Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to start planting! Take a trip to Inver Grove Heights to stock up on spring planting supplies from Gertens, Minnesota’s destination garden center that has everything you need to make this season blossom.Photo Credit: Gertens Garden Center
Minnesota’s Destination Garden Center- Shop Locally Owned for Spring Planting Supplies
Gertens is a fourth-generation family business that has been supplying customers with high-quality plants and trees since the early 1900s. Not only does Gertens offer the largest selection of annuals, perennials, and nursery stock in the Twin Cities, they are one of only a handful of garden centers that grows the majority of the plants and trees they sell. Whether you’re looking for ornamental shrubs, fruit trees, succulents, hanging baskets, rose bushes, or annuals in almost any color, you’ll find it at Gertens. Since the Gertens retail store is over 40,000 square feet, it’s a one-stop shop for your garden, lawn, and outdoor living needs. You’ll find gardening supplies and tools, landscaping materials, patio furniture, grills, fire pits, and planters, plus gift items for garden lovers. Photo Credit: Gertens Garden CenterGertens is known for its excellent customer service. Trees, shrubs, and perennials are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase, and there’s also warranty coverage for roses, houseplants, and annuals. Customers can take advantage of the Gertens Rewards Program, which includes earning points that can be used on future purchases, warranty tracking, and special offers.
Restaurants Near Gertens
After you’ve stocked up on plants and gardening supplies, grab a bite to eat at these locally-owned Inver Grove Heights restaurants.Mallards focuses on globally-inspired, seafood-based cuisine, from jambalaya to Maryland-style crab cakes to fish tacos. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads. Check out the brunch menu on Sunday, which features sweet specials like brandy French toast and savory items such as shrimp and grits or lobster quiche.B-52 Burgers and Brew specializes in over-the-top burgers like the award-winning “Trashy” burger topped with deep-fried pickles and cream cheese and the Truffle Shuffle, which is loaded with pancetta, smoked gouda, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and truffle aioli. The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and ice cream shakes, and burgers can be made with a vegan patty or gluten-free bun by request.Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + BrewLos Portales Bar & Grill serves up a full menu of authentic Mexican food. Known as a quality and relaxing Mexican Bar and Grill with freshly prepared food specials including tacos and other popular Mexican dishes. Los Portales has regular weekend entertainment too including karaoke, live music, and DJs too. Salsa!
Stay in Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights isn’t just a great place to shop for gardening supplies, it’s also a great place to stay! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!HolidayInn Express
Save the date for a summer full of fun events in and near Inver Grove Heights! Enjoy the great outdoors with family-friendly activities, take spin into the past with a hangar dance or classic car show, sample food truck eats, and more.
The annual youth fishing tournament at Simley Island Park will feature prizes for the largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught, plus all participants receive a fishing goodie bag. Register in advance online.
Photo Credit: Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
Party like it’s the 1940s at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing’s Spring Hangar Dance. Enjoy big band music, a free swing dance lesson, aircraft tours, and food, and wear WWII-era clothes for a chance to win a prize.
Enjoy free family-friendly entertainment at Oakwood Park. This year’s schedule includes concerts, storytelling, and educational programming. Stick around after the concert to explore the park’s trails or play at the playground.
Over 10,000 classic cars will converge on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for a retro fun-filled weekend. In addition to automobiles, the event includes music, a swap meet, craft fair, and model car contest.
Combine an evening of swimming with a screening of Pixar’s Luca at the VMCC. The movie will be screened on the water park pool deck, and popcorn will be provided.
Watch The Secret Life of Pets 2 under the stars at Oakwood Park. Before the movie starts at dusk, there will be pre-movie entertainment, a bounce house, games, and ice cream available for purchase.
Savor dinner or a snack from several local food truck vendors at Rich Valley Athletic Complex. There will also be music, entertainment, and family activities.
Deep-fried food, entertainment, livestock, shopping, rides—Inver Grove Heights is closer than you think to the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Whether you want to rock out at a Grandstand show or try the zaniest new foods, it’s sure to be a fun time.
The annual celebration of all things Inver Grove Heights includes a parade, family activities, and so much more. Check out the IGH Days website for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to summertime events, save the date for a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Hit the links in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights is a great golf destination for golfers of all types and abilities: you can play 9 or 18 holes at beautiful local courses, go disc golfing, or try out foot golf. Afterwards, celebrate your victory (or console yourself after a defeat) with a delicious meal at one of Inver Grove Heights’ dozens of local restaurants.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Disc Golf at North Valley Park
With scenic views and four different skill level-based routes, the Disc Golf Course at North Valley Park is fun for beginning and experienced disc golfers alike. The 18-hole course includes wooded areas and a pond.
