Mississippi River Greenway
1308 N. Concord St., South St. Paul
A 28-mile trail along the Mississippi River connecting South St. Paul to Hastings. Scenic river views and connections to local parks and other community destinations. Visitors can connect to St. Paul on the Robert Piram Regional Trail in South St. Paul or continue east to Point Douglas Regional Trail in Hastings.
North Creek Greenway
4801 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Eagan
More than 4 miles of this growing greenway have been constructed throughout Apple Valley, connecting Lebanon Hills Regional Park to the Minnesota Zoo.
River to River Greenway
360 Butler Ave. E, West St. Paul
An 8-mile east-west corridor in northern Dakota County with connections to Valley Park, Dodge Nature Center, Thompson County Park, Kaposia Park and the Mississippi River Greenway.
Much of this work involves reintroducing native plants and animals that were once important to these natural areas but are no longer found here. The reintroduction of bison to the prairies at Spring Lake Park Reserve is an example of this. Reintroducing bison has also deepened ways we can all learn and connect with Indigenous communities.
The Natural Resources effort is strengthened by the 2025 addition of a new greenhouse at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which allows us to grow more native plants.
Accessibility
Dakota County Parks continues expanding experiences for all visitors. Accessible opportunities include:
• A fenced, accessible playground at Thompson County Park
• All-terrain track chairs at Lebanon Hills Regional Park (coming in 2025)
• More than 57 miles of paved, wheelchair-accessible greenways
• Interpreters available for park visits and programming
Vermillion River Greenway
215 21st St. E., Hastings
A 2.1-mile stretch of trail that runs along the south side of the Vermillion River in Hastings. The trail connects visitors to local parks, trails and amenities, including the Mississippi River Greenway , the Hastings 10-Mile Loop and the falls at Vermillion Falls Park.
Veterans Memorial Greenway
1901 105th St. E., Inver Grove Heights
A work in progress connecting Lebanon Hills Regional Park with the Mississippi River Greenway that includes memorial plazas highlighting military service and sacrifice. Runs through Inver Grove Heights and Eagan.
Plan your visit
Find park and trail conditions at www.dakotakcounty.us/parks search conditions or scan this QR Code.
We regularly restore and manage land and water habitats in the parks to improve the environment, enhance the outdoor experiences for park visitors and protect the quality of life for residents. Hundreds of volunteers help us with natural resource projects each year, including habitat restoration, stewardship events, and pollinator, aquatic species and animal surveys.
To volunteer, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search parksvolunteering.
Join the team
Come work in the park! Dakota County Parks posts openings for seasonal, temporary and full-time permanent positions. If you or someone you know is interested in a fulfilling position where fresh air and teamwork are in abundance, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search employment .
Scan and search: Employment Programs Events
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
27970 Orlando Trai, Cannon Falls
Located in the heart of the Cannon River valley, this park is a destination for trout anglers and offers the scenic landscapes of southeastern Minnesota in our own backyard. Acres of restored prairie and wooded trails along the Cannon River and Trout Brook offer an intimate nature experience in every season.
Dakota Woods Dog Park
16470 Blaine Ave., Rosemount
Let your dog make friends and run wild at the Dakota Woods Dog Park. This fenced, 16-acre park is a popular spot for dogs to exercise offleash with their owners.
THINGS TO DO
• Canoeing and kayaking on the Cannon River Fishing on Trout Brook and the Cannon River
• Hiking
• Geocaching
• Snowshoeing
FACILITY RENTAL
• Cannon Picnic Shelter
Trout Brook Picnic Shelter
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
17100 Station Trail, Farmington
Century-old oaks, pristine wetlands and beautiful Empire Lake make this peaceful park, along with neighboring wildlife management areas and the University of Minnesota’s UMORE Park, a unique 4,000-acre habitat for bald eagles, red fox and other wildlife. Take a hike, enjoy Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area or spend a night in a camper cabin. Winter thrill-seekers can enjoy a sledding hill featuring overhead lighting until 10 p.m. nightly.
THINGS TO DO
• Hiking Exploring Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area
• Enjoying outdoor events and concerts
• Cross-country skiing
• Sledding on a lit sledding hill
CAMPING
Five camper cabins — three in a pine forest and two with a prairie view — are reservable year-round. Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and search camping for more information, including reservations.
FACILITY RENTAL
• Empire Lake Shelter
Dakota County Parks
14955 Galaxie Ave.
Apple Valley, MN
952-891-7000
www.dakotacounty.us/parks parks@co.dakota.mn.us
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
860 Cliff Road Eagan, MN 651-554-6530
No entrance or parking fees. Dakota County Parks are tobacco free. Smoking is only permitted in parking lots, roadways and in individual campsites. We support traditional smoke for ceremonial use.
Keep in touch
Sign up to get park news and information sent directly to your email inbox.Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and search e-news.