Welcome to Chanhassen
Bustling developed city with numerous unique attractions.
Chanhassen is a bustling and developed city located to the southwest of Minneapolis. Often referred to simply as Chan by locals, Chanhassen boasts some of the Twin Cities region’s premier attractions. These include public beaches, a multipurpose trail system, and a historical dinner theatre that provides a unique combination of food and entertainment since the 1960s. Chanhassen is also the home of Prince’s Paisley Park Studios, which has become a museum and major tourist attraction since the legendary singer’s death.
Chanhassen’s diverse housing options include quiet neighborhoods of spacious single-family homes, private properties nestled within the wooded countryside, and contemporary developments of townhouses, condominiums, and luxury homes.
What to Love
Urban lifestyle
Local entertainment
Annual events
Paisley Park Studios
People & Lifestyle
Chanhassen offers an urban lifestyle within easy reach of lakes, trails, and other outdoor recreation spots. The city has a thriving downtown district with a great mix of locally-run and chain stores. This eclectic city is full of surprises and attractions, with sites such as its historic Dinner Theatre and Prince’s studio being truly one-of-a-kind.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The iconic Chanhassen Dinner Theatre experience combines delicious food with finest-quality entertainment. The diverse Dinner Theatre lineup includes productions of Broadway musicals, live performances from talented tribute acts, and hilarious shows from Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret. Another local dining favorite includes creative Southern-style comfort foods at North Coop. Along with tasty cuisine, North Coop serves up an exceptional selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and craft beers. North Coop also has a dog-friendly patio and big screens showing live sports. Lakewinds Food Co-op sells organic local produce and meat along with many specialty grocery items. You can also dine on deliciously prepared meals and foodstuffs from Lakewinds’ deli, bakery, and Pizza & Taqueria Bar. Other Chanhassen dining highlights include sushi and hibachi-style Japanese food at Kai’s Sushi & Grill, upscale steak and seafood at Axel’s Restaurant Chanhassen, and traditional Mexican eats at Rey Azteca and Tequila Butcher. (For top-of-the-line tequila flights, margaritas, and beer, make sure to check out Sockdolager, Tequila Butcher’s speakeasy.)
Things to Do
Chanhassen is a vibrant community with a number of distinctive annual events. During November’s Artisan Fair, the gymnasium at Chanhassen Recreation Center turns into a buying art gallery showcasing the works of around 35 diverse local artists. Also taking place at Chanhassen Rec Center, July’s Penny Carnival has many family-friendly carnival games and activities. February Festival is a winter festival on Lake Ann featuring ice skating, s’mores cooking over a roaring bonfire, horse and dog sleigh rides, and an ice fishing contest. Paisley Park Studios gives music fans a fascinating insight into the life and creative process of Prince, one of music’s most prolific and legendary artists. Guided tours at the late singer’s estate show off the recording studio where he recorded some of his biggest hits. Other local attractions include the sprawling 102-acre Lake Ann Park. This large public park is a recreation hotspot with lifeguard-protected swimming beaches and a fishing pier set on the Lake Ann shoreline. There are many other parks dotted throughout Chanhassen with facilities including basketball and tennis courts, skate parks, and ice skating and hockey rinks.
Schools
Chanhassen is served by the Eastern Carver County Public School district. Highlights include:
Chanhassen Elementary, Public, K-5
Bluff Creek Elementary, Public, K-5
Chanhassen High School, Public, 9-12
The Anicca Program, Public, Alternative, K-12