Does anyone have any idea what kind of a mess the parking will be like this year? Last time I went (arrived about 930 in the am)-I have to use handicapped parking and I swear that it was a mile walk just to get to the gate! I've attended for over 30 years now and last year was the absolute worse that I've ever seen. I know it's because of the quarry work, but come on!
I don't know, either. We have decided not to go, because it has become too difficult. If the parking was good, as it used to be, we would have gotten season passes. We have been going for more than 40 years, 15 of those we were shopowners.
We're staying at a hotel in Shakopee that offers shuttle service, and we're CERTAINLY going to take advantage of that service! The parking last year was pretty bad, so I can't imagine it will be better this year. What a terrible downside to such a wonderful faire!
This year, they posted about the shuttle from Shakopee. I even asked about it. We live west of the site, so we would have to drive past the festival, to Shakopee, which adds another half hour to our hour commute. Then, we would have to back track on a shuttle to the west. They said there was still parking in the lot, but I said, that was a problem, as well. Some people were stranded in the lot, in the dark and rain, because the shuttle didn't come back for them, last year. We love it and miss it, but it just isn't worth the hassle. When I was last there, in 2013, they had buses driving on narrow paths, with people walking right next to/behind them. I said to R, that was an accident waiting to happen. And, it did. A child was hit by a bus. I know traffic has always been a bottle neck, but now it's terrible.
There are shuttle buses from Mystic Lake Casino now as well
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That's the shuttle I was referring to. Under the best traffic conditions, it would add another hour to our one hour commute one way. So, total commute of 4 hours instead of 2. Doesn't work for us.
Parking was not so much an issue on Opening weekend. The Gravel company did a lot of filling in to shorten the walk from the car to the front gate. Coming in from 169, the key is to veer to the left lane, rather than where the majority of cars are going. Easier coming in, closer, easier exiting.
Plus, the on site shuttles were on the ball. Much smoother this time round from their rookie year.
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on August 25, 2015, 08:37:19 AM
Parking was not so much an issue on Opening weekend. The Gravel company did a lot of filling in to shorten the walk from the car to the front gate. Coming in from 169, the key is to veer to the left lane, rather than where the majority of cars are going. Easier coming in, closer, easier exiting.
Plus, the on site shuttles were on the ball. Much smoother this time round from their rookie year.
Thanks for the info.
In the last two wkends i have had no trouble. Ive arrived before 10am parked in Kings lot, taken shuttle to gate and reverse with no problem gettin out of fest grounds
They also unexpectedly opened the Queen's Gate on second weekend due to the high attendance. They weren't planning on using it until after Labor Day.
It seemed to be better this year than it was last. It had the traffic routed so much better.