Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Spring/Summer2026

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2026

KNOW YOUR PARKS

Brush up on Dakota County’s 6 unique parks dakotacountymn.gov/parks

INSIDE Family Fridays Music in the Park New Programs

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

The run-down: Visitors enjoy fun on and around the water at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, which offers camping, paddling, a beach, a nature play area and access to the Mill Towns State Trail.

The run-down: Considered Dakota County’s flagship park, Lebanon Hills boasts nearly 2,000 acres of woods and water. Visitors flock here for hiking, swimming, winter activities, outdoor education and more.

The run-down: The sounds of nature ring out and exploration beckons at Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, a 1,600-acre space featuring hiking trails, wildflowers and trout fishing.

Can’t miss: Lake Byllesby is the star of the show — enjoy it in all seasons, whether paddling in the summer, ice fishing in the winter or catching a dramatic sunset any day of the year.

Can’t miss: Stop by the park’s mountain bike course, where riders of different abilities zoom along miles of renowned off-road trails.

Cannon Falls

Eagan

Insider’s tip: This park includes an extensive campground with lakeside sites. Consider a weekday camping trip, where visitors often find choice sites and smaller crowds.

Insider’s tip: Lebanon Hills contains about 180 water basins, which include a chain of lakes where visitors can practice wilderness paddling. Ask Visitor Center staff about the portage route, which gives a taste of the Boundary Waters in the metro.

Only have an hour: Walk or bike the paved trail to the Mill Towns State Trail Bridge, where you’ll see the Byllesby Dam just upriver from sweeping views of the Cannon River.

Only have an hour: Follow rolling hiking trails from the Visitor Center out to the A-Frame shelter, then loop back for scenic views and fresh air.

Explore on foot or by ski.

Lay of the land: The address is 8150 295th St. E., Cannon Falls.

Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Lake Byllesby.

Lay of the land: The Visitor Center address is 860 Cliff Road, Eagan.

Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Lebanon Hills.

Building for the future

is home to all park greenhouse operations and provides storage space for equipment.

Greenhouse boosts restoration work Dakota County’s green thumb is ready to dig more than ever.

The Lebanon Hills Maintenance Facility, which opened in late 2025,

The facility, located on the northeast corner of Lebanon Hills Regional Park along North Hay Lake Road, replaced the 1970s-era maintenance shop and puts all greenhouse operations under one roof. That allows us to operate

Miesville

Can’t miss: Explore the Cannon River, where shoreline hiking, fishing and access for tubing or paddling is available.

Insider’s tip: If you have a trout stamp, access the park’s northern section along Miesville Trail and walk in for fly fishing on Trout Brook.

Only have an hour: Trail hike before exploring the park’s upper reaches on a rugged wilderness hike for breathtaking Cannon River valley views.

Lay of the land: The address is 27970 Orlando Trail, Cannon Falls.

Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Miesville Ravine.

more efficiently and produce more plants for restoration projects around the county.

Using the former hoop house and leased space at the Rosemount UMore facility, we grew about 45,000 plants a year. With the new Lebanon Hills

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Thompson County Park

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

The run-down: Often considered a hidden gem in the Dakota County Parks system, Spring Lake Park Reserve offers an array of vistas framed by the Mississippi River, where dramatic overlooks are connected by the Mississippi River Greenway to a bison prairie.

The run-down: A 57-acre nature oasis in an urban area, Thompson County Park offers lakeside walking trails, a fishing pier and reservable facilities.

Visitors also can access the River to River Greenway, which connects with a trail system that reaches Hastings.

The run-down: The newest Dakota County park, Whitetail Woods Regional Park is a year-round destination for hikers, families, campers, music lovers and cross-country skiers.

Hastings/Rosemount

Can’t miss: Go to Schaar’s Bluff and spot eagles and other birds that use the Mississippi River flyway for feeding, roosting and navigation.

Insider’s tip: Take the Mississippi River Greenway from Schaar’s Bluff to a bridge overlooking a scenic ravine above the river.

