A Local’s Guide to Prior Lake
Spending a Day in Downtown Prior Lake
Looking for things to do in Prior Lake, Minnesota?
Here's a stop-by-stop guide to a full day of family fun—no big plans required.
You don't need a long itinerary or a long drive to fill a whole day with your crew in Prior Lake. The downtown core packs fresh coffee, a lakefront playground, family-friendly restaurants, and one of the prettiest little libraries in the south metro into a few walkable blocks—plus a quick hop to the lake.
As a south-metro mom and realtor who knows this area well, I put together this stop-by-stop guide to a perfect family day downtown. In this article, I'll walk you through where to grab breakfast, where the kids can burn off energy, and where to land for lunch and dinner—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying Prior Lake.
Morning: Edelweiss Bakery
Start your day at Edelweiss Bakery and Wine Bar (16186 Main Ave SE), a beloved downtown spot where the cakes, scones, and pastries are baked fresh on-site. With more than 800 glowing reviews, it has earned its local-favorite status—and it's the perfect cozy launch pad for your Prior Lake adventure.
What makes it special for families:
+Fresh-baked pastries, croissants, and cinnamon rolls (the crackly-topped cinnamon roll is a standout)
+A full coffee menu, including specialty lattes
+Cozy seating that wraps around the cafe
+Board games and real playing cards on hand for a relaxed morning
+Friendly staff who make first-timers feel like regulars
Pro tip: Weekend mornings fill up fast with locals, so arrive early for your pick of seats. (Note: Edelweiss is closed Mondays.)
Mid-Morning: Prior Lake Library
A short walk away, the Prior Lake Library (16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE) is a cozy, beautifully kept branch of the Scott County system—and one of the best free things to do in Prior Lake with kids. The children's area, anchored by a whimsical storybook mural, invites little ones to explore.
What makes it special for families:
+A welcoming children's section with a colorful, kid-favorite mural
+Regular programming and story times (check the Scott County Library calendar before you go)
+Quiet study rooms and a fireplace reading nook
+Free Wi-Fi, public computers, and plenty of comfy seating
+Friendly, genuinely helpful staff
Note: Hours vary by day—the library is closed Sundays and keeps shorter hours on Saturdays, so confirm before you head over.
Late Morning: Lakefront Park
Time to let everyone stretch their legs. Lakefront Park (5000 Kop Pkwy) is a sprawling, gorgeously maintained park on the shores of Prior Lake—and a true south-metro gem for families. Plan to spend a couple of hours here; there's that much to do.
What makes it special for families:
+A large playground with equipment for toddlers and big kids alike
+A quaint swimming beach (note: no lifeguard on duty)
+Paved nature trails winding around ponds and green space
+Basketball and tennis courts, ball fields, and open lawn for games
+Winter fun, too—sledding hills, tubing, and ice skating
Pro tip: In summer, the park hosts the popular Lakefront Music Festival, and a farmers market sets up nearby—both easy to pair with your visit.
Lunch: Charlie's on Prior
Right on the water, Charlie's on Prior (3950 Green Heights Trail SW) is a Prior Lake institution with a fun, local-favorite atmosphere and one of the best lake views in town. With nearly 2,700 reviews, it's a go-to for good reason.
What makes it special for families:
+A kids' menu alongside hearty burgers, ribs, and a well-loved walleye sandwich
+Lakeside patio seating in the warmer months
+A lively, welcoming vibe that's relaxed enough for little ones
+Weekend brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays
+Shareable starters like the pretzel and ahi tuna while you wait
Pro tip: It gets busy—patio waits can run long on a sunny weekend, so aim for an early lunch or call ahead.
Afternoon: Boathouse Brothers Brewing Co.
Known around town simply as Boathouse, Boathouse Brothers Brewing (16211 Main Ave SE) brings you back downtown for a laid-back afternoon. The boat-themed taproom—complete with a bar built to look like a dock, blue lighting and all—is genuinely family-friendly.
What makes it special for families:
+A fun, nautical-themed space that kids love to take in
+Rotating food trucks parked right out front
+Non-beer options and a relaxed, welcoming crowd
+Family-friendly extras like pull-tabs and occasional craft classes
+A growler box deal for the grown-ups to take a little lake life home
Pro tip: Food truck schedules change, so check Boathouse's social media before you go if you're counting on grabbing a bite.
Dinner: PLate on Main
Cap your day at PLate on Main (16323 Main Ave SE), downtown Prior Lake's elevated, scratch-kitchen restaurant. This stop leans special-occasion—think date night, a celebration dinner, or a treat-yourself end to a full family day.
What makes it special:
+A from-scratch menu featuring filet, fresh pasta, and creative starters
+A warm, welcoming atmosphere that still feels like a true night out
+Attentive, highly rated service
+A great choice for a milestone dinner or a kid-free date downtown
Note: PLate opens at 4 PM (3 PM on weekends), so it's built for dinner. If you can line up a sitter, it's a lovely way to wind down after the kids' big day out.
Bonus: Downtown Prior Lake Through the Seasons
One of the best parts of living in the south metro is that downtown Prior Lake shines year-round:
Summer: Lakefront Music Festival, swimming at the beach, and patio season at Charlie's
Fall: cozy mornings at Edelweiss and crisp walks along the park trails
Winter: sledding and skating at Lakefront Park, warm drinks and board games at Edelweiss
Spring: library story times and the first patio days by the lake
Planning Your Perfect Day in Prior Lake
You really can fill a full, memorable day right here—coffee and pastries downtown, a morning at the library, hours of play and lake views at Lakefront Park, and easy family dining from lunch through dinner. The downtown core is walkable, with just a short hop to the lakefront stops.
If a day exploring Prior Lake has you dreaming about putting down roots here, I'd love to help. As a south-metro realtor and mom of two, I know these neighborhoods inside and out.
Looking to move closer to these family-friendly spots?
Let's chat about finding your perfect home in Prior Lake!
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