Eagan, MN Outdoor Activities

Hosting one of the first sporting clay courses in the United States, The Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club outfits sharpshooters for afternoons of shooting sporting clays on more than 600 acres of private hunting preserve. Across five courses of varying difficulty, Promatic clay-target throwers launch White Flyer targets above sloughs, fields, and a broadleaf forest as shooters take aim or obliviously tie their shoes. During a 50-target round, several stations force shooters to fire from different angles to simulate the diversity of real-world hunting. Once bullets have shattered every shooting clay and tossed porcelain figurine, clientele can adjourn to the Triggers Saloon and Supper Club for a lunchtime sandwich or dinner entree.

Ever since its inception in 1935, the South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club has challenged visitors’ aim and timing in the rugged backwoods surrounding the Mississippi River. At year-round shooting ranges, visiting marksmen raise their rifles on four trap-shooting fields and three skeet-shooting fields. They can also travel to eight raised, wooden stands on a 50-target sporting-clay course or switch up positions on a five-stand field, blasting at targets shot to simulate the flight patterns of various game birds, which is easier than tracking the deceptive tumbling of blown kisses. To challenge technique and speed, staffers fire a range of specialty targets such as vertical-launching springing teals and arcing chandelles. When not training new shooters or catering to recreational marksmen, the club’s staffers host leagues and seasonal tournaments where competitors test their shooting prowess and showcase the season’s hottest camouflage tuxedos. All visitors can refuel at an onsite restaurant and bar, or stock up on shells, earplugs, and apparel at the pro shop.

Since purchasing a used limo in 1993, Leland “Lee” Casto has transported clientele on trips and tours throughout the Twin Cities. These days, however, his fleet has evolved to include stretch limos that fit 6–22 passengers. Guests can sip refreshments from tumblers and champagne flutes as Lee whisks them off on all types of journeys, from bar-hopping excursions to airport-bound jaunts. He also accommodates patrons on several tours, which include winery visits, two gangster-themed expeditions, and a guided trek past ghost-filled mansions and werewolf-proof moon observatories.

Since 1875, Minneapolis Gun Club has brought shotgun enthusiasts together for jaunts across its facility's numerous clay-target courses. Guests take aim on 10 trap fields, eight skeet fields, two five-stand fields, or one wobble-trap field, all of which test their skills with targets up to 50 yards away. When they aren't hosting open sessions and organized shoots, Carl Cook and NSSA-certified Level II instructor Mike Lohman train pupils in bettering their clay-sniping skills during lessons. If their trigger fingers need rest, visitors can reenergize with burgers and fish sandwiches in the clubhouse or restock on brand-name gear in the pro shop. Because they are a "shotgun for clay targets only" space, Minneapolis Gun Club cannot accommodate patrons hoping to fire away at clays with handguns, Nerf guns, or rifles.

The Urban Assault Ride challenges cyclists to speed from obstacle course to obstacle course across their city during eco-friendly scavenger hunts that benefit local charities. Teams draft a road map to try to thwart the competition and be the first to complete the race, pausing at a series of checkpoints, where they must surmount such active roadblocks as slip 'n' slides, bike jousting, and reciting the Iliad in Pig Latin. The first team to conquer each challenge and cross the finish line is declared the victor, but all participants celebrate their efforts at a lively after-party stocked with snacks, beer, nonalcoholic drinks, and prizes.