Dakota County Parks Programs & Events Spring/Summer 2024

Program registration for spring/summer opens March 1.

YOUTH

KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

Discover nature with a child through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Age: 3–6

Fee: $8/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Signs of Spring

Mild rains, mud puddles and blooms! Explore signs of spring in the park.

Activity Number: 112001-01

• Thu, April 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-02

• Sat, April 13, 10–11:30 a.m.

Animal Babies

Animal babies are arriving in the park. Learn where they live and how they eat.

Activity Number: 112001-03

• Thu, May 2, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-04

• Sat, May 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

Fabulous Fish

Have a fabulous time learning about fish. Make fish prints and dip a net for fish in the lake.

Activity Number: 112001-05

• Thu, June 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-06

• Sat, June 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Prairie Play

Take a walk through the prairie to discover flowers of different shapes, colors and sizes.

Activity Number: 112001-07

• Thu, July 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-08

• Sat, July 13, 10–11:30 a.m.

Bats

Explore the world of bats by learning how they fly and how they ”see.”

Activity Number: 112001-09

• Thu, Aug. 1, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-10

• Sat, Aug. 3, 10–11:30 a.m.

Spider Web Wonders

Discover spiders through web art and a nature walk.

Activity Number: 112001-11

• Thu, Sept. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-12

• Sat, Sept. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

HOMESCHOOL LAB

Use the park as your lab for handson study, scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Age: 6–12

Fee: $8/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Minnesota Trees

Use bark, twigs, seeds and leaves to identify some of Minnesota’s 52 native tree species.

Activity Number: 111501-01

• Wed, April 3, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-02

• Wed, April 3, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-03

• Thu, April 4, 1–3 p.m.

Frogs and Toads

Jump into the world of amphibians and conduct a field survey of frogs and toads in the park.

Activity Number: 111501-04

• Wed, May 1, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-05

• Wed, May 1, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-06

• Thu, May 2, 1–3 p.m.

Aquatic Insect Investigation

Dip a net in the lake to collect aquatic invertebrates to examine and identify.

Activity Number: 111501-07

• Wed, June 5, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-08

• Wed, June 5, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-09

• Thu, June 6, 1–3 p.m.

Wilderness Survival

Learn what it takes to survive by practicing the skills of fire and shelter building, plant identification and uses, how to find water and more.

Activity Number: 111501-10

• Wed, Sept. 4, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-11

• Wed, Sept. 4, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-12

• Thu, Sept. 5, 1–3 p.m.

FAMILY

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month for outdoor park exploration, a bonfire and s’mores. Learn about different creatures of the park through activities, games and a nature walk.

All ages

Free

Raccoons

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 111001-01

• Fri, April 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

Backyard Birds

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 111001-02

• Fri, May 3, 6–7:30 p.m.

Foxes

Fawn Crossing

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Activity Number: 111001-03

• Fri, June 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Dragonflies

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111001-04

• Fri, July 12, 6–7:30 p.m.

Bats

Fawn Crossing

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Activity Number: 111001-05

• Fri, Aug. 2, 6–7:30 p.m.

Squirrels

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111001-06

• Fri, Sept. 6, 6–7:30 p.m.

FAMILY HIKE

Learn about the seasons and what’s happening outdoors during a naturalist-led walk in the park the third Sunday of every month.

All ages

Free

Thompson County Park Trailhead

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 111403-04

• Sun, April 21, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-05

• Sun, May 19, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-06

• Sun, June 16, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-07

• Sun, July 21, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-08

• Sun, Aug. 18, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-09

• Sun, Sept. 15, 10–11 a.m.

STORY TRAIL

Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.

All ages

Free

Thompson Lake Loop

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 110902-01

• Fri–Mon, May 24–27, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

McDonough Lake Loop

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110902-02

• Fri–Mon, Aug. 30–Sept. 2, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

WOODCOCK WALK

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and try to spot and hear the bird’s aerial display.

