You finally did it, you bought your dream home. The appliances are state-of-the-art, the furniture is an elegant mix of vintage and modern, and your landscaping is straight out of a home magazine.
It’s everything you ever wanted.
Except for one little thing…
Your neighbor’s house looks like it hasn’t seen a fresh coat of paint since the Eisenhower era. And their latest hobby? Breeding bloodhounds.
The takeaway? The neighborhood you choose matters.
Fortunately, we’re next door to Shakopee, where entertainment and innovation fuel economic growth and property values soar. It’s a shining example of how a thriving, forward-thinking community makes all the difference.
A Powerhouse of Entertainment
“Shakopee is one of Minnesota’s premier entertainment destinations,” says Michael Kerski, the city’s director of planning and development. “With Valleyfair and Canterbury Park drawing millions of visitors each year, we’re already a top attraction. That reputation will only grow when the Shakopee Amphitheater opens later this year.”
Situated adjacent to Canterbury Commons with breathtaking views of the Minnesota River Valley, the 19,000-seat concert venue is expected to welcome around 600,000 attendees each season.
Growth at Every Turn
But the amphitheater is just one piece of Shakopee’s ongoing transformation.
“The Canterbury Commons redevelopment project is reshaping our city. Already, more than 2,000 residents call it home as of February.” Kerski continues. “Once complete, it will bring additional residents, hotels, and more retail, entertainment and restaurants to a 28-acre site just south of the amphitheater.”
And that’s just the beginning.
Near the heart of Shakopee, a 140-acre development on a former gravel pit will add over 300 new single-family homes, three apartment buildings, a grocery store, a lake with outdoor recreation, and a new water treatment facility.
Innovation at Its Core
Shakopee isn’t just expanding – it’s becoming a hub for cutting-edge innovation.
The upcoming Shakopee Innovation Center will serve as a launchpad for education, workforce training, and tech-driven economic growth across the region. Among its features: a state-of-the-art prototyping lab and a large-scale 3D printer, supporting the region’s growing deep tech sector.
And that’s already paying off.
“GN - one of the world’s leading developers of hearing, audio and gaming technologies -recently chose Shakopee for its new North American headquarters,” Kerski says. “We expect them to take full advantage of the Innovation Center’s resources as they settle in.”
A Thriving Entrepreneurial Scene
Shakopee is more than just big businesses – it’s a breeding ground for entrepreneurs.
The city’s startup ecosystem is powered by FounderyMN, a 34-member founders’ network fostering business growth. Among its success stories: Written Hugs Designs – A woman-owned greeting card business featured in 900+ stores; Steelhead Outdoors – Makers of custom, modular safes now carried at SCHEELS; Momease – A pumping bra innovator and Minnesota Cup winner; Accelerated Care Solutions – A firm revolutionizing senior living workflows and staffing
No wonder Congresswoman Angie Craig called Shakopee’s business mix “eclectic” during her visit last year.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re making gun safes or greeting cards,” Kerski adds. “Every entrepreneur faces the same hurdles. That’s why Shakopee is the perfect place to grow – surrounded by ambitious, like-minded innovators.”
Discover Shakopee
Want to see the impact of entertainment and innovation for yourself?
Take a drive just seven miles southwest. If that’s not an option, visit MakeItInShakopee.com.
Shakopee is more than just big businesses. It’s a breeding ground for entrepreneurs.