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what to do in prior lake this weekend

What to do in Prior Lake this weekend

February 23, 2026

A local’s guide to the “City on the Water”

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just looking to explore Prior Lake this weekend, there is a certain magic to this town that you won’t find anywhere else in the Twin Cities. Known as the “city on the water,” Prior Lake offers a unique “lake cabin” lifestyle paired with a charming, walkable downtown—all just 25 minutes from Minneapolis.

Before you hit the shops, it’s worth noting that Prior Lake wasn’t always the bustling suburb of 28,000 it is today. Originally inhabited by Native Americans and settled by Europeans, it became a massive resort destination in the late 1800s. While the famous Grainwood Hotel is a thing of the past, that vacation-style energy still lives on in the community today.

Prior Lake attractions.

In our latest video, follow along as Kayla, Carly and Amanda take us on a tour of the best things to do this weekend in Prior Lake, MN in 2026.

  • Treat Yourself: Start your morning at Edelweiss Bakery for a pastry that tastes like home.
  • Shop Local: Prior Lake is a hidden gem for boutique shopping.
  • Cheers to the Weekend: Wrap up your afternoon at Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co. for a flight of seasonal cider or craft beer.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting after May 2nd, don’t miss the Prior Lake Farmers Market. It’s the perfect spot to grab fresh produce and check out local food trucks!

open sign in window
bakery items in case
close up of bakery items in take out boxes

Prior Lake destinations: Beyond the shops

While the downtown is charming, the Prior Lake attractions extend far into the natural landscape:

Attraction Why you'll love it
The Lakes With over 1,340 acres of water between Upper and Lower Prior Lakes, this is a premier destination for fishing, boating, wakeboarding, or just enjoying the view.
Lakefront Regional Park Located just off downtown, it's the hub for family fun with a sandy beach, and playgrounds. Famous for its concerts, extensive trails, and prime fishing spots.
Mystic Lake Casino For those looking for big-city excitement, Mystic Lake offers world-class gaming, concerts, and dining just minutes away.
Cleary Lake Regional Park Explore over 100 miles of trails or head to nearby Cleary Lake Regional Park for hiking and golf.
close up of wine and charcuterie
interior of wine bar with fireplace
toasting with ciders

Modern living at Pike Lake Landing.

For those who fall in love with the area and want to make the “lake life” permanent, Pike Lake Landing is the community you’ve been waiting for. This intimate, 44-acre development is rooted in nature, featuring 65 homesites nestled among wetlands and wooded reserves. Built by Robert Thomas Homes and Ron Clark Construction, the neighborhood offers a mix of traditional single-family homes and luxury villas. It’s the perfect balance of secluded nature and suburban convenience.

Ready to explore?

Prior Lake is more than just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle. From the high-end waterfront properties to the friendly faces on Main Avenue, there’s no better place to spend your Saturday.

Check out the other posts in this series on Pike Lake Landing:

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© 2026 Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. All rights reserved. Prices, floor plans, home elevations, options, upgrades, specifications, incentives, promotions, and availability are subject to change without notice. Finished square footage and dimensions are approximate and subject to change without notice. “Starting from” refers to the base price or starting price of a home plan/floorplan not including optional home elevations, options, upgrades, or lot premiums. “Starts at” refers to the lowest base price or starting price available within a collection of home plans/floorplans in a community not including optional home elevations, options, upgrades, or lot premiums. Models, photos, virtual tours, video tours, and/or illustrations may not depict actual home plan/floorplan configuration and/or details and may show certain options and upgrades not included in the base price or starting price of the home plan/floorplan. Model homes featured may show model staging, furniture, and accessories that are not included in the purchase of a home. Community improvements and amenities described are based upon current development plans and information furnished by others and are subject to change without notice. Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. makes no representations regarding community improvements and amenities. Community association fees and/or assessments, declarations, covenants, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Promotions and incentives may require the use of a certain lender that is an affiliate of Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. Floor plans and home elevations are used by permission by Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. Please consult a Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. New Home Consultant for additional information. MN LIC BC644819

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© 2026 Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. All rights reserved. Prices, floor plans, home elevations, options, upgrades, specifications, incentives, promotions, and availability are subject to change without notice. Finished square footage and dimensions are approximate and subject to change without notice. “Starting from” refers to the base price or starting price of a home plan/floorplan not including optional home elevations, options, upgrades, or lot premiums. “Starts at” refers to the lowest base price or starting price available within a collection of home plans/floorplans in a community not including optional home elevations, options, upgrades, or lot premiums. Models, photos, virtual tours, video tours, and/or illustrations may not depict actual home plan/floorplan configuration and/or details and may show certain options and upgrades not included in the base price or starting price of the home plan/floorplan. Model homes featured may show model staging, furniture, and accessories that are not included in the purchase of a home. Community improvements and amenities described are based upon current development plans and information furnished by others and are subject to change without notice. Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. makes no representations regarding community improvements and amenities. Community association fees and/or assessments, declarations, covenants, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Promotions and incentives may require the use of a certain lender that is an affiliate of Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. Floor plans and home elevations are used by permission by Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. Please consult a Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. New Home Consultant for additional information. MN LIC BC644819

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