I have to admit it; when I left Chicago for the summer to spend the following three months in my Minnesota hometown, I was a little disappointed. I would be missing out on all the outdoor concerts, beach days at Lake Michigan and cool dance clubs that I was finally old enough to go to. But you guys, I was so wrong. I lived in Eagan, MN for the first 18 years of my life, before shipping out to Chicago for my college education, and in all those years, I completely overlooked all the excitement that this, the fourth largest suburb in the metro area, has to offer. It's been a wild summer, and I want to share the top 10 hot spots for summer fun in Eagan with you.

1. Wescott Library

The Dakota County Wescott Library is one of my personal favorites. I started frequenting it at the beginning of the summer, checking out 15 or 20 CDs at a time to download to my iTunes and then coming back and returning all of them the next day. I think the librarians caught on to what I was doing pretty early on, but here's the amazing thing: Even though it's technically illegal, they're all totally cool with it. (Except for the one mean librarian. Whatever you do, avoid Joan.)

2. Cascade Bay

Conveniently located right behind Wescott Library is Eagan's premiere water park and mini-golf course, and has maintained its title of Minnesota's most popular water park even after the opening of the Water Park of America (and that place has a wave pool and a built-in hotel, so that's really saying something). For a reasonable $10 dollar admission, or $8 dollars if your height is under 42", you can enjoy a full day of fun water attractions, including the lazy river, a grand total of three water slides, and a comfortably warm lap pool, warmed naturally every day by the pee of hundreds of children.

3. The Jerabek-Kinney's Underground Pool

Looking for a more private swimming experience? Not to worry. A quick drive (or grueling bike ride) from Cascade Bay is the residential street of my Auntie Sue and Uncle Doug. They've got their own pool in the backyard, secluded from all the screaming babies and sunburned adults that roam public water parks. Additionally, my aunt is a very hospitable woman and will most likely bring you some chips and hummus or something while you're enjoying the cool, usually clean water.

4. Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth DDS Orthodontist

This one sounds a little weird, but trust me. My childhood orthodontia office is like the Hooters of orthodontia offices. For reasons unknown to me, the employees at Dr. Eisenhuth's are all young, cheerful and unreasonably attractive women. I don't know what's led them all to be orthodontic nurses, because they should be on the cover of a Gap catalog. That's how good-looking they all are. Also, the waiting room has fresh-baked cookies every day, and a slushie machine. It doesn't really make sense considering they're an institution that promotes dental hygiene, but as my mother always says, don't look a slushie machine in the mouth.

5. Lebanon Hills Nature Center

Anyone who's been to Eagan knows that this park is the Bomb.com. It's got hiking trails, canoe rental and a pretty decent barbecue area, great for hosting anything from birthday parties to foam parties. Insider's Tip: The park doesn't close until 10, but most people leave around 8 or 9 pm, so after that, it's a safe place to go skinny dipping and then regret it as you drive back home soaking wet.

6. Tim Pawlenty's Home

Yep, you read this right. Eagan happens to be home to A-lister celebrity, Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota. After he served his term, he went on to be a co-chair of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, which makes his front yard a perfect target for egging and TP-ing. Just don't let him catch you, because he also gives out full-sized candy bars on Halloween so you want to stay on his good side.

7. Dairy Queen

Three months ago, this one might not have made the list. But something pretty exciting happened. As of June 2015, Dairy Queen has been undergoing construction, and will soon be unveiled as a new-and-improved Dairy Queen Grill and Chill. Now, you can enjoy not only a cookie dough Blizzard, but a nutritious meal to go along with it.

8. Kev's Korner

All jokes aside, Kev's Korner is awesome. It's this little shanty off the highway where you can buy fresh produce he grows himself, as well as homemade jam, honey sticks and other delicious treats. Kev himself is incredible, a sweet older guy with the voice of a Scandinavian Barry Gibbs. He's always quick to offer you a sample of muskmelon or some sweet berry jam on a Ritz cracker. He and his handsome golden lab, Chance, run the shop every day from spring to fall. I'm going to include his GoFundMe link because this guy's tomatoes and squash are just so incredible.

9. Woodland Elementary Makeout Spot

If you walk past the playground at my former elementary school and follow the path hidden by a couple of bushes, you'll come across a little clearing in the neighboring woods. There's a couple of tires there, which made for comfortable seating, and it used to be the infamous spot to reach first base with your 5th grade sweetheart. I don't know if this is still a tradition, but you and your bae can certainly revive it, if you're not afraid of getting caught by a bunch of 9-year-olds.

10. The Parking Complex By The Bus Station

As the day winds down to a close, there's no better place to kick back and enjoy the sunset than the top of a parking complex. Nobody ever parks at the very top due to the inconvenience and the exposure to the elements, so you're guaranteed to have privacy. Up on the top level, there's a breathtaking view of three different strip malls. It's also a great spot for doing donuts in your car.