Age: 8 and older

Fee: $5/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111702-01

• Thu, April 11, 7:30–9 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

Spend an evening with a child in your life learning the basics of canoeing and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Age: 5 and older

Fee: $15/person

Schulze Beach

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111902-01

• Mon, July 15, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-02

• Mon, July 29, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-03

• Sun, Aug. 4, 9–10:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 111902-04

• Mon, Aug. 19, 6:30–8 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

Spend an evening with a child in your life learning the basics of kayaking and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Age: 5 and older

Fee: $15/person

Schulze Beach

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111901-01

• Mon, July 8, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-02

• Mon, July 22, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-03

• Sun, Aug. 4, 5–6:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-04

• Mon, Aug. 26, 6–7:30 p.m.

SPARK! MOBILE

Join the City of Eagan’s puppet wagon for family friendly puppet shows and activities.

All ages

Free

Visitor Center Trailhead

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110203-01

• Fri, June 21–Aug. 9, 10–10:45 a.m.

FAMILY WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom. Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 5 and older

Fee: $5/person

East Shelter

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Activity Number: 111403-03

• Sat, May 4, 1–2:30 p.m.

PATIO POTS

Join us on Mother’s Day to build a small patio pot with native plants collected and grown in the park.

Age: 5 and older

Fee: $15/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111302-01

• Sun, May 12, 11 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 111302-02

• Sun, May 12, 1–2 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD ARCHERY

Learn basic shooting techniques and range safety through games and activities.

Age: 8 and older

Fee: $15/person

Archery Shelter

Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve

Activity Number: 110101-01

• Sat, July 20, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110101-02

• Sat, July 20, 1–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 110101-03

• Sat, Sept. 14, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110101-04

• Sat, Sept. 14, 1–4 p.m.

ADULT

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for a hands-on introduction to fly fishing, designed especially for women, taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $15/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-01

• Sat, April 27, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

INTRO TO FLY TYING FOR WOMEN

Join the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota for an introduction to fly-tying equipment and technique.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $15/person

Visitor Center Trailhead

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111102-02

• Tue, April 23, 6–8 p.m.

WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom. Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $5/person

East Shelter

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Activity Number: 111403-01

• Sat, May 4, 10:30 a.m.–noon

Trout Brook Shelter

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Activity Number: 111403-02

• Sat, May 4, 1–2:30 p.m.

BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Go birding with a naturalist along the Mississippi River Greenway and explore unique vantage points along the river.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $5/person

Swing Bridge Trailhead

Mississippi River Greenway

Activity Number: 111701-01

• Tue, May 7, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Pine Bend Bluffs Trailhead

Mississippi River Greenway

Activity Number: 111701-02

• Tue, May 14, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Lock and Dam No. 2 Trailhead

Mississippi River Greenway

Activity Number: 111701-03

• Tue, May 21, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

BEGINNING BIRDING

Explore new birding locations in the park and learn basic birding tips and identification.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $5/person

Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Activity Number: 111705-01

• Thu, April 25, 6–7:30 p.m.

Thompson County Park

Trailhead

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 111705-02

• Thu, May 2, 6–7:30 p.m.

Jensen Lake Trailhead

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111705-03

• Thu, May 9, 6–7:30 p.m.

FOREST BATHING

Immerse yourself in nature while learning the principles of forest bathing. Learn how to slow down and use your senses to reconnect with nature in a peaceful guided hike.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $30/person

Camp Sacajwea Retreat Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 111406-01

• Thu, May 9, 6–8:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 111406-02

• Tue, July 23, 3–5:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 111406-03

• Wed, Aug. 28, 6–8:30 p.m.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR MEN

Learn mountain biking skills for men from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older

Fee: $70/person

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110301-01

• Wednesdays, May 15, 22 & 29, 6–8 p.m.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike-handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older

Fee: $70/person

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110301-02

• Wednesdays, May 15, 22 & 29, 6–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 110301-03

• Wednesdays, July 31, Aug. 7 & 14, 6–8 p.m.

CAMPS

SMALL FRY FISH CAMP

Young anglers can learn the basics of fishing, including how to cast and tie knots, and get out on the water to catch the big one.

