Things to Do in Eagan

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.

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.

Each year for the past 24 years, crowds have gathered near the banks of Lake Calhoun at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church to celebrate the proud culinary and cultural traditions of Greece. From the civilization that gifted the Western world with democracy, classical architecture, and the toga party comes an appetizing spread of imported wines, lamb pilafs, gyros, and grilled-chicken souvlaki. After hitting up the food tent, visitors marvel at costumed performers whirling through the lively steps of traditional Hellenistic dance. Chefs and olive growers demonstrate how to cook with phyllo or select the perfect oil. As they peruse the wares of the marketplace or move to the melody of Greek folk music, festival-goers can relish the warm fuzzy feelings they get from being charitable, since Taste of Greece helps raise funds for organizations including the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf and C.A.D.E.

Your Boat Club helps people enjoy the benefits of boat ownership without hassles such as towing, cleaning, and repairs. The club maintains a fleet of more than 70 boats, including leisurely pontoons, fishing boats up to 18 feet long, and runabouts with powerful engines that contain up to 300 tiny horses. Members need only make online reservations for one of these vessels, arrive at their dock of choice, and speed away with a fully fueled and clean boat. Seven different lakes set the stage for these aquatic excursions, giving members—based on the membership level they choose—many boating options. On any given day, Your Boat Club's vessels tow water skis across White Bear Lake and ferry anglers into Lake Minnetonka, where largemouth bass, bluegill, and goldfish crackers swim through 14,528 acres of water.