Only have an hour: Visit the Fahey Trailhead and follow the Mississippi River Greenway through the prairie, where a small herd of reintroduced bison roam.

Lay of the land: The address is 8395 127th St. E., Hastings​​. Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/ parks, search Spring Lake Park Reserve.

You can also search bison prairie to see the herd’s current location. facility, we’ll boost those annual totals to 140,000.

That means expanding the number of plant species we grow — and being able to target certain species with the goal of enhancing county prairieland.

For example, prairie violets grown in the greenhouse will be planted in

West St. Paul

Can’t miss: An accessible playground, where surfaces and features make the expansive play area enjoyable for visitors of all abilities.

Insider’s tip: This park, a refuge for pollinators and pit stop for migrating birds, includes the reservable North Shelter, which features a full serving kitchen and 24 picnic tables.

Only have an hour: Enjoy a picnic on the sprawling lawn, then wet a line from the fishing pier or take a short stroll around Thompson Lake.

Lay of the land: The address is 360 Butler Ave. E., West St. Paul.

Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Thompson County Park.

the field and attract the regal fritillary butterfly, considered a threatened species. We’ll grow thousands of the violets to build up that habitat in hopes of giving those butterflies a better chance at thriving on the prairie.

Besides providing more room for plants to grow, the new facility offers more space and better accessibility for

Farmington

Can’t miss: Whitetail Woods Regional Park hosts the popular Music in the Park series, held the last Tuesday of the month from May–September.

The free family-friendly event also includes lawn games and access to food trucks.

Insider’s tip: Spend a night in one of the park’s five camper cabins.

Choose either a pine forest setting or a prairie view to enjoy your stay while exploring the park.

Only have an hour: Explore the paved trail and boardwalk around Empire Lake and look for otters, swans and beavers.

Lay of the land: The address is 17100 Station Trail, Farmington.

Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Whitetail Woods. more volunteers to help in the effort.

The facility also has space for workshops and training programs.

That includes classes taught by University of Minnesota-Extension master gardeners, who will also use the facility to grow plants that they’ll sell. Proceeds will go toward projects around Dakota County.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Program registration for spring/summer opens March 1.

YOUTH

FAMILY

SUMMER CAMPS

FAMILY CANOE

Summer camps opened Feb. 1.

Limited space is still available.

Check online for camp information.

HOMESCHOOL LAB

Use the park as your lab for hands-on study, scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Age: 6–12 Fee: $10/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111501

Animal Tracks and Signs

Learn how to identify tracks and signs animals leave behind. Hit the trail to practice your skills.

• Wed, April 1, 9–11 a.m.

• Wed, April 1, 1–3 p.m.

• Thur, April 2, 1–3 p.m.

Wildflowers

Beneficial Bison

As bison start to graze on spring grasses, discover how they are helpful to plants, animals and the land.

• Thur, April 2, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, April 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

Trees in Spring

Take a walk through the woods to explore how trees get ready for summer as they wake from a long winter • Thur, May 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, May 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

Explore the world of wildflowers.

Get to know their characteristics and how they grow, and practice identification in the field.

• Wed, May 6, 9–11 a.m.

• Wed, May 6, 1–3 p.m.

• Thur, May 7, 1–3 p.m.

The Water is Alive

Dragonflies

Helpful Insects

Dive into dragonflies and study the lifecycle and adaptations of these aerial predators.

• Wed, June 3, 9–11 a.m.

• Wed, June 3, 1–3 p.m.

• Thur, June 4, 1–3 p.m.

Decomposers

Search for mushrooms, millipedes and other decomposers and learn how they recycle nutrients to make soil.

• Wed, Sept. 2, 9–11 a.m.

• Wed, Sept. 2, 1–3 p.m.

• Thur, Sept. 3, 1–3 p.m.

KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

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

Age: 3–6 Fee: $10/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 112001

The lake is home to so many animals, big and small. Come to the lake and learn who calls this place home.

• Thur, June 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, June 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Explore how dragonflies, bees and other pollinating insects help us.

