Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel in the southwestern suburb of Prior Lake (35-minunte drive from downtown Minneapolis) is a major Minnesota attraction and has no shortage of activities and eating options. The casino, naturally, is at the center of these enticements, featuring slot machines, blackjack, bingo and pulltabs.

Food options are plentiful. The Mystic Steakhouse, their in-house upscale option, only serves dinner, including a number of specials like a steak dinner for two and a surf & turf offer (Sundays only). The buffet at Mystic is extremely popular, offering pizzas, pastas and made-to-order stir-fry on top of their theme nights like Smokehouse (Fridays), Prime Rib (Saturdays) and Seafood (Sundays). The Minnehaha Café is a casual, 24-hour option for people looking to recharge with American cuisine like burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and a variety of house specials. They have breakfast and late night menus as well. The Promenade Restaurants area is home to the Gamblers Grille, a family option with burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and tater tots; the Fusion Noodle Bar, serving Asian favorites like pho, fried rice, pad thai, lo mein, kung pow and sesame chicken; Mystic Deli with subs, soups and salads; a Caribou Coffee, a variety of bars and more.

If you’re really wiped out from the blackjack tables, there’s an on-site spa offering massages, facials and various body care treatments.

You can make a night of it by securing one of the 766 newly renovated rooms in the hotel, with free Wi-Fi, valet parking and access to the indoor pool, fitness equipment, classes, bowling alley and arcade at the Dakotah! Sport and Fitness center.

Nearby Mystic is little sister venue Little Six Casino, the USGA-rated Meadows Golf Course (if you come back during warmer months) and, 10 minutes down the road, Canterbury Park, featuring horse racing (May through mid-September) and a casino with Texas Hold ‘Em, Pai Gow Poker, Blackjack and more.