A pass is required to use the course from May through September and can be purchased online. Daily passes are $5 and season passes are $30 for residents, $40 for non-residents.
After you finish your disc golf game, sample international cuisine at one of Inver Grove Heights’ local restaurants. iPho2 serves Vietnamese specialties including pho, banh mi, noodle salads, and bubble tea. Taqueria El Girasol is great for Mexican food like birria tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. At LW’s Bierstube, feast on German fare such as bratwurst and weiner schnitzel, plus American pub favorites.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Golf and Foot Golf at Inver Wood Golf Course
Inver Wood Golf Course’s 27 holes are spread across a scenic setting, with rolling, wooded terrain. The practice center has a unique design, with two fairways, greens, and bunkers to provide an “on course” feel to the driving range concept. Tee times can be reserved online.
Photo Credit: Star Tribune
Inver Wood also offers foot golf, a soccer/golf hybrid that’s a fun outdoor activity for golfers and non-golfers alike. The game is played on the golf course, and players kick a soccer ball from the starting tee to the hole. You can opt to play an 18-hole or 9-hole round.
Inver Wood is conveniently located to Iwa Sushi, which is a local favorite for top-notch sushi and hibachi meals. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Oyevida Lifestyle Cafe offers healthful sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizzas.
Photo Credit: Arbor Pointe Golf Club
Executive Golf Course at Arbor Pointe Golf Club
One of the top short courses in Minnesota, the 9-hole course at Arbor Pointe Golf Club is a convenient way to play a challenging round of golf in a beautiful natural setting (maybe even spot some wildlife!) The par 31 course features water on seven holes and extensive bunkering. Tee times can be reserved online.
Enjoy a post-game round of drinks at Inver Grove Brewing. In addition to local craft beer, there’s a full bar and a food menu with elevated pub fare including brick oven Neapolitan-style pizzas, burgers, pasta, and more.
This golf season, plan a getaway to Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Time to spring break in Inver Grove Heights! With budget-friendly accommodations, kid-friendly restaurants, and activities the whole family will enjoy, here’s your guide to fun spring break getaway.
DAY 1
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Park & Recreation
Start off your spring break by splashing around at the VMCC Aquatic Center. The indoor water park has two large water slides, splash features, a dumping bucket, and a floating log crossing. There’s also a pool available for recreational swimming and a dive pool with regular and high dive boards. Day passes are available for open swimming. Check out the open swim schedule here.
Next, zoom across the ice at the VMCC Ice Arena. Day passes are available for ice skating, and skate rentals are offered for a small fee. Find the open skate schedule here.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Wrap up the day with dinner at a local restaurant that has something tasty for the entire family. Los Portales Mexican Restaurant serves up traditional Mexican favorites including street tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and fajitas. At Iwa Sushi, enjoy sushi and hibachi meals, with kid-sized junior hibachi meals available for kids under 10. Inver Grove Brewing has a family-friendly taproom with high chairs and carrier holders, kids’ games, and a kids’ menu with pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and pasta. Adults can enjoy locally-brewed craft beer and a menu of elevated pub fare.
DAY 2
Photo Credit: Cahill Diner
Fuel up for another day of fun with breakfast at Cahill Diner, which has retro 1950s-inspired decor and serves breakfast all day. Specialties include the apple fritter French toast, Cajun omelet, and Tex Mex hash browns.
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters
Catch a movie at AMC Inver Grove 16 and enjoy recliner seating, a full food and beverage menu, and special discounts on Tuesdays and matinee screenings.
Photo credit: Visit IGH
Swing by Hometown Sweets for ice cream, flavored popcorn, and bulk candy. Can’t decide which of the 16 flavors of ice cream to order? Get the ice cream flight and try six!
Photo Credit: Drkulas’s 32 Bowl
Try a new spin on bowling at Drkula’s 32 Bowl, which has a state-of-the-art Hyperbowling system that adds a video game-style element to the classic game. There are also automatic bumpers and ramps to make bowling accessible to bowlers of all ages and abilities.
Go out for a crowd-pleasing dinner at a local pizza spot. Dominick’s Pizza serves both the classics and creative pies like a gyro pizza, plus homemade chocolate chip cookies baked fresh daily. Serving up family recipes that date back over 50 years, Carbone’s Pizzeria menu is full of family favorites for everyone to enjoy, including pizza, hot hoagies, wings, soup and salads. Turitto’s Pizza & Subs has a menu with tasty thin crust pizzas, submarine sandwiches, and pasta.
