Craving a simple, close-to-home weekend that feels like a mini vacation? In Chanhassen, you can swim at the beach in the morning, catch a show at night, and still find time for a relaxed meal with friends. Whether you are new to the west metro or already nearby, this guide walks you through the best parks, lakes, trails, dining, and entertainment so you can plan a stress-free weekend. You will also find quick neighborhood insights and practical tips to make the most of your time. Let’s dive in.
Lake time and parks
Lake Ann Park highlights
Lake Ann Park is the city’s flagship community park with a sandy swimming beach, playgrounds, picnic shelters, trails, and seasonal concessions. The lake is managed as a quiet, mostly non-motorized lake, which keeps the vibe relaxed for families and paddlers. The city updates the park page with beach operations, lifeguard notes, rental details, and water quality updates, including a zebra mussel discovery and mitigation work. Check the latest before you go on the city’s page for Lake Ann Park.
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park
Just south of town, Lake Minnewashta Regional Park offers a swimming beach, paved boat launch, roughly five miles of trails, a large fenced off-leash dog area, and year-round rentals like canoes, SUPs, and skis. Winter brings groomed ski trails, so it is an all-season favorite. County rules and parking limits for trailers at the launch are posted on the official Lake Minnewashta Regional Park page.
More lakes and access points
Lotus Lake, Lake Susan, Lake Lucy, and Rice Marsh Lake each offer different amenities like fishing spots, walking loops, and beach or boat access. If you want a quick list of what is where, the city’s parks directory is searchable by feature. Lake rules can change with water levels and seasonal needs, so review slow-no-wake notices and aquatic invasive species alerts on the city’s lakes guide before you launch.
Lake day checklist
- Pack life jackets, sunscreen, and quick-dry layers.
- Confirm beach hours, lifeguard status, and rentals.
- Review boat launch parking rules and any slow-no-wake postings.
- Leave a little time to find parking on peak summer weekends.
Trails and four-season fun
Chanhassen maintains a robust trail network with more than 70 miles of public trails and 12 miles of sidewalks. The city prioritizes winter plowing on key connectors, which keeps walking and biking accessible even after a snowfall. The municipal newsletter outlines these priorities and seasonal updates in detail. You can browse the latest notes in the city’s trail and maintenance newsletter.
In winter, you will find outdoor rinks, warming houses, and sledding hills across city parks. Lake Minnewashta grooms separate winter tracks for walking and cross-country skiing, so you can pick your pace and stay outside longer.
Arts, theater, and music
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
A regional favorite, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres pairs dinner with professional productions in a multi-stage complex. It is a natural pick for a Friday or Saturday night. Check current showtimes, menus, and tickets directly at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
Paisley Park
Music fans love touring Prince’s former home and studio at Paisley Park. You can book guided tours, catch special events, and sometimes see live performances. View schedules and ticket options at Paisley Park tickets.
Nearby stages and headliners
Looking to mix lake time with a show? The Old Log Theatre in Excelsior and big-act venues at Mystic Lake are easy options for matinees or headliners. Pair an afternoon on the beach with an early curtain and make it a full day.
Eat and sip local
Downtown Chanhassen and the Market Street area offer an easy lineup of local spots and casual favorites. Plan for pre- or post-show timing since theatre nights can be busy in peak season. For a relaxed sit-down, try neighborhood staples like sushi at Kai’s, Thai at Na’s Thai Café, or Mediterranean plates at Med Box Grill. When the sun is out, patios fill up quickly, so a reservation window 60 to 90 minutes before curtain usually works well.
Tip: If you are catching a show, confirm hours and reservation policies ahead of time, especially on summer weekends.
A simple weekend itinerary
Friday: Settle in and see a show
- Late afternoon: Stretch your legs on a short lake loop at Lake Susan or Lake Ann.
- Dinner and a show: Book tickets at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and arrive early for a relaxed meal.
Saturday: Beach, trails, and live music
- Morning: Coffee, then a walk or bike ride. If you are feeling adventurous, carve out a couple of hours at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for gardens and seasonal exhibits.
- Midday: Hit the beach at Lake Ann Park or Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. Bring a picnic and water shoes for the kids.
- Evening: Watch for free or low-cost outdoor concerts at City Center Park in summer. On select nights, consider a tour or event at Paisley Park.
Sunday: Slow morning and lakeside lunch
- Brunch or late lunch in downtown Chanhassen. Stroll the nearby trails or fit in one last paddle.
- Head home refreshed and ready for the week.
Neighborhoods near the fun
Lake Minnewashta shoreline
Along the shoreline near Roundhouse Park you will find lakefront homes, private docks, and premium properties. Streets like Red Cedar Point, Hawthorne Circle, and Dartmouth Drive offer proximity to the water. Newer options, including custom-home sites such as Waterview, appeal to buyers seeking a lakeside lifestyle and modern design.
Lake Ann and downtown living
If you want easy access to the beach and trails, neighborhoods near Lake Ann Park and the downtown core make weekend logistics simple. Townhomes, condos, and compact-lot homes place you close to dining, theater, and everyday errands.
Big-picture market context
Chanhassen offers a wide mix of homes, from mid-$300k townhomes and older suburban stock to luxury lakeshore estates. Several school districts serve different parts of the city. Much of Chanhassen is served by Eastern Carver County Schools, and some pockets near the Lake Minnetonka edge are served by Minnetonka Public Schools. Always verify your property’s exact attendance boundaries with the district before you rely on a general map.
Practical tips and getting around
- Transit: SouthWest Transit runs express and local routes with park-and-ride options that connect Chanhassen to downtown Minneapolis and MSP. Check routes, schedules, and trip planning at SouthWest Transit.
- Parking and launches: Review boat trailer parking limits and launch rules at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park before you go. For Lake Ann, confirm beach operations, rentals, and safety notices on the Lake Ann Park page.
- Seasonal notes: Slow-no-wake orders, lifeguard staffing, and rental availability may change by season. The city’s lakes guide and parks directory post updates.
Ready to explore neighborhoods that fit your weekend style, from beach days to dinner-and-a-show nights? Reach out to Kelly Bollinger to schedule your complimentary home consultation.
FAQs
Which Chanhassen lakes have public beaches?
- Lake Ann, Lake Minnewashta, and Lotus Lake at Carver Beach each offer public beach access, while other lakes vary by park and amenities.
Where can you rent kayaks or SUPs near Chanhassen?
- Rentals are available at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, and Lake Ann has historically offered seasonal rentals through city concessions. Check park pages for current details.
Are lifeguards on duty at city beaches?
- Lifeguard programs and hours can change seasonally. Review the current season’s notes on the city’s park pages before you swim.
What are good evening entertainment options for families?
- Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Paisley Park are local anchors. Old Log Theatre and larger venues like Mystic Lake offer additional show options nearby.
How walkable and bikeable is Chanhassen year-round?
- The city maintains more than 70 miles of trails and prioritizes winter plowing on key paths, which helps keep biking and walking practical in most seasons.
Which neighborhoods offer quick access to lakes and trails?
- Lake Minnewashta shoreline streets and nearby custom-home pockets provide direct lake access, while Lake Ann and downtown-adjacent areas offer short, convenient connections to beaches, paths, and dining.
