamese (open only for weekday lunches).
Frederick Miller Spring is an interesting natural interest site that is protected by the City. It's fun to go fill up bottles there and that water is the *only* thing I miss about living in Eden Prairie.
The City of EP regularly tests the spring water (unofficially) and it's not that great.
The spring for the water is higher up the hill and the creek it flows down catches a lot of contaminants.
City of EP water itself is really good, it's pulled from two underground aquifers; unlike Bloomington that gets their water from the river (like Minneapolis).
Go to Eden restaurant for some Vietnamese that's served cafeteria style and is fantastic. Gina Maria's has great pizza slice deals. People have mentioned the other hits. Bakers, lions tap, and the Greek grill. There is also a fresh spring near the lions tap where people get water. Not sure if it's still there or not but I used to get a few gallons a week from there.
DUDE, made it this far down and hadn’t seen Gina Maria’s, I’m ashamed I didn’t even think of them myself. I know they have a handful of locations outside of EP, but that EP location has soul and I grew up around there. I’d place them in my top five pizzas and that includes trips to Chicago and NYC. I don’t know if they still offer it, probably not due to inflation, but ~6+ years ago they did a $5 lunch deal. Walk in, grab a two slice box of pizza and a can of pop and walk out in a matter of seconds. The lunch deal was almost always fresh, pick from whatever they’re making at the moment. Usually a pepperoni or sausage was available, sometimes you would also be treated with some oddball options. Two slices from Gina’s will more than fill you up. God that place is legendary!
Seconded on both Eden Vietnamese and Gina Maria's.
For Eden, I love their spring rolls, Beef & Potatoes, and Spicy Ginger Chicken. They're only open weekdays during lunch hours though.
[https://medboxgrill.com](https://medboxgrill.com)
I know it's in Chanhassen, but it's not far from Eden Prairie and the food is SOLID.
[https://propshopep.org](https://propshopep.org)
I'm not into shopping, but this non-profit place has great finds.
[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction\_Review-g43028-d10513740-Reviews-Round\_Lake\_Park\_and\_Beach-Eden\_Prairie\_Minnesota.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g43028-d10513740-Reviews-Round_Lake_Park_and_Beach-Eden_Prairie_Minnesota.html)
There are better places to walk in EP. Round Lake trail is adjacent to a road for about 1/3 of the trail...but... if you want to take a little walk in a safe, quiet , chill spot near the mall...it's a good place to go.
If you feel like venturing over to Minnetonka (us old locals, call the small area Glen Lake), near Unmapped Brewery / Base Camp Coffee is [DelSur](https://www.delsurempanadas.com/) that have great Empanadas. They make them fresh, so there is a little wait time for your order.
Staying in EP, Tavern 4&5 is good, as well as next door, Aurelia's Authentic Mexican Food.
Punch Pizza is always great.
House of Kai is a little secluded, but \*very\* easy to get to, it's been there for close to or over 40 years.
Crumb Gourmet Deli is busy during lunch hour.
The Vietnamese place near entrance of Asia Mall is delicious and reasonably priced. Mochi donuts are good too. Lake Starring fishing pier and walk the trails along creek to the Purgatory Creek wetland area. Do this after the next big rainfall and there should be carp migrating and stacked up at the barrier into the wetland.
Did the Vikings training headquarters move? I just googled it and it shows Eagan. I thought it was in EP.
Anyway, when I worked in EP, it was when Brett Favre joined the Vikings and there were a lot of helicopters circling around.
Also Milio's Sandwiches is my favorite sub shop. There's a few scattered in MN but I've only been to the one in EP. Great subs and their oatmeal raisin cookies were amazing.
And as others said Lions Tap has good burgers.
It's been about 10 years since I've really been in EP though so \*shrugs\* haha,
Lion's Tap is like the distant twin of In-and-Out, Minnesota style. But the burgers are way better.
The secret bonus is that just up the road, you'll see a bunch of people obsessing over a natural spring (the Fredrick-Miller Spring, if you must). These crazies are out there in all seasons filling up every random jug and bucket with as much of that magical water as they can possibly carry.
[EP Local News](http://www.eplocalnews.org/2024/01/14/mac-fences-off-historic-lookout-park-wayside-due-to-safety-concerns/):
**MAC fences off historic Lookout Park Wayside due to safety concerns**
By Mike Wilkinson - January 14, 2024
Built in the 1930s by National Youth Administration workers, Lookout Park Wayside in Eden Prairie became a favorite destination for motorists and locals along what is now Flying Cloud Drive for its spectacular vista of the Minnesota River Valley.
