Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Spring/Summer2026
dakotacountymn.gov/parks
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Cannon Falls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Building for the future
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,
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Eagan
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.
Can’t miss: Stop by the park’s mountain bike course, where riders of different abilities zoom along miles of renowned off-road trails.
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: 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 Visitor Center address is 860 Cliff Road, Eagan. Park hours are 5 a.m.–10 p.m. dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search Lebanon Hills.
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
Miesville
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: 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.
is home to all park greenhouse operations and provides storage space for equipment.
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
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
Hastings/Rosemount
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.
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.
Thompson County Park
West St. Paul
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.
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.
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Farmington
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.
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.
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
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
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
SUMMER CAMPS
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
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.
Dragonflies
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
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.
The Water is Alive
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.
Helpful Insects
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
FAMILY
FAMILY 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: $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
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
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.
HIKE THE PARKS
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.
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 Plants
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Watercolor Painting en Plein Air
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.
EVENTS
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
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 hook, casting and more.
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.
North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110801
• Sun, June 7, noon–3 p.m.
SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY
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
RESERVATIONS
Birthdays, field trips and more
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.
North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110803
• Mon, June 22, 6–9 p.m.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 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.
Find individual parks maps online at dakotacountymn.gov/parks, search maps.
