Valleyfair
A vibrant amusement park offering thrilling rides, family fun, and seasonal scares, with a well-run atmosphere and manageable wait times.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter lines, less crowded
Valleyfair
Best Time
Shorter lines, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant amusement park offering thrilling rides, family fun, and seasonal scares, with a well-run atmosphere and manageable wait times.
"Valleyfair delivers a memorable and fun day out, especially during the spooky ValleyScare season."
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance; they're significantly cheaper than on-site. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of fun. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Renegade Wooden Coaster
Roller Coaster Section
Experience one of the world's best wooden coasters, known for its intense airtime and thrilling twists. A true classic!
Steel Venom
Roller Coaster Section
Get ready for a unique launch coaster that sends you forwards and backward through inversions. Pure adrenaline!
Soak City Waterpark
Waterpark Area
Cool off at this expansive waterpark, included with admission, featuring slides and a wave pool for family fun.
ValleyScare Attractions
Throughout the Park (Seasonal)
Immerse yourself in Halloween horror with detailed haunted attractions and spooky entertainment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Thrills
ValleyScare: A Spooky Season Must
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance; they're significantly cheaper than on-site. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of fun. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park maps to maximize your visit. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle or utilize the park's refill stations to stay refreshed. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance; they're significantly cheaper than on-site. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential for a full day of fun. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park maps to maximize your visit. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle or utilize the park's refill stations to stay refreshed. :droplet:
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware that parking fees can be substantial, so factor this into your budget. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Valleyfair is praised for its well-maintained grounds, friendly staff, and efficient ride operations, leading to reasonable wait times. The park offers a good mix of rides for all ages and a fun atmosphere, especially during the seasonal ValleyScare event. However, some visitors find the park lacking in certain areas and note that food and souvenir prices can be high compared to other destinations.
"Valleyfair is a great place to spend the day if you're looking for fun, thrills, and a well-run amusement park experience. The park offers a solid variety of rides for all ages, and the overall atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. One of the best parts of visiting is that the ride wait times are surprisingly reasonable—even on busier days, the lines move efficiently, so you’re not spending half your day just waiting around.
If you're planning a visit, consider going in the fall during ValleyScare. It’s absolutely worth the trip. The haunted attractions are very well done, with great attention to detail and plenty of genuinely creepy moments. The scare actors do a fantastic job, and the theming throughout the park adds to the eerie excitement. Even the live shows are entertaining and help round out the spooky experience.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just there to soak up the atmosphere, Valleyfair—especially during ValleyScare—delivers a memorable and fun day out. Highly recommended!"
Brian Cox
"I’ve been to this park twice now and had a very nice time both times. Renegade is an absolute beast of an attraction, one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world in my opinion. That Twisted Drop is insane! A very well maintained park, lots of pretty colors, friendly staff, and clean walkways. On both my visits I was also impressed with the random pop up shows on the Midway. It’s small stuff like that that makes you see this park is well run and they want the average guest to have a great day. I also appreciate this park for always running 2 trains on everything, and having speedy operations to keep the lines moving. Overall everyone should checkout Valleyfair, it’s a super nice park."
James Wharton
"Very nice, clean, friendly amusement park. Love that it's 2 parks in 1 with the water park. Great rides. Good value, especially with a season pass. The staff is welcoming and seems week-trained. Short line to get in on a busy weekend, but it moves really quickly. This is our first summer at the park, and it's been a lot of fun!"
Kimberlyn Bauhs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Valleyfair is located in Shakopee, Minnesota. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available (though fees apply). Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the park.
Parking is available at the park, but it comes with a fee, which can be around $25. Purchasing tickets online in advance can sometimes include parking deals or discounts.
Valleyfair strives to be accessible. Many rides have specific accessibility guidelines, and the park is generally navigable. It's recommended to check their official website for detailed accessibility information.
Generally, re-entry is not permitted after 5 PM, especially during special events like ValleyScare. It's crucial to plan your day to avoid needing to leave and return.
The most straightforward way to travel from Minneapolis to Valleyfair is by car, taking approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services are also an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are best purchased online through the official Valleyfair website for significant discounts compared to on-site purchases. Prices vary, but online deals can bring general admission down to around $32.
Yes, look for online deals, season passes if you plan multiple visits, and sometimes through local retailers like Cub Foods or Costco. Groupon and other discount sites may also offer deals.
Valleyfair's hours vary seasonally. It's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for the specific date you plan to visit, as they can change.
While specific time slots are not typically required for general admission, it's always a good idea to check the park's policy, especially during peak seasons or special events.
General admission typically includes access to all rides and Soak City waterpark. Some premium experiences or special events may require separate tickets or add-ons.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Popular rides include the Renegade wooden coaster, Steel Venom launch coaster, Corkscrew, and the Wild Thing. For families, Camp Snoopy offers gentler rides.
Yes, Valleyfair features Soak City, a large waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and splash areas, which is included with your park admission.
ValleyScare is Valleyfair's Halloween event, featuring haunted attractions, scare zones, and themed entertainment. It typically runs on select evenings in the fall.
Yes, Valleyfair often features live shows and entertainment throughout the park, especially on the Midway, adding to the overall experience.
Wait times can vary, but many visitors report them to be surprisingly reasonable, even on busy days, due to efficient operations and multiple trains on rides.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Valleyfair offers a variety of food options, from classic amusement park fare like burgers and fries to sit-down restaurants and specialty snacks. Premium dining plans are also available.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the park, with the exception of small snacks for infants or specific medical needs.
While classic theme park food is prevalent, you can often find some healthier options like salads or grilled chicken at select locations. It's best to check menus online or at the park.
The premium dining plan allows for frequent food and drink purchases throughout the day, often with a set interval for each. It can be a good value if you plan to eat and drink a lot.
Vegetarian options are usually available, such as pizza or salads. Vegan options might be more limited, but it's worth inquiring at individual food stands.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the roller coasters, the park's colorful midway, and scenic views from the Ferris wheel. The entrance area also offers great photo opportunities. 
Generally, phones and cameras are not allowed on most rides for safety reasons. Some rides might have specific policies, but it's best to assume you'll need to secure your devices.
Professional photography or videography may require special permits or prior approval from the park. Casual personal photography is usually fine.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photos. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the park still make for great shots.
During special events like ValleyScare or holiday celebrations, the park's decorations and themed areas provide unique and memorable photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider bringing a stroller or renting one to help manage tired legs. Pack snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, or explore the park's dining options. Checking height requirements for rides in advance will help you plan which attractions your children can enjoy, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying visit for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
While food inside the park can be pricey, packing some snacks or utilizing a premium dining plan strategically can help manage food costs.
🎢 Thrill Seekers
Don't overlook the waterpark, Soak City, for a different kind of thrill with its water slides. For an extra dose of adrenaline, plan your visit during ValleyScare for a truly intense Halloween experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Valleyfair with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that strollers are available for rent, which can be a lifesaver for tired toddlers.
The Thrill Seeker's Guide to Valleyfair
Beyond the coasters, The Giant Discovery swing provides a stomach-dropping pendulum motion, and The Vortex offers a classic looping experience. For those seeking a different kind of thrill, The Drop of Doom provides a terrifying freefall.
ValleyScare: A Halloween Experience
It's important to note specific rules for ValleyScare, such as the no re-entry policy after 5 PM. This means you must plan your arrival to enjoy both the daytime park and the evening scares without leaving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit