The National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota boasts a 600-acre campus with over 50 soccer fields, eight ice hockey rinks, a golf course, and a velodrome. The center is approximately 18 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. If you have time to travel there, take a look at our City Guide for Minneapolis for suggested things to do. If your time is limited and you are planning to enjoy activities and meals that are closer to Blaine, here are some suggestions for your team that are in the area.

 

Things to Do

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve

A short distance east of Blaine in Lino Lakes you will find the beautiful 5,500-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. As one of the largest parks in the area, the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is home to some of the most sizable native wildlife habitats and water resources in the regional area. There are a wide variety of amenities for you and your team to enjoy at this park as well. These amenities include the Wargo Nature Center, Chomonix Golf Course, Rice Creek Campground, and Centerville Lake Beach. Additional amenities include picturesque picnic areas, boat launch facilities, miles of biking and hiking trails, multiple playgrounds, and a fishing pier. 7401 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN 55038

 

Bunker Beach Water Park

Bunker Beach Water Park is Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park, located in Coon Rapids about five miles west from the National Sports Center. The park’s Wave Pool has air-generated,  three foot waves that simulate the feeling of swimming in the ocean. The Twisted Tower and Splash Cove feature six thrilling water slides that send riders on wild rides full of twists and turns before they plunge into the water below. Four of these slides require riders to sit in a tube, the other two do not. Winding 900 feet around the park’s Big Island, the Lazy Loop is a lazy river ride that’s the perfect way to relax and cool off at the same time. Single and double tubes can be picked up at the entrance to the Lazy Loop and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

If you’re visiting Bunker Beach Water Park with young children, bring them over to the Adventure Pool. With zero-depth entry and a maximum depth of just two feet, Adventure Pool is a great attraction for children of all ages. Nearby viewing areas will let you keep an eye on the young ones, no matter how adventurous they may be. The Sand Box is yet another kid-oriented play area at Bunker Beach Water Park. With lots of play equipment including sand tables with running water, kids can build sand castles, create rivers, or just play in the sand!

Also at Bunker Beach Water Park is the Plunge Pool, home to the “Wiggly Water Walk.” Sure to challenge even the most athletic players on your team, the Wiggly Water Walk requires you to balance on the top of floating lily pads while grabbing onto a suspended cargo net. Rocky Bay, located on the Big Island, is another part of the park where your team can put their athleticism to the test. With two 10-foot Aqua Climb walls and two water basketball nets it’s the perfect place to go for a fun, watery workout. 701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448

 

Lilli Putt and Grand Slam Family Fun Center

Lilli Putt is a family entertainment center in nearby Coon Rapids. Head there for some mini golfing fun, followed by a ride in the bumper boats or go-karts. There is something to do for your whole group at Lilli Putt. They also offer group rates, so be sure to call ahead. Another attraction worth visiting in Coon Rapids is the Grand Slam Family Fun Center. Featuring 45,000 square feet of fun, the Grand Slam Family Fun Center features batting cages, a multi-level laser tag arena, an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper cars, an arcade, and a play zone. 1349 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433; 2941 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

 

Urban Air Trampoline Park

Another attraction located conveniently close to the National Sports Center is the Urban Air Trampoline Park in Coon Rapids. Offering safe, fun, and affordable entertainment for thrill-seekers of all ages, it’s no surprise that Urban Air Trampoline Park has been voted “Best Gym In America for Kids” by Shape Magazine, “Best Place To Take Energetic Kids,” and “Best Trampoline Parks.” 10 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55448

 

Coon Rapids Ice Center

The Coon Rapids Ice Center is a state-of-the art facility that features both an indoor and outdoor ice skating rink, as well as rooms that can be used for meetings, training sessions, and parties. All year-round, the indoor rink at the Coon Rapids Ice Center hosts skating lessons, hockey skill development, hockey tournaments, public skating events, and more. 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

 

National Sports Center - Travel - Hotels4TeamsAMC Coon Rapids 16

If nothing else fits your schedule, then you can always catch a movie at AMC Coon Rapids 16. Kick back and enjoy your show from a luxurious power recliner. Select your seat when you buy your tickets online, on their mobile app, or at the theater. Feast your eyes on the mind-blowing RealD 3D experience at AMC. Don’t forget the movie popcorn and other refreshments! 10051 Woodcrest Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

 

To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in Blaine or any city, visit hotels4teams.com. Hotels4Teams – The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!

 

Places to Eat

Old Piper Inn

Right near the National Sports Center you will find a great place to eat with the Old Piper Inn. It is a family owned restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring fresh, homemade recipes all day. They offer an expansive menu of sandwiches, burgers, Mexican dishes and dinner entrees that will satisfy any palate. 1416 93rd Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449

 

National Sports Center - Travel - Hotels4TeamsClive’s Roadhouse

At Clive’s Roadhouse, you can expect some down-home, comfort food cooking that will fill up the hungriest of customers. Here you will find, among other things, grilled meatloaf, chicken fried chicken, the Country Boy Hot Turkey Melt, chicken parmesan, barbecue ribs, and a slew of freshly made Angus beef burgers. 10400 Baltimore St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55449

 

Acapulco Mexican Restaurante

In December 1996, Maria and Jesus Leon opened their first restaurant with the mission to provide diners with a taste of real deal Mexican food. Devoted to authenticity and tradition, Acapulco Mexican Restaurante serves a variety of dishes that explode with imagination, flair, and flavor. With a menu as big as their food’s flavor, the Leon family is confident that all diners will find something to enjoy at Acapulco Mexican Restaurante. 9360 Baltimore St NE, Blaine, MN 55449

 

The Well Sports Tavern & Grill

When it comes to team-friendly dining options, it’s hard to beat a good, no-frills sports bar that serves some surprisingly delicious eats. Fortunately, you’ll be only a few minutes from The Well Sports Tavern & Grill, one of the area’s most popular sports bars, while you’re at the National Sports Center. Their menu features plenty of pub grub favorites like burgers, fish and chips, wings, tacos, nachos, and more. Sit inside and watch the big game on one of their big screens or if the weather’s nice, sit outside and enjoy a game of Cornhole while you wait for your food. 35 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448

 

Even if you don’t make the trek into Minneapolis or all the way to Mall of America in Bloomington during your time at the National Sports Center, there are still lots of things to do and places to eat on the north side of the city. If you can squeeze a few of these attractions into your visit to the National Sports Center, you’re sure to create a memorable travel experience for the team.