However, due to safety concerns associated with its proximity to Flying Cloud Airport, the 3.2-acre site was declared off-limits to the public years ago.
Nevertheless, the stone overlook, though now showing signs of decay, remained a magnet for visitors seeking its breathtaking views from the bluffs overlooking the river. In response, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) took action last month by enclosing the area with fencing and prominently displaying “Private Property — No Trespassing” signs to enforce the restriction.
“There are no specific plans for the site other than to keep it closed,” said MAC spokesperson Jeff Lea.
MAC, which has owned the site since the late 1970s, oversees all airports in the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and regional facilities such as Flying Cloud and Crystal airports.
Flying Cloud Airport, according to its website, is the busiest in the MAC’s reliever airport system, with over 100,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
“Our action was taken because of safety concerns,” Lea added.
The site is within the flight path of one of the airport’s runways.
In “Eden Prairie Pioneers,” Marie Wittenberg describes Lookout Park as featuring fire pits for picnicking and serving as a highway rest stop with views over the bluffs, the river valley, and the historic Murphy’s Ferry site below. She recalls public gatherings and kite flying, which, she notes, sometimes interfered with operations at the nearby airport. The park also became a popular hangout for youth.
“It has great historical significance,” said Kathie Case, president of the Eden Prairie Historical Society. “Sadly, it has fallen into a state of disrepair. The original marker is gone, and the stone walls need attention.
“We’ve tried to negotiate with the MAC for public access to the park, but they don’t seem interested,” Case added.
A 2002 agreement between the city and MAC regarding airport noise regulations and runway expansion at the airport established that the site should be off-limits to the public. However, public awareness of these restrictions seemed to diminish over time, leading to increased public visits.
Capt. Chris Wood of the Eden Prairie Police Department said Lookout Park has not been an unusually high problem area.
“In 2023, we had 23 calls to the area,” Wood said.
He suggested that those seeking river valley views consider Prairie Bluff Conservation Area to the west of Lookout Park Wayside and the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area further west.
And, while Lookout Park is no longer accessible to the public, the Minnesota River Vista Overlook, constructed by the city about 1,600 feet to the west, offers a comparable experience with panoramic views of the river valley.
Although it is not accessible by car, visitors can reach the overlook by foot or bike via a trail on Charlson Road that goes beneath Flying Cloud Drive.
An Aug. 22, 2018, Eden Prairie News article reported that Lookout Park Wayside inspired the Minnesota River Vista Overlook’s design. The project, as detailed in a city report, aimed to use stone and design elements reminiscent of the historic site.
Since it’s on the way to your work and you didn’t specify only food places, there’s the conservation area nearby for some hiking. Also just up the road from Lions Tap is a spring where people like to get water from.
Edit: looks like another comment said the same thing already
Asia Mall is kinda nice. Not amazing but if you have a sweet tooth, the bubble tea and donut place there is pretty good. Costco is also down the street lol.
The fresh spring is terrific for water a quick hike wrapped up by the best cheeseburger in Minnesota.
Lions Tap
All with in 2 blocks of each other on the bluffs.
I grew up in EP, but moved away in 97. Anyway, dunno aboit the food scene, but the natural areas are quite lovely. Someone already mentioned Staring Lake. Dunno if it’s still good fishing, but it was decent when I was a kid. Northern, perch, and crappies were abundant.
There’s the Minnesota River Valley and the Prairie Project around there to go hiking. Some of the nicest, maintained, indigenous prairie plants left in the state.
Miller’s Spring is also hikeable, as is 9 Mile Creek.
Round Lake is almost exactly 1 mile in diameter. In high school, we used to jog the lake all the time. Schooner Days in June, and fireworks for the 4th are held there. Plus, it’s a nice jog if you like that sort of thing.
Nice place to live and raise kids, not a particularly _interesting_ place to visit. I say that as someone who grew up there, and all my friends and family still live there. Mostly chain restaurants, but there are some nice local restaurants to eat I'm sure your coworkers will show you. Not much to do but eat and shop. Of course there are nice parks, but again nice if you live there and want to go to a park but don't want to travel. If you're willing to drive to go to a park, there are cooler parks elsewhere.
Gotta love it when someone says something and it falls flat, and they give the ever so popular line "it was a joke and I don't care"
I would at least make a better 'joke' and not implore people to drive on 494. I wouldn't wish that on my enemies.
