Valleyfair opened its gates in Shakopee Minnesota, in 1976. The park covers 90 acres and has over 75 rides and attractions, including the 3 1/2 acre Whitewater Country Waterpark. Valleyfair opens at 10 AM mid-May through mid-September; closing times vary. Valleyfair will be closed on Sunday, September 19 and Saturday, September 25, 2004 for private events.
Valleyfair is home to six roller coasters, including Steel Venom, Corkscrew, and Excalibur, and several other equally thrilling rides, such as the Power Tower or Thunder Canyon. For those seeking a lesser thrill, take a ride on either the antique carousel or the Minnesota River Valley Railroad. Size restrictions (height or weight) are posted at certain rides. While at Valleyfair, make sure the kids visit KidWorks. (KidsWorks replaces Berenstain® Bear Country.) KidsWorks has the Foam Ball Factory and Rockin' Tug, a tugboat that begins by rocking back and forth on a specially designed U-shaped track and follows-up with some spinning motion. Also for kids are two Tot Spots. Tot Spots have rides for little kids and for the bigger kids seeking more of a thrill.