With over a dozen interactive attractions, 500 stores, and 50 restaurants, it’s easy to spend a day (or more!) at the Mall of America.
This winter, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Warm up with amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
This winter, embrace chilly temperatures in Inver Grove Heights! This is your guide to 6 Family-Friendly Outdoor Winter Activities in Inver Grove Heights. From sledding to snowshoeing, learning survival skills to navigating an ice maze, these outdoor family-friendly activities are fun for kids of all ages (and their grownups, too).
EcoElsa Outdoor Programs
Enjoy the snow with an educational twist: EcoElsa outdoor programs from Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation offer a fun, interactive way for kids and families to learn about STEM and local wildlife. Upcoming programs include a family Winter Night Hike on February 24, 2023 (ages 5 and up), family snowshoeing on February 25, 2023 (ages 6 and up). Learn more and pre-register online here.
Photo Credit: Mael Balland
Snowshoeing
Explore the great outdoors on snowshoes at a local nature preserve. At the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge you can borrow adult and child-sized snowshoes for free at the Bloomington visitor center and check out over 50 miles of trails. For a backcountry experience without leaving the metro, visit Pine Bend Bluff Scientific and Natural Area, which is an undeveloped, serene spot for wildlife watching or simply appreciating the snow-covered landscape.
Hiking
The Mississippi River Greenway is plowed throughout the winter, making it perfect for a cold-weather hike. Bring along your furry friends, too—on-leash dogs are welcome. Stop at the Swing Bridge Park trailhead for a snowy family selfie at the end of the Rock Island Swing Bridge, a walking pier that juts hundreds of feet over the Mississippi River.
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights
Sledding
The whole family will love zooming down the sledding hill at South Valley Park. The large hill has a long, gentle slope and is close to the parking lot, and the park also offers trails, a playground, and a skating rink.
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights
Ice skating
Glide across the ice at one of Inver Grove Heights’ outdoor rinks, which are open through February 20, 2023 (weather permitting). Rinks are lit after dark, and warming houses and portable bathrooms are available. The rinks at Skyview, Oakwood, Groveland, and South Valley Parks have warming houses; there’s also a rink at Southern Lakes Park without a warming house.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Ice Maze
Minnesota Ice Maze
Have fun getting lost at the Minnesota Ice Maze at Viking Lakes. With nearly half a mile of twists and turns made from over a million pounds of ice, the maze is fully lit with colorful lights. Kids can win a prize by completing the interactive scavenger hunt, and there are also ice thrones, fire pits, and hot beverages and treats available for purchase. The ice maze is open daily through February 19, 2023 and tickets can be purchased online.
This winter, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Warm up with amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Stay warm and have some fun with these family-friendly winter indoor activities in Inver Grove Heights! Whether you want to burn off some energy, visit a museum, or enjoy a relaxing staycation, Inver Grove Heights has something for kids of all ages.
Indoor Activities in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Park & Recreation
Visit the VMCC Aquatic Center’s indoor water park, where kids can zoom down water slides, play in the splash features, and scramble across a floating log crossing. The Aquatic Center also has a pool and diving area.
Photo Credit: HyperBowling
Check out Drkula’s 32 Bowlfor a fun new twist on bowling: HyperBowling! The game combines bowling with video game-style technology, and in addition to knocking down pins, you can take aim at colorful targets. HyperBowling makes bowling exciting for everyone, regardless of ability level. Drkula’s also offers automatic bumpers and bowling ramps for young bowlers.
Photo Credit: Perple Bunny’s Axe House
Try something new with your teens at Perple Bunny’s Axe House. An axe master will teach you how to throw axes and play games—whatever your experience level or physical fitness, everyone will have a good time! Note that you have to be at least 14 years old to throw.
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters
Watch a movie in style at AMC Inver Grove 16, which offers recliner seating and tasty snacks like flatbread pizzas, nachos, and churros. Enjoy discounted prices during matinees and all day Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
Get up close to WWII aircraft kept in flying condition at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing. In addition to aircraft, the museum is home to motor vehicles and WWII artifacts, and admission is free of charge.
Photo Credit: Holiday Inn Express
Treat your family to a staycation at one of Inver Grove Heights’ hotels, and grab a pizza from a pizzeria. The AmericInn Hotel and Suites has a pool and game room, the Holiday Inn Express offers a pool, and the Microtel Inn and Suites and Coratel Inn and Suites have great rates and complimentary breakfast.