Age: 6–8

Fee: $55/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110407-01

• Fri, June 14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Age: 8–12

Fee: $150/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110401-01

• Wed–Fri, June 19–21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Age: 10–14

Fee: $150/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110401-02

• Wed–Fri, June 26–28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

(OUT)DOOR ADVENTURE

From outdoor recreation and survival skills to journaling and crafts, a mix of camp favorites for LGBTQ campers and allies.

Age: 12–15

Fee: $150/youth

Camp Sacajwea Retreat Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110419-01

• Mon–Wed, June 24–26, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

ARCHERY CAMP

Learn the basics of archery, including proper technique and range safety, through fun activities.

Age: 8–12

Fee: $130/youth

Archery Shelter

Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve

Activity Number: 110402-01

• Mon–Fri, July 22–26, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110402-02

• Mon–Fri, Aug. 5–9, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110402-03

• Mon–Fri, Aug. 5–9, 1–4 p.m.

WILD CHILD

Get outside, get active and have fun! Have a blast playing games, building forts and soaking in the summer fun.

Age: 8–12

Fee: $130/youth

Empire Lake Shelter

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Activity Number: 110420-01

• Mon–Fri, July 22–26, 1–4 p.m.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP

Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires, learning knot tying skills, wayfinding and more.

Age: 8–12

Fee: $200/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110404-01

• Mon–Fri, July 8–12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

JUNIOR NATURALISTS CAMP

Get a feel for science in the field. Work with park naturalists and ecologists to track and study plant and animal populations.

Age: 10–14

Fee: $200/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110417-01

• Mon–Fri, July 15–19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

FAIRY HOMES AND WOODLAND GNOMES

Discover the secret, mythical world of fairies and gnomes through art, investigation and play.

Age: 7–9

Fee: $150/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110421-01

• Wed–Fri, Aug. 14–16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

BOOKS IN THE WOODS CAMP

A camp for our littlest nature explorers. Read a different book each day and use the story to explore the park.

Age: 4–6

Fee: $130/youth

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110412-01

• Mon–Fri, July 29–Aug. 2, 9 a.m.–noon

LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No previous experience required.

Age: 6–10

Fee: $55/youth

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110406-01

• Wed, June 12, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110406-02

• Tue, June 18, 5–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 110406-03

• Wed, July 17, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110406-04

• Wed, Aug. 21, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike-handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15

Fee: $150/youth

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110403-01

• Mon–Thu, July 8–11, 9 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 110403-03

• Mon–Thu, July 29–Aug. 1, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike-handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15

Fee: $150/youth

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110403-02

• Mon–Thu, July 8–11, 9 a.m.–noon

ADVANCED MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Take your riding to the next level by diving deeper into bike skills and body seperation drills. Must have completed previous Dakota County Mountain Bike Camp and be able to ride black trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Age: 11–15

Fee: $150/youth

Mountain Bike Shelter

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 110403-04

• Mon–Thu, Aug. 5–8, 9 a.m.–noon

SPECIAL EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search special events

OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Drop off unused outdoor gear items or pick up new-to-you gear.

All ages

Free

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

• Mon, April 22, 5–8 p.m.

TAKE A KID FISHING

Catch some quality time with a child in your life. Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours. Visit hands-on fishing stations to practice knot tying, baiting a hooking, casting and more. Plus, food trucks.

All ages

Free

North Picnic Shelter

Thompson County Park

• Sun, June 9, noon–3 p.m.

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

Celebrate the summer with live music, yard games, food trucks and fun.

All ages

Free

North Picnic Shelter

Thompson County Park

• Thu, June 20, 6–9:03 p.m.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Head to Whitetail Woods for entertaining musical performances and tasty food trucks.

All ages

Free

Amphitheater

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

• Tue, June 25, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, July 30, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m.

INFORMATION

REGISTRATION

To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a keyword in the program title. Registration is not required for free programs unless noted. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

PAYMENT

Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL

Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL

Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Call 952-891-7000.

ACCESSIBILITY

At least three weeks before the program, tell us what accommodation would make the program accessible to you or your family. Call 952-891-7000.

EQUIPMENT

Provided unless specified.