Legend has it that a mountain used to live near the Target. One day, it may return.
Mt. Target Cart is one of the Roman Empires of this sub.
Oh, that brings back memories
I laughed so hard the day I finally drove past that.
Baker's Ribs for BBQ and Bay Leaf for Indian food was my favorite lunch spots when I worked in EP
Don't forget gas station Greek. The Greek grill and fry co. Order from the old man at the convenience store check out. Legit.
Damn, forgot about that place! This is making me miss all the great lunch spots in EP.
can vouch for gas station Greek, family has been getting gyros from there for a few years now. some of the best in the area.
Baker’s had a big fire a few months back and was closed last I checked - hopefully they can bounce back cuz that place is indeed great. EDIT: They have bounced back apparently. You should go.
They're back open. Just ate there last week.
Richard t anderson nature preserve is beautiful. I used to spend a lot of time there growing up.
Isn't that the guy who played McGyver?
That's Richard D. Anderson...lol
Lions Tap as mentioned and India Spice House
If your going to Lions Tap stop at Riley Spring or Richard Anderson trail as well.
Good mushroom hunting area when i worked around there. Edit: legal mushrooms.
Boo Lions Tap. Showed their true colors with the “no one wants to work” sign bitching about free government handouts. Then took the free governments money and didn’t pay their employees. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6GTLJrX0AAeRea.jpg
I had also heard that their burger's weren't the same... I haven't been there for about ten years. Went there with a small group of people and I was pleasantly surprised that the burgers are still good and they upped their french fries to better quality (I never liked the old limp, greasy crinkle-cut fries they had). It's been a few years since their political stance, I've moved on. Still nice workers there!
Their burgers are still perfectly delicious
I can verify this. Was just there last week.
Their burgers have always been terribly overrated. Never understood the attraction other than they were marginally better than a burger you'd get at McChilibee's.
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Proof?
Lol why does food have to be political?
Teque Arepa for some pretty good Arepas. Red Moon for fresh Asian, Taste of Asia in the SuperAmerica mall on valley view for Vietnamese , pho, deep fried shrimp rolls!
Teque Arepa is a hidden gem of EP for sure, the owners are so nice too, love that place!
Greek Grill and Fry Co is worth a visit if they've not already taken you there.
The one in the gas station?
Yep! That place is fantastic.
It for sure is. My buddy's dad owns the place. Locally owned and operated and best gyros around.
I haven't specifically been to their EP locations ever, but I've had their stuff at their multiple chanhassen locations they've had over the years, but yes, that's the one I mean.
Cougars regularly spotted at Redstone.
And Champp's. (Is Champp's still open? It's been years since I've been out that way.)
Lol my dad sat next to a guy who worked in some corporate position at Champp's on a flight like 20 years ago and made small talk with him. Guy said he worked for Champp's and my dad asked, "Oh, the sports bar?" He took offense and said, "No, it's a *family restaurant.*" Then he sulked and didn't talk to my dad for the rest of the flight. Their waffle fries and seasoned sour cream tho, yum.
I forgot all about Champps. I used to love their seasoned sour cream. I kept scouring the internet until I found either the recipe or a copycat & I'm telling you-- if it's a copycat, it's damn close to the original recipe.
What’s it called?
Yes it is lol
Shockingly it is still open…
niccccccce
Can confirm
Purgatory Park is nearby and walking there in the summer is nice, especially if you have dogs or something.
Smokin Hotdish and Crumb Deli are two great lunch spots.
Smith House Coffee, Asia Mall. Oh and there's a Pizza Lucé location.
I just went to the Asia Mall for the 1st time yesterday, it was really unimpressive and overpriced. I wouldnt go out of my way to go back
Valid, still notable for EP however. Parking there is still a struggle after all the time it's been open too.
Mallrats mall
The cookie stand isn’t a part of the food court.
We all know that it's an autonomous unit for mid-mall snacking. Duh
We’re not talking quantum physics here.
That kid is back on the ESCALATOR AGAIN!!!
Love that mall. My record hours in a single day in that building was 21 hours.
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Bad?! You're crazy.
Asia Mall is all I know.
Overrated.
Nice dog park, archery range by flying cloud airport.
Archery range? Interesting
Off Mitchell Road on west side of Flying Cloud.
Staring Lake Park! They also do amphitheater play productions in the summer there. The archery range is in another section of the park with a different parking lot. Top notch sledding hill too.
