My sister lives in Prior Lake and she’s been telling me that I need to visit for over a year! We finally took the half hour drive south from Minneapolis to see what all the fuss was about and we were NOT disappointed! Keep reading to see why you need to spend Saturday in this cute little lake town!
This blog was written in 2019 and updated in 2025
Things to do in Prior Lake MN
Brunch at Whiskey Inferno
So, technically this first place is located in Savage which is right next to Prior Lake, but we stopped here for breakfast because it’s a favorite of my sister and her friends! Whiskey Inferno is locally owned and has an old school southern whiskey bar vibe. If you’re in the mood for a hearty brunch or smoked meats this is your place! Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 10-2, but also check it out for drinks and dinner too!
Prior Lake Farmer’s Market
Why do you have to visit Prior Lake on a Saturday specifically, you ask? Because of the Prior Lake farmer’s market! It runs every Saturday in the summer from 8 am – Noon and is the such a fun local market! My favorite spots were the food trucks (more on that below), Angry Minnow Vintage (where I got the vintage Hamm’s shirt), Queen Beez flower shop, and Glewwe’s Castle Brewery (that brews craft soda). The music and people were so lively – it’s such a great spot to bring your friends and family!
Prior Lake Food Trucks
Skillet Joe’s and El Jefe are some of the food trucks you may see make special appearances at the farmer’s market on Saturday’s. Good thing I was here with a group of people so we could try multiple things from each spot. I would recommend the fried egg sandwich and the bread pudding French toast from Skillet Joe’s and the churro donuts and burrito from El Jefe!
Grace + Gumption Lifestyle Boutique
Ready for some shopping?? We explored the downtown of Prior Lake after the market and stumbled into so many cute spots! First up was Grace + Gumption. This boutique is teeny tiny but is full of goodies! I picked up the earrings in the photo above 🙂
Boathouse Brothers Brewery
Enough shopping, time for some beer! The Boathouse Brothers Brewery is now one of my favorite breweries in the state. The beer taps are always changing and the vibe will make you feel like summer boating all year long. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, we ended up staying for multiple rounds!
Boating on Prior Lake
If you follow me on Instagram you know that my family joined Your Boat Club this year and we’ve been checking out the many MN lakes they’re located on – Prior Lake being one of them. Even if you’re not a member you can rent for a full or half day. I definitely recommend them – their boats are clean and in great shape, and the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable! Also, make sure to stop at Charlie’s on Prior for drinks or food. It’s the only restaurant that you can pull up to lakeside.
PLate
PLate is a local Prior Lake eatery that is both upscale and casual at the same time. We stopped in for a late lunch, so they were still serving brunch at the time. We took advantage of the brunch specials and ordered $10 bottomless mimosas and a $5 bloody mary along with a burger and the king crab Mac and cheese. YUM. Also, happy hour runs Monday – Saturday from 4-6 if you find yourself there at a later time!
Lakeside Eats and Treats
Pull up a yellow stool and cap your day with a treat from Lakeside Eats and Treats. This ice cream shop is located right downtown and is family owned and operated. We ordered the cookies and cream (like I always do) and the birthday cake (which actually ended up being my favorite!)
Update 2025-Rhino Wine Bar:
I first wrote this blog in 2019. Some businesses have closed since I visited, and I took those out of this post, but there are also new business that have opened since I’ve been here so I need to take a trip back! My sister still goes to Prior Lake with her friends and coworkers to meet up and she said I need to add in a new wine bar that opened!
Rhino Wine Bar is right on the main street and directly across the street from Boathouse Brother Brewery, so after you grab a beer, make sure to get a flight of wine afterwards! They’re only open Tuesday-Saturday in the afternoons so be sure to check their hours, but you can sit outside right on main street and enjoy a glass or sit in their super cute bar area! I can’t wait to try it!
Prior Lake is full of hometown pride and supports all things local. Definitely add this town to your summer bucket list and enjoy a Saturday exploring a bunch of Minnesota hidden gems!
For other great Minnesota day trips to the lake, check out my posts on Excelsior MN and Albert Lea MN!