Use a sweep net to catch insects and view them up close.

• Thur, July 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, July 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

Prairie Flowers

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

• Thur, Aug. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, Aug. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Fall Migration

Not every animal enjoys the Minnesota winters. Learn which animals stay and which move to warmer places.

• Thur, Sept. 3, 10–11:30 a.m.

• Sat, Sept. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

NEW

HOW TO RIDE A BIKE FOR KIDS

Children will learn balance, braking, steering, stopping and starting

through step-by-step activities on their own recently-tuned bike.

Equipment provided upon request.

Age: 5–10 Fee: $35/youth Lebanon Hills Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110305 Check the website for activity dates.

NEW

1:1 HOW TO RIDE A BIKE

Children will learn one-on-one how to balance, brake, steer, stop and start through step-by-step activities on their own recentlytuned bike. Equipment provided upon request.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $70/youth Lebanon Hills Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110306 Check the website for activity dates.

STORYTIME IN THE YURT

Join Dakota County Library for a fun and interactive storytime in the yurt at Lebanon Hills.

Registration required.

Age: 2–6 Free Lebanon Hills Yurt Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111801 Check the website for activity dates.

WILD ART FOR YOUTH

Gather with friends to learn new skills and create nature-inspired arts and crafts.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $35/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110203

Tie-Dye Archery

Learn the basics of archery, including proper technique and range safety. Wrap up the program by using your new skills to tie-dye a T-shirt.

• Sat, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.–noon

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: $30/family Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111902 • Tues, June 16, 6–8 p.m.

• Tues, Aug. 11, 6–8 p.m.

FAMILY 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 • Tues, July 21, 6–8 p.m.

• Sat, Sept. 19, 2–4 p.m.

BIKES AND BISON

Embark on a group bike ride and explore the Mississippi River Greenway while learning about Dakota County Parks' bison herd.

Participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Total distance of the trip will be under 8 miles.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Fahey Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110303 • Sat, Aug. 15, 10–11:30 a.m.

FAMILY ARCHERY

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

Age: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101 • Sun, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.–noon • Sun, Sept. 27, 1–4 p.m.

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY Join us for family fun once a month with free park activities, a bonfire and s'mores.

All ages Free Activity Number: 111001

Find many more great programs online at dakotacountymn.gov/parks, click Programs & Events Tremendous Trees

Get ready for Arbor Day and celebrate the amazing trees on a self-guided walk.

Spring Lake Park Retreat Center Spring Lake Park Reserve • Fri, April 3, 6–7:30 p.m.

Festival of Flight

Explore the world of things that fly.

Try your hand at kite-flying, bird watching, bug catching and more.

Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park • Fri, May 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

Pollination Celebration

Celebrate the pollinators that keep our world alive, and learn simple ways we can help them thrive.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park • Fri, June 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt

Head outside for a summer-themed scavenger hunt around the park.

Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park • Fri, July 10, 6–7:30 p.m.

Fantastic Fireflies

Experience summer magic and hopefully view these special flying beetles.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri, Aug. 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Tiny Seeds Tall Grass

NEW

NATURALIST NIGHTS

Park naturalists highlight the wonders of nature in this new outdoor program. Each month explores a different topic through self-led activities, guided walks and informational stations.

Age: 8 and older Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111003

Woodcock Walk

Get to know the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to spot and hear the bird's aerial display.

• Thur, April 16, 7:30–9 p.m.

Evening Birding

Practice your birding skills with a park naturalist. Binoculars available, or bring your own.

• Thur, May 21, 7:30–9 p.m.

Water Wisdom

Explore the local water systems and how we can protect this vital natural resource.

• Thur, June 18, 7:30–9 p.m.

Fireflies

Discover the magic (and science) of fireflies. Take a self-guided walk to try and observe these winged wonders.

• Thur, July 16, 7:30–9 p.m.

Prairie plant roots grow long, but tiny seeds need help to spread.

Join us for an evening of seed exploration.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri, Sept. 4, 6–7:30 p.m.

