· US

Apple Valley

Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States

Discover Small-Town Charm with Big City Amenities in Apple Valley, Minnesota! Nestled in the heart of the Twin Cities south metro area, Apple Valley, Minnesota, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city c…

#Suburban#Family-friendly#Outdoor recreation#Shopping#Community events

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Apple Valley.

Top Hotels in Apple Valley

Top Flights to Apple Valley

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Apple Valley.

Tours

Minnesota Zoo

A large zoo featuring over 4,300 animals with themed exhibits ranging from the tropics to the tundra.

Shopping

Burnsville Center Mall

A major shopping mall in the region with a wide variety of shops, dining, and entertainment options.

Outdoor

Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center

A large outdoor water park with pools, slides, and fun water activities for all ages.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

A vast regional park with miles of hiking trails, lakes, and picnic areas.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Apple Valley.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

55,000

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Apple Valley

Jan

15°2°

Feb

17°3°

Mar

20°5°

Apr

24°8°

May

28°12°

Jun

33°16°

Jul

37°20°

Aug

36°19°

Sep

32°16°

Oct

26°10°

Nov

20°5°

Dec

15°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Apple Valley.

What people love

Apple Valley, located in Minnesota, offers several benefits for travelers:

Nature and Outdoor Activities: Apple Valley is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating in the area's natural surroundings.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Apple Valley is home to popular family attractions such as the Minnesota Zoo, where visitors can see a wide variety of animals from around the world. The zoo offers educational programs and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
Shopping and Dining: The city of Apple Valley has a variety of shopping and dining options for visitors to enjoy. From local boutiques and shops to national retailers and restaurants, there is something for everyone to explore.
Proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul: Apple Valley is located just a short drive away from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Visitors can easily access the cultural attractions, museums, theaters, and sports venues in the metropolitan area.
Community Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Apple Valley hosts a variety of community events and festivals that showcase local arts, culture, and entertainment. Visitors can experience the vibrant community spirit of the city during these special events.

Overall, traveling to Apple Valley, Minnesota, offers a mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, shopping and dining opportunities, and easy access to the nearby Twin Cities.

What to know

Apple Valley, located in Minnesota, United States, is a popular destination with many positive aspects. However, there are a few cons to consider when traveling to Apple Valley:

Weather: Minnesota is known for its cold winters and hot summers. If you are not used to extreme weather conditions, you may find it challenging to adjust, especially during the winter months when temperatures can drop significantly.
Limited Public Transportation: Apple Valley is a suburban area, and public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services may be necessary for getting around.
Distance from Major Cities: While Apple Valley offers a quiet and peaceful environment, it is located about 20 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul. If you are looking to explore the bustling city life, you may find the distance inconvenient.
Limited Nightlife: Apple Valley is more of a residential area, so the nightlife options may be limited compared to larger cities. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, you may need to travel to nearby cities for more options.

Overall, while Apple Valley has its charms and attractions, these cons may be important considerations depending on your preferences and travel needs.

Apple Valley, Minnesota, located in Dakota County, is a suburb of the Twin Cities and has an interesting history that reflects its development from a rural area to a bustling suburban community.

Early History

Native American Inhabitance: Before European settlers arrived, the area that is now Apple Valley was inhabited by various Native American tribes, primarily the Dakota Sioux.
Settlement: The area was first settled by European Americans in the mid-19th century. It was largely rural, with farming as the dominant activity.

Incorporation and Development

1960s: Apple Valley was originally named Lebanon Township. In 1968, the township was incorporated as a city and renamed Apple Valley. The name was suggested by a local developer who thought the area's rolling hills were reminiscent of Apple Valley, California.
Suburban Growth: The 1960s and 1970s saw significant suburban development as people moved out of Minneapolis and St. Paul to surrounding areas. Apple Valley's population grew rapidly during this time.

Significant Events

Minnesota Zoo: One of the most significant landmarks in Apple Valley is the Minnesota Zoo, which opened in 1978. It was one of the first zoos in the nation to organize its animals by their living environment as opposed to taxonomy.
Economic and Population Growth: The city has continued to grow over the decades. By the 1980s and 1990s, Apple Valley had developed a strong local economy, supported by retail and service industries.

Historical Figures

Apple Valley does not have many historical figures widely recognized on a national level, but local leaders and developers played key roles in its transformation from a rural township to a modern suburb.

Important Landmarks

Minnesota Zoo: As mentioned, this is a key attraction in the area, drawing visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Though primarily located in neighboring Eagan, this large park encompasses some parts of Apple Valley and provides recreational opportunities for residents.
Apple Valley High School: Established in 1976, it has become a central institution in the community.

Modern Apple Valley

Today, Apple Valley is known for its quality of life, good schools, and community amenities. It consistently ranks highly in national lists of best places to live.
The city's development is characterized by a balance of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Overall, Apple Valley has transformed significantly over the past few decades and continues to be a desirable place to live within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.