Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame Chooses Inver Grove Heights for New Complex
A New Home for Minnesota Hockey
The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame has officially selected Inver Grove Heights as the location for its future complex, marking a major milestone for the east metro. The site sits east of the Viking Lakes development, near Interstate 494, placing it in a highly accessible corridor for teams, families, and visitors from across the state.
The project has been in the works since 2022 and will break ground next summer. If timelines stay on track, the facility is expected to open in spring 2028.
What the Complex Will Include
Plans call for a 120,000 square foot destination designed to celebrate Minnesota hockey at every level. The complex will feature a 30,000 square foot museum focused entirely on Minnesota hockey history, a 20,000 square foot performance hall, multiple event spaces, and a hockey themed restaurant and bar.
At the center of the project is a 2,200 seat sunken ice rink built for tournaments and large events. This is not a single use building. It is designed to host competitions, ceremonies, community events, and visitors year round.
Why the East Metro Location Matters
Inver Grove Heights continues to see momentum tied to sports, recreation, and regional attractions. Being located near Viking Lakes strengthens the area’s identity as a destination, not just a suburb.
For the east metro, this means increased traffic from youth hockey tournaments, out of town families, and statewide events. That activity often leads to stronger demand for nearby restaurants, hotels, and services, which can have a ripple effect on surrounding neighborhoods.
How This Impacts Homeowners and Families
Large sports and cultural investments tend to raise awareness of an area. For homeowners, that can mean increased visibility and long term interest in nearby communities. For hockey families, this creates a centralized place to experience Minnesota’s hockey culture while attending tournaments or events.
Projects like this reinforce why cities such as Inver Grove Heights, Woodbury, and other east metro communities continue to attract families who value sports, access, and quality of life.
If you want to understand how new developments like this connect to housing trends in the Twin Cities, especially in the east metro, I am always happy to break it down.