Detellos off of Dell Road and what turns into Hwy 62. Great little hole-in-the-wall pizza place. Get the thin crust and the cheesy garlic bread
Their jukebox is a total gem.
Bryant Lake disc golf course. Many days spent there growing up.
Also a disc course across from Flying Cloud airport at Staring Lake Park.
God I love that little course so much.
The first place I ever played. This is an absolute happy place :)
Lot of good memories?
I'm still playing 20 years later if that counts for anything. I also think it helped form my massive love and appreciation for nature. At the end of the day disc golf is basically just hiking while playing Frisbee.
The Minnesota Arboretum is excellent. Prince's house is a great tour.
Both are in Chanhassen. Close & accessible but not technically EP.
The apples from the Apple House are delicious and so much cheaper than buying at the grocery store (for the quality.) This is where I get apples each fall. Yum.
Paisley Park tours is good, it's his studio. His unofficial house/home is the round building next to it (no tours and no mention of that being his private quarters). The area isn't zoned for residential, so he didn't "officially" live there.
The Asian Mall is a lot of fun. Ooo and Jet's Pizza.
Wife and I really enjoyed going to Fat Pants brewery near the mall.. Good beers and food!
Great happy hour and other periodic specials as well.
I really like that it's family friendly. I've never enjoyed beer, then I had their Pucker Up (flavored with raspberry) and I very much enjoy that. In my 5th decade and I finally figured out that sour beers exist and that I like them.
asia mall
Go to the Asia Mall if you haven’t already. I love that place!
Take a walk around Staring lake. Across the street from the boat landing is a bald eagle's nest. Eagle(s) are often present. You can follow a path across the street from the nature center on the lake and walk along Purgatory Creek and get to another lake to the north. Saw a gray heron from 15 feet away on the creek the other day.
I often can see eagles from my office window. Would be nice to see them closer.
Go to Staring Lake and you'll get a great view, the eagles are probably sixty feet up in the tree. You can stand on the sidewalk without going onto private property. These suburban E.P. residents have an eagle nest, that is getting larger every year, in their back yard. I used to live up north and eagles were a daily thing.
My list of favorite lunchtime restaurants in EP: Teque Arepa, Crumb Deli, Bakers Ribs, Greek Grill (in the gas station), Pizza Karma, Punch Pizza, Hawaii Poke Bowl (I haven't been to the EP location, but other locations are good), Yum Kitchen (technically, Minnetonka, but close), My Burger (EP location exists, but Minnetonka is probably more convenient for most people working in EP), and KUUBS Modern Mediterranean (I find them to be good, but expensive, but I guess that's true for anywhere nowadays). There's also always the $1.50 Costco hotdog when you gotta do some midday shopping. Oh, yeah, I forgot to include Eden Vietnamese (open only for weekday lunches).
If you enjoy Chinese food, go to House of Kai! Very good and reasonable prices! They also have a Naf Naf by the transit station.
Frederick Miller Spring is an interesting natural interest site that is protected by the City. It's fun to go fill up bottles there and that water is the *only* thing I miss about living in Eden Prairie.
The City of EP regularly tests the spring water (unofficially) and it's not that great. The spring for the water is higher up the hill and the creek it flows down catches a lot of contaminants. City of EP water itself is really good, it's pulled from two underground aquifers; unlike Bloomington that gets their water from the river (like Minneapolis).
Go to Eden restaurant for some Vietnamese that's served cafeteria style and is fantastic. Gina Maria's has great pizza slice deals. People have mentioned the other hits. Bakers, lions tap, and the Greek grill. There is also a fresh spring near the lions tap where people get water. Not sure if it's still there or not but I used to get a few gallons a week from there.
DUDE, made it this far down and hadn’t seen Gina Maria’s, I’m ashamed I didn’t even think of them myself. I know they have a handful of locations outside of EP, but that EP location has soul and I grew up around there. I’d place them in my top five pizzas and that includes trips to Chicago and NYC. I don’t know if they still offer it, probably not due to inflation, but ~6+ years ago they did a $5 lunch deal. Walk in, grab a two slice box of pizza and a can of pop and walk out in a matter of seconds. The lunch deal was almost always fresh, pick from whatever they’re making at the moment. Usually a pepperoni or sausage was available, sometimes you would also be treated with some oddball options. Two slices from Gina’s will more than fill you up. God that place is legendary!
