Hey everyone! We're back with another weekend adventure that we couldn't hold back. If you're searching for summer activities south of the river that Minneapolis couples can enjoy without breaking the bank, we've found your new favorite spot. Last Sunday, Cindy, Ernie, and I packed up our lake day essentials and headed to Antler's Park in Lakeville, MN, and wow, what a gem this place turned out to be!

Getting to Antler's Park: A Quick Escape from Minneapolis

One of the best things about living in Minneapolis? You're never too far from a great lake day. Antlers Park is just about 25 minutes south of downtown, making it one of the most convenient beaches near Minneapolis when you want that "up north" vibe without the long drive.

Parking at Antler's Park: What to Know Before You Go

We got to the park around 2 PM on a Sunday and the parking lot was packed. Like, circling for 10 minutes packed. But hey, that's what happens when you find an amazing spot. The best part? Parking is completely free, which is always a win in our book. The lot is actually pretty large, and we noticed some folks parking along the side streets. Since it was our first time, we played it safe and waited for a legit spot, we didn't want to risk a ticket. Which brings us to answering the question "Is Antler's Park busy on weekends?" with a yes!

Tip: Get there before noon if you're planning a Sunday afternoon trip to lock in a spot for the day. The parking didn't have any time limits.

The Vibe: A Family-Friendly Beach Day

This is definitely one of those popular family-friendly Minneapolis area activities. There were tons of families with little kids splashing around near the water, which was adorable but also meant our dreams of a peaceful lakeside nap were pretty much shot. If you're looking for quieter weekend date ideas in Minneapolis, you might aim for a weekday visit or find a spot further back from the action.

Is Antler's Park Dog-Friendly? Ernie's Verdict

Even though the beach was busy, there's plenty of grassy space around the lake where you can throw down a blanket. We ended up setting up a few feet back from all the commotion, partly for our sanity, but mostly for our applehead chihuahua, Ernie. This is one of the better dog-friendly parks near Minneapolis we've found and was an excellent spot for relaxing on the grass.

The green belt area around the lake is perfect for dog walking or if you brought bikes. Just remember, dogs need to stay leashed at all times. Ernie wasn't thrilled about that rule, but safety first!

The Ultimate Perk: A Full Lakeville Brewing Co. Review

Here's where our day went from good to absolutely amazing, making this one of the best parks with food and drinks near Minneapolis. We weren't expecting much from Lakeville Brewing Co. It's a 3-minute walk from the beach and an ideal spot for anyone looking for food near Antler's Park. Usually, these lakeside spots serve overpriced, mediocre food, right? WRONG.

Max's Pick: The Famous Lakeville Brewing Co. Walleye Po Boy (9/10)

I went with the Walleye Po Boy, and I have to say this was my first time trying walleye. What an incredible introduction! The fish was so fresh and perfectly fried. Not that heavy, greasy, "I need a nap now" kind of fried. The sauce they paired with it was chef's kiss. I was honestly expecting a tiny sandwich, but this thing filled me up completely. My official Lakeville Brewing Co. Walleye Po Boy verdict: 9/10!

Cindy's Choice: Steak Salad (8/10)

Cindy grabbed the Steak Salad and was blown away. The steak had this amazing cajun-style flavor, plus they loaded it up with avocado. The portion was generous too. She gave it a solid 8/10 and kept saying how she wasn't expecting lakeside dining to be this good!

They've also got great beers on tap and solid canned wine options, perfect for sipping while enjoying the lake. We found ourselves making a few trips back for a drink. It's a great option if you don't have time to pack for a picnic.

The Verdict: Is Antlers Park One of the Best Things to Do in Lakeville, MN?

For a weekend lake day that won't break the bank, Antlers Park is definitely worth the 25 minute drive. Yeah, it gets busy, and no, you probably won't get that secluded lake experience. But between the free parking, dog-friendly policies, and surprisingly amazing food, we're definitely adding this to our list of top things to do in Lakeville, MN.

Ernie's final verdict? Four paws up, this chihuahua was completely worn out by the end of the day. Trust us, if you're looking for a great weekend date idea, Antlers Park should be on your list. Just pack some patience for parking!