Prairie Plants

HIKE THE PARKS

Learn how trees grow and change with the seasons. Discover the many "tales" hidden in their leaves, bark and branches.

• Thur, Sept. 17, 6:30–8 p.m.

Explore the vastness of Dakota County Parks on guided outings with park naturalists.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Activity Number: 111406

Wildflower Walk

Learn how to identify common wildflowers while exploring the trails.

Schaar's Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve • Thur, May 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Summer Solstice Hike

Celebrate the first day of summer with a guided hike.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sun, June 21, 7–8:30 p.m.

Witness the abundance of life within a prairie. Learn how prairie plants support pollinators and why they're important to wildlife and people.

• Thur, Aug. 20, 6:30–8 p.m.

Tree Tales

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 • Sun, May 10, 11 a.m.–noon • Sun, May 10, 1–2 p.m.

SPARK! MOBILE

Join the City of Eagan's puppet wagon for family friendly puppet shows and activities. There will be no show on Friday, June 19 or July 3.

All ages Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110203 • Fri, June 12–Aug. 14, 10–10:45 a.m.

out of clay. Using real leaves and a variety of tools, create stunning one-of-a-kind dishes. Add paint to emphasize designs and bring your favorite colors into your work.

Age: 6 and older Fee: $25/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Thur, July 9, 6–8 p.m.

Tie-Dye Archery

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

Wrap up the program by using your new skills to tie-dye a T-shirt.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $20/person Archery Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve • Sat, Aug. 29, 9 a.m.–noon

ADULT

STORYTRAIL

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

All ages Free Activity Number: 110902 Thompson Lake Loop Thompson County Park • Fri–Mon, May 22–25, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

McDonough Lake Loop Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Fri–Mon, Sept. 4–7, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

WILD ART FOR FAMILIES

Gather with friends and family to create nature inspired arts and crafts.

Activity Number: 110205

Milkweed Paper Making

For 2,000 years, human beings have been making paper. Learn how to make your own using a mix of cotton, abaca and milkweed fiber.

Explore adding inclusions, playing with color and getting creative.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $25/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, April 18, 2–4 p.m.

Needle Felted Woodland Creatures

Make your own unique pocket-sized woodland creatures using colorful wool roving and embellish with embroidery thread.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $25/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Thur, June 11, 6–8 p.m.

Leaf Impressions in Clay

Bring a bit of nature into your home by making your very own leaf dishes

ARCHERY

Learn everything from stance to follow through, equipment styles, archery safety and hone your new skills with target practice.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Archery Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110102 • Sun, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Sun, Sept. 13, 2–5 p.m.

NEW

BACKYARD ECOLOGY

Parks staff and guest speakers explore topics on how to support wildlife and habitat right in your own backyard.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Activity Number: 111301

Pocket Prairies

Dakota County Master Gardeners share their knowledge about the importance of pocket prairies and how to plan your own.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, April 7, 6:30–8 p.m.

• Thur, April 9, 1–2:30 p.m.

Oaks, Fire and Climate Change

Expert Heather Holm sheds light on historical grasslands and oak savannas. Explore the benefits of fire as a management tool on the oak and grass ecosystems.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, June 23, 7–8 p.m.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Pollinator Plant Walk

Engage in a plant walk to Holland Bay, a shoreline restoration managed by Dakota County volunteers that has more than 80 species of native plants. Identify plants in and around the site, and discuss which species would work well in your home garden.

Holland Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Wed, Aug. 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

BEGINNING BIRDING

Learn the best birding locations in the parks and gain identification skills and introductory birding tips.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Activity Number: 111705 Jensen Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sun, April 26, 8:30–10 a.m.

Holland Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, April 28, 6–7:30 p.m.

Jensen Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, May 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

BIKES AND BISON

Embark on a group bike ride and explore the Mississippi River Greenway while learning about Dakota County Parks' bison herd.

Participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Total distance of the trip will be 15–18 miles.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Pine Bend Bluffs Trailhead Mississippi River Regional Trail Activity Number: 110304 • Thur, April 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Thur, Sept. 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• NEW

CANOEING

Enjoy nature from a different vantage point and dip a paddle in the water in our canoe programs.

Age: 16 and older Activity Number: 111901

BWCA Prep Class

Learn the basics of how to paddle, portage and pack for an extended canoe adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Fee: $40/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, July 25, 1–5 p.m.

Learn to Canoe

Learn how to launch, load and paddle a canoe, along with basic paddling safety.

Fee: $30/person Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tues, July 14, 6–9 p.m.

Coffee and Canoes

Start your morning by paddling on pristine Holland Lake with a hot drink in hand.

Fee: $25/person Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Aug. 1, 8–10:30 a.m.

Sunset Canoe Tour

Relax on an evening paddle tour with expert paddle guides.

Fee: $20/person Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Sept. 5, 6–8:30 p.m.

NEW

FORAGING

Discover delicious and nutritious wild plants and mushrooms that thrive in your local environment with foraging workshops led by Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Activity Number: 112403

Spring's Wild Edibles

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Wed, May 20, 6–8 p.m.

Summer's Wild Edibles

Lebanon Hills Retreat Center Group Campsites • Thur, July 9, 6–8 p.m.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.–noon

HIKE THE PARKS

Explore the vastness of Dakota County Parks on guided outings with park naturalists.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Activity Number: 111409

NEW

Wildlife Tracking

Join a park naturalist for an introduction to wildlife tracking and learn about the art and science of tracking your local parks.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Thur, April 23, 6–8 p.m.

Wildflower Walk

Learn how to identify common wildflowers while exploring the trails when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve • Sun, May 3, 10:30 a.m.–noon NEW

Bison Prairie Walk

Through a Dakota lens, learn about the role bison played in the lives of the original caretakers of this land.

Fahey Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve • Wed, May 6, 6–7 p.m.

Fischer Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve • Thur, Sept. 3, 6–7 p.m.

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for an introduction to the sport of 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 • Wed, April 15, 6–8:30 p.m.

• Wed, April 29, 6–8:30 p.m.

• Wed, May 13, 6–8:30 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 Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102 • Wed, April 1, 6–8 p.m.

NEW

KAYAKING

Explore Dakota County's picturesque lakes in a kayak with us this spring and summer.

Age: 16 and older Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111903

Learn to Kayak

Learn how to launch, load and paddle a kayak, along with basic paddling safety.

Fee: $30/person • Tues, June 23, 6–9 p.m.

• Tues, Aug. 4, 6–9 p.m.

Coffee and Kayaks

Start your morning by paddling on pristine Holland Lake with a hot drink in hand.

Fee: $25/person • Sun, July 12, 8–10:30 a.m.

• Sun, Sept. 13, 8–10:30 a.m.

Sunset Kayak Tour

Relax on an evening paddle tour with expert guides.

Fee: $20/person • Sat, June 20, 7–9:30 p.m.

• Sat, Aug. 8, 6:30–9 p.m.

NEW

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Build confidence, sharpen your skills and experience the thrill of mountain biking on Dakota County's premiere singletrack trails. All skill levels welcome.

Equipment provided upon request.

Age: 16 and older Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110307

Intro to Mountain Biking

Build a solid foundation for basic mountain biking skills like body position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending and navigating minor obstacles before enjoying a beginner-friendly trail ride with an expert mountain bike instructor.

Fee: $40/person • Sat, July 11, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Sun, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Women's Intro to Mountain Biking

In this women's-specific program, build a solid foundation for basic mountain biking skills like body position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending and navigating minor obstacles before enjoying a beginner-friendly trail ride with an expert mountain bike instructor.

Fee: $40/person • Sat, July 11, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Sat, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Find many more great programs online at dakotacountymn.gov/parks, click Programs & Events Mountain Biking Tour

Explore beginner to intermediate singletrack mountain bike trails with an awesome mountain bike instructor.