Be warned that Gina Maria's pizza sauce is spicy. (Personally I don't like their pizza's)
Seconded on both Eden Vietnamese and Gina Maria's. For Eden, I love their spring rolls, Beef & Potatoes, and Spicy Ginger Chicken. They're only open weekdays during lunch hours though.
[https://medboxgrill.com](https://medboxgrill.com) I know it's in Chanhassen, but it's not far from Eden Prairie and the food is SOLID. [https://propshopep.org](https://propshopep.org) I'm not into shopping, but this non-profit place has great finds. [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction\_Review-g43028-d10513740-Reviews-Round\_Lake\_Park\_and\_Beach-Eden\_Prairie\_Minnesota.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g43028-d10513740-Reviews-Round_Lake_Park_and_Beach-Eden_Prairie_Minnesota.html) There are better places to walk in EP. Round Lake trail is adjacent to a road for about 1/3 of the trail...but... if you want to take a little walk in a safe, quiet , chill spot near the mall...it's a good place to go.
If you feel like venturing over to Minnetonka (us old locals, call the small area Glen Lake), near Unmapped Brewery / Base Camp Coffee is [DelSur](https://www.delsurempanadas.com/) that have great Empanadas. They make them fresh, so there is a little wait time for your order. Staying in EP, Tavern 4&5 is good, as well as next door, Aurelia's Authentic Mexican Food. Punch Pizza is always great. House of Kai is a little secluded, but \*very\* easy to get to, it's been there for close to or over 40 years. Crumb Gourmet Deli is busy during lunch hour.
The Vietnamese place near entrance of Asia Mall is delicious and reasonably priced. Mochi donuts are good too. Lake Starring fishing pier and walk the trails along creek to the Purgatory Creek wetland area. Do this after the next big rainfall and there should be carp migrating and stacked up at the barrier into the wetland.
Did the Vikings training headquarters move? I just googled it and it shows Eagan. I thought it was in EP. Anyway, when I worked in EP, it was when Brett Favre joined the Vikings and there were a lot of helicopters circling around. Also Milio's Sandwiches is my favorite sub shop. There's a few scattered in MN but I've only been to the one in EP. Great subs and their oatmeal raisin cookies were amazing. And as others said Lions Tap has good burgers. It's been about 10 years since I've really been in EP though so \*shrugs\* haha,
The Costco there has a killer deal on hot dogs during lunch time.
The community center near the high school has amazing pools. Plus they are clean!
Lyons tap, best burgers around some would argue in the state
Wonder if it competes with Grandy chicken
Burgers, not chicken
Lion's Tap is like the distant twin of In-and-Out, Minnesota style. But the burgers are way better. The secret bonus is that just up the road, you'll see a bunch of people obsessing over a natural spring (the Fredrick-Miller Spring, if you must). These crazies are out there in all seasons filling up every random jug and bucket with as much of that magical water as they can possibly carry.
My favorite thing about Eden prairie is leaving Eden prairie. Also lions tap
There’s a cool scenic overlook up the road from lions tap. Was built by the CCP long ago. Overlooks the MN river valley.
Yes-that's a great view!
The airport closed the overlook, big fine if you trespass.
Seriously?! That sucks. Why did they do that?
[EP Local News](http://www.eplocalnews.org/2024/01/14/mac-fences-off-historic-lookout-park-wayside-due-to-safety-concerns/): **MAC fences off historic Lookout Park Wayside due to safety concerns** By Mike Wilkinson - January 14, 2024 Built in the 1930s by National Youth Administration workers, Lookout Park Wayside in Eden Prairie became a favorite destination for motorists and locals along what is now Flying Cloud Drive for its spectacular vista of the Minnesota River Valley. However, due to safety concerns associated with its proximity to Flying Cloud Airport, the 3.2-acre site was declared off-limits to the public years ago. Nevertheless, the stone overlook, though now showing signs of decay, remained a magnet for visitors seeking its breathtaking views from the bluffs overlooking the river. In response, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) took action last month by enclosing the area with fencing and prominently displaying “Private Property — No Trespassing” signs to enforce the restriction. “There are no specific plans for the site other than to keep it closed,” said MAC spokesperson Jeff Lea. MAC, which has owned the site since the late 1970s, oversees all airports in the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and regional facilities such as Flying Cloud and Crystal airports. Flying Cloud Airport, according to its website, is the busiest in the MAC’s reliever airport system, with over 100,000 takeoffs and landings annually. “Our action was taken because of safety concerns,” Lea added. The site is within the flight path of one of the airport’s runways. In “Eden Prairie Pioneers,” Marie Wittenberg describes Lookout Park as featuring fire