When Does Valleyfair Close? | Hours Before You Go

Valleyfair usually closes between 3pm and 10pm, while Superior Shores Waterpark often closes earlier.

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Valleyfair does not use one closing time all season. For anyone checking when does Valleyfair close before a Shakopee day trip, the answer depends on the exact date, the main park schedule, and the separate Superior Shores Waterpark schedule.

On the current 2026 calendar, many summer dates close at 7pm or 9pm, while shortened operating days can end at 3pm or 4:30pm. Holiday and event dates can run later, so the safest move is to check the date you plan to visit before buying admission or starting the drive.

Once the closing time fits your plans, compare current admission options here:

Valleyfair Closing Times: What Changes By Date

Valleyfair closing times change by date because park hours, waterpark hours, passholder events, festivals, and fireworks nights are listed separately. The main amusement park can stay open later than Superior Shores Waterpark on the same day.

The biggest planning mistake is treating one random date as the normal schedule. A Saturday can run until 9pm, a weekday can close at 7pm, and a special shortened day can end much earlier.

Valleyfair posts the live date-by-date schedule on its official Calendar & Hours page. Use that page as the final source because same-week events and weather-related changes can shift the day.

How Late Is Valleyfair Open On Busy Summer Dates?

Valleyfair is often open until 9pm on busy summer dates, with some event days listed later. The waterpark usually closes before the main park, so a late ride night does not always mean a late slide night.

For a full park day, choose a date with a 9pm close and arrive near opening. That gives enough time for larger coasters, Planet Snoopy, meals, and a waterpark break without turning the last two hours into a sprint.

For a waterpark-first visit, read the Superior Shores Waterpark line separately. A 9pm main park close with a 6pm waterpark close means swimsuits, lockers, and dry clothes need to be handled before dinner.

What Closes Before The Park Gates?

Individual rides, food stands, shops, and water attractions may stop before the posted park close. Valleyfair’s closing time is the outer limit for the operating day, not a promise that every attraction runs to the final minute.

• Water attractions: Superior Shores Waterpark commonly closes one to three hours before the main park.
• Weather-sensitive rides: Tall rides and coasters can pause during storms, strong wind, or lightning nearby.
• Food service: Some dining locations may wind down before the rides do, especially on lighter evenings.
• Re-entry timing: Leaving near the end can be slow because families funnel through the same parking exits.

Practical timing: Treat the final posted hour as bonus ride time, not the hour to start your highest-priority coaster.

When To Buy Tickets For A Late Day

Valleyfair tickets make the most sense after you confirm that your chosen date has the closing time you need. A cheaper or quieter date can still feel rushed if the park closes early.

A late-close date is better for coaster-heavy visits because you get cooler evening air, shorter meal pressure, and more room to recover from afternoon waits. A shorter date can still work for families with younger kids if the goal is Planet Snoopy, a few classic rides, and an early dinner.

Use these timing rules before you commit:

1. Pick the date first, not just the month.
2. Check both Park Hours and Waterpark Hours.
3. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before opening if the day closes before 7pm.
4. Save indoor breaks and meals for the hottest or most crowded middle hours.
5. Plan the last ride before the final posted hour, not at closing.

Where To Stay Near Valleyfair For An Easier Exit

Shakopee is the easiest overnight base for Valleyfair because the park sits at 1 Valleyfair Drive in Shakopee, southwest of Minneapolis. Staying nearby helps if you want the final hour in the park without a long drive afterward.

Families who want the shortest post-fireworks or post-closing ride should compare hotels in Shakopee first, then widen the search toward Bloomington or the Mall of America area if prices are high. Minneapolis works better for a city-focused trip, but it adds more driving before and after the park day.

For the easiest late-night return, compare nearby stays on the map:

What Time Should You Leave The Parking Lot?

Valleyfair parking exits can slow down after a late close because many guests leave at once. Leaving 15 to 30 minutes before the posted close usually saves time, while staying until the very end gives you more ride time but a slower exit.

For families, the smoother plan is to do the highest-priority rides before dinner, use the last hour for rerides or lower-stress attractions, and start walking toward the front before everyone else does. For thrill riders, the better plan is to accept the exit delay and use the last hour for coasters while daytime visitors peel off.

The Closing Time To Plan Around

Valleyfair’s real closing time is the date-specific Park Hours listing, not a fixed seasonal rule. Plan around 9pm for a full summer ride day, 7pm for a shorter weekday-style visit, and the listed waterpark close if Superior Shores is part of the trip.

The simplest plan is this: choose a date with at least a 9pm main park close if coasters are the priority, choose a 6pm or 7pm waterpark close if slides are the priority, and avoid shortened dates unless you are arriving early. Buy admission only after the calendar confirms the hours for your exact date.