Indoor Activities in the Twin Cities
Photo Credit: Children’s Theater Company
Attend a show at the Children’s Theatre Company, which stages entertaining, engaging productions that the whole family will enjoy. Current and upcoming shows include holiday classic Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (running through January 8, 2023) and Locomotion (January 24-March 5, 2023) which explores how poetry can bring you closer to others and yourself.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Children’s Museum
Visit the Minnesota Children’s Museum, a kid-centered space that utilizes the power of play to spark learning. The three floors of exhibits include a sensory space for babies and toddlers, a pretend town, and an “underwater” shipwreck. Special exhibits include the storybook-themed The Amazing Castle (through January 8, 2023) and Framed: Step into Art, where you can explore three-dimensional versions of well-known paintings (January 21-May 7, 2023).
Photo Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota
Make learning fun at the Science Museum of Minnesota. From dinosaurs and fossils to a real Mississippi River towboat and sports-themed experiments, exhibits are an interactive way to learn about science, math, and technology. Through January 22, 2023, check out the Nature All Around Us exhibit to discover the hidden natural worlds and ecosystems in cities and towns.
Photo Credit: Como Park Zoo
Travel to the tropics without leaving Minnesota at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, where the indoor Tropical Encounters trail immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of rainforest plants and animals. Other indoor spaces include the Zoo’s large cats, African hoofed stock, primate, and aquatic buildings, plus the Convervatory’s Sunken Garden and Palm Dome.
Photo Credit: Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Discover a miniature world at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, where kids will be entranced by the detailed layout complete with trains, towns, and more. Check out the Night Trains exhibit Saturday evenings through February 25, 2023, which features low lighting, special lighted model trains, and winter decorations.
Photo Credit: Sea Life Aquarium
Walk through an underwater ocean tunnel and watch thousands of tropical fish, sharks, and sting rays at SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in the Mall of America. The aquarium also features a kid-friendly touchpool inspired by the Pacific Northwest, rainforest exhibit, and jellyfish.
Wondering how to keep your kids occupied over MEA break? Inver Grove Heights offers plenty of outdoor activities and indoor attractions for a fun and memorable long weekend. If you’re extending your stay, Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more! Now, onto the list! Below are 12 Things to Do in Inver Grove Heights During MEA Weekend.
With over two dozen parks, Inver Grove Heights offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities include playgrounds, trails, and basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Spot wildlife and fall foliage.
Look for native wildlife and colorful fall leaves at local nature preserves. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge features 45 miles of trails, a nature play area, and the prairie, forest, and wetland habitats are home to bald eagles, river otters, and white-tailed deer. Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area has awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi River from bluffs overlooking the river valley and is a great spot for bird watching.
Enjoy the outdoors with a friendly game of disc golf at North Valley Park. The 18-hole course features scenic views and is free of charge October through April.
The Mississippi River Greenway is paved and relatively flat, ideal for a leisurely ride. Stop at the Swing Bridge trailhead to stand over the Mississippi River on a 680-foot walking pier that juts out over the river.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Go mountain biking.
Inver Grove Heights has mountain biking opportunities for all ages and abilities. Start with the mountain bike skills course at Vista Pines Park, and then try the adjacent mountain bike trails. Harmon Park Reserve also offers over four miles of mountain bike trails.
The Commemorative Air Force Museum is a unique collection of combat military aircraft preserved in flying condition, military motor vehicles, and museum displays with WWII artifacts. Located in a hangar at an operating airport, the museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission free of charge, and donations are appreciated.
Celebrate Halloween a little early with a kid-friendly, lights-on tour at Nowhere Haunted House. Held on Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., the kid-friendly tours do not include actors and are designed to be less scary and more informative.
The VMCC Aquatic Center has open swim hours scheduled Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23, 2022. The indoor water park offers interactive water features, a dumping bucket, and slides, as well as a pool with space reserved for recreational swimming.
Action figures, comics, collectibles, board games, video games—nerds of all ages will appreciate the new and nostalgic selection at NerdinOut. The locally-owned store is open daily.
Drkula’s 32 Bowl makes bowling accessible to even the youngest bowlers with automatic bumpers and bowling ramps available by request. Open bowling is available daily, and you can call ahead for a lane reservation.
Watch the latest releases in style with comfortable recliner seats, reserved seating, and elevated food options like flatbread pizzas. Matinee tickets (a 30% discount from the evening price) are available every day for showtimes before 4:00 p.m.
Savor a meal at a local restaurant.
Pizza, chicken tenders, gyros, hibachi meals, and more—many of Inver Grove Heights’ local restaurants are great places to eat with kids, offering kid’s menus and tasty options that will satisfy picky eaters.
Spend MEA weekend in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, free parking, and more.