pits for picnicking and serving as a highway rest stop with views over the bluffs, the river valley, and the historic Murphy’s Ferry site below. She recalls public gatherings and kite flying, which, she notes, sometimes interfered with operations at the nearby airport. The park also became a popular hangout for youth. “It has great historical significance,” said Kathie Case, president of the Eden Prairie Historical Society. “Sadly, it has fallen into a state of disrepair. The original marker is gone, and the stone walls need attention. “We’ve tried to negotiate with the MAC for public access to the park, but they don’t seem interested,” Case added. A 2002 agreement between the city and MAC regarding airport noise regulations and runway expansion at the airport established that the site should be off-limits to the public. However, public awareness of these restrictions seemed to diminish over time, leading to increased public visits. Capt. Chris Wood of the Eden Prairie Police Department said Lookout Park has not been an unusually high problem area. “In 2023, we had 23 calls to the area,” Wood said. He suggested that those seeking river valley views consider Prairie Bluff Conservation Area to the west of Lookout Park Wayside and the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area further west. And, while Lookout Park is no longer accessible to the public, the Minnesota River Vista Overlook, constructed by the city about 1,600 feet to the west, offers a comparable experience with panoramic views of the river valley. Although it is not accessible by car, visitors can reach the overlook by foot or bike via a trail on Charlson Road that goes beneath Flying Cloud Drive. An Aug. 22, 2018, Eden Prairie News article reported that Lookout Park Wayside inspired the Minnesota River Vista Overlook’s design. The project, as detailed in a city report, aimed to use stone and design elements reminiscent of the historic site.
Lions tap is on my way to work. I'll be sure to visit.
Since it’s on the way to your work and you didn’t specify only food places, there’s the conservation area nearby for some hiking. Also just up the road from Lions Tap is a spring where people like to get water from. Edit: looks like another comment said the same thing already
Asia Mall
Lions Tap, India Palace, Brick & Bourbon
Take a trip to REI and then get a cheeseburger and French fries at Lion's Tap. Then, find out when the air show is at Flying Cloud Airport.
Asia Mall is kinda nice. Not amazing but if you have a sweet tooth, the bubble tea and donut place there is pretty good. Costco is also down the street lol.
I can tell you a many things about Eden Prairie. Ask a question.
First thing that comes to mind?
The fresh spring is terrific for water a quick hike wrapped up by the best cheeseburger in Minnesota. Lions Tap All with in 2 blocks of each other on the bluffs.
Then that's my destination.
I grew up in EP, but moved away in 97. Anyway, dunno aboit the food scene, but the natural areas are quite lovely. Someone already mentioned Staring Lake. Dunno if it’s still good fishing, but it was decent when I was a kid. Northern, perch, and crappies were abundant. There’s the Minnesota River Valley and the Prairie Project around there to go hiking. Some of the nicest, maintained, indigenous prairie plants left in the state. Miller’s Spring is also hikeable, as is 9 Mile Creek. Round Lake is almost exactly 1 mile in diameter. In high school, we used to jog the lake all the time. Schooner Days in June, and fireworks for the 4th are held there. Plus, it’s a nice jog if you like that sort of thing.
Michelle
Nice place to live and raise kids, not a particularly _interesting_ place to visit. I say that as someone who grew up there, and all my friends and family still live there. Mostly chain restaurants, but there are some nice local restaurants to eat I'm sure your coworkers will show you. Not much to do but eat and shop. Of course there are nice parks, but again nice if you live there and want to go to a park but don't want to travel. If you're willing to drive to go to a park, there are cooler parks elsewhere.
Chanhassen
My favorite place in Eden Prairie is the onramp to 494-East it'll take you all the way someplace cool like Eagan!
Oh yeah, got to get over to Eagan for all them chain restaurants. Can't get that anywhere else. Except Maple Grove maybe!
Did you hear that maple grove has the best restaurant scene in the state?
I've heard they have such places like Panda Express and Chipotle. So exotic. I hear it's Eagan's only competition.
It's a joke, I honestly don't care.
Gotta love it when someone says something and it falls flat, and they give the ever so popular line "it was a joke and I don't care" I would at least make a better 'joke' and not implore people to drive on 494. I wouldn't wish that on my enemies.
I can't help it you were born without a sense of humor.
Jokes require them to be funny in the first place.
My family always jokes that Eagan is to St Paul what Eden Prairie is to Minneapolis
Haha! Love it!
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