Fee: $30/person • Sun, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP

Learn mountain biking skills 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 • Wed, May 20, 27 & June 3, 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 • Wed, May 20, 27 & June 3, 6–8 p.m.

TAI CHI & QIGONG

Cultivate intention, awareness and balance in this outdoor program.

Flow through a sequence of movements to support soft strength and a feeling of harmony with nature.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111203 Check the website for activity dates.

YOGA IN THE PARK

This season, join Yoga Sanctuary for a series of nature inspired classes, and enlightening workshops. All levels of experience welcome.

Age: 16 and older Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201 Check the website for activity dates.

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.

WILD ART

Gather with fellow crafters and learn new skills taught by local artists.

Age: 16 and older Activity Number: 110201

EVENTS

Fused Glass Suncatcher

Capture the sun in a stunning summer-inspired suncatcher made out of glass. Learn basic fused glass techniques while you arrange colorful glass pieces.

Fee: $35/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Thur, June 4, 6–8 p.m.

Clay Bud Vases

Create a custom bud vase for fresh summer blooms using clay coils, texture tools and a variety of underglazes.

Fee: $35/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, July 21, 6–8 p.m.

Natural Dyes of Summer

MUSIC IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair, sit under the big sky of Whitetail Woods on a summer evening, and enjoy food trucks and entertaining musical performances.

All ages Free

Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601 • Tue, May 26, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, June 30, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, July 28, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, Aug. 25, 5–7 p.m.

• Tue, Sept. 29, 5–7 p.m.

Come explore the dye plants that dot the landscape of Dakota County Parks. Leave with a naturally dyed textile and the knowledge to create your own dye pots at home.

Fee: $25/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Tue, Aug. 18, 5:30–8 p.m.

TAKE A KID FISHING

Watercolor Painting en Plein Air

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

Learn to use watercolor paints right in the heart of nature and make several small paintings of landscapes, flowers and plants.

No previous painting experience is required.

Fee: $35/person Community Learning Garden Spring Lake Park Reserve • Tue, Sept. 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Drawing en Plein Air

Capture the essence of nature and complete a series of drawings featuring lakes, woodlands, flowers and plants. No previous drawing experience is required.

Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park • Sat, Sept. 5, 2–4 p.m.

PAYMENT

Payment is due at registration.

Major credit cards accepted, except American Express.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Call 952-891-7000.

EQUIPMENT

Provided unless specified.

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 hook, casting and more.

All ages Free Kick off summer with live music, food and fun. A free event welcoming all ages and abilities, conducted bilingually in English and Spanish.

All ages Free

North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110801 • Sun, June 7, noon–3 p.m.

North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110803 • Mon, June 22, 6–9 p.m.

RESERVATIONS

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Birthdays, field trips and more

Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Celebrate a birthday, take a school field trip or book a private program in Dakota County Parks. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search private program

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL

Cancellations posted at dakotacountymn.gov/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL

Refund policy is posted at dakotacountymn.gov/parks, click Programs & Events.

dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search equipment rental

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.

Thompson County Park

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Archery

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Biking Boating

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Camper cabin Camping

FIRST AID

Canoeing/Kayaking Dog on-leash FIRST AID

Fishing

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Gardening

FIRST AID

Geocaching Hiking

FIRST AID

Horseback riding Horseshoes In-line skating

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Mountain biking Nature play area Paddleboarding

FIRST AID

Picnicking Playground

FIRST AID

Recreational bonfire Sand volleyball

FIRST AID

Swimming beach

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Visitor Center FIRST AID

Paved trail

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Thompson County Park

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

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Spring Lake Park Reserve

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Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

® Equipment Rental

Winter Activities

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Camper cabin Cross-country skiing

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Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring Ice skating Kicksledding Skate skiing FIRST AID

FIRST AID

Sledding

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Snowshoeing

FIRST AID

Visitor Center FIRST AID

FIRST AID

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Paved trail

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Parks and Greenways Guide

Equipment Rental

Find individual parks maps online at dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search maps.

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