2050 Vision Plan strengthens connection to nature
Visitors flock to Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Dakota County’s greenways all year long for recreation, reflection and rejuvenation.
Those popular places are the result of Dakota County Parks’ previous long-range planning. Now, we’re planning for the next quarter-century. That effort, the 2050 Vision Plan, was approved in July 2025 by the Dakota County Board.
The plan sets Parks’ direction for the coming decades and updates the last plan from 2008. The updated vision for Dakota County Parks is “Nature Protected, Community Reflected, All Are Connected.”
The planning process began in 2024, and we’ve sought the public’s input from the beginning. We asked how you want to experience your county parks in the future — and you responded.
We put more focus on natural resources in recent years. The public told us protecting and restoring those spaces is important. We heard the call for access to natural areas and
We’re focusing on:
• Strengthening relationships between people and nature.
• Enhancing community well-being by restoring and protecting natural spaces.
• Creating enjoyable and educational outdoor experiences.
• Connecting communities through partnerships and engagement.
the sense of belonging in nature that it brings. We also heard the public’s enthusiasm for greenways and nature play areas and the need for safety while enjoying the parks.
Aspirational, optimistic plan
The need for feedback won’t change as the plan’s details come into focus. We want it to be more visionary, aspirational and optimistic than rigid or restrictive.
The plan also accounts for realities we’ll be facing in the coming years. Safety, access and climate resilience will be priorities. We’ll reach out to residents who don’t feel the parks serve them. And, we’ll keep focusing on land protection as our population grows and development continues.
The planning process has also underscored our partnerships with cities in Dakota County. Joint efforts involving nature-based recreation — such as trails and fishing piers — are examples of these partnerships.
Parks will also explore new ways to sustainably fund the operations and maintenance of these places and programs.
As we implement the vision plan, we’ll again be asking the public to share how we make those plans work for everyone.
Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search vision, to learn more about the 2050 Vision Plan.
2050 Vision Plan Goals
• Nurture the reciprocal relationship between people and nature.
• Cultivate belonging by engaging and serving the community, with an emphasis on those who are underrepresented in the outdoors.
• Provide safe and positive core services, amenities and experiences.
• Create dynamic spaces with unique and memorable experiences.
• Expand environmental stewardship through outdoor programs, learning and volunteerism.
• Offer opportunities to improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
• Strengthen partnerships with tribal nations and Indigenous communities for the protection of lands and traditions.
• Locate new park units close to people or to protect natural areas and recreational assets.
• Lead and support on ecological stewardship and climate resilience.
• Protect, improve and manage the natural resources of Dakota County.
• Elevate cultural richness through arts, historic preservation, interpretation and storytelling within the park system.
• Seek and sustain values-based and mission-driven partnerships.
• Care for the system through sustainable and innovative funding.
• Invest in a thriving parks workforce that represents the communities served.
• Support local and sustainable economic development.
Where instruction comes alive
School Nature Programs introduce children to outdoors
Sometimes the best learning happens outside of the classroom.
For tens of thousands of students, Dakota County Parks is bringing educational lessons to life.
In places like Spring Lake Park Reserve and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, students receive hands-on learning about bison, birds, water health, geology and more.
Our outdoor educators — certified naturalists and recreational professionals — align learning to state education standards in science.
The program has grown over the years by working with area schools. Numbers soared in the 2010s. We’ve watched a steady increase of students participating in postpandemic years. School Nature Programs hosted 253 school visits with nearly 21,000 students from 2020–2024.
Wide-ranging benefits
Students receive more than outdoor education. They absorb benefits simply by experiencing nature.
Research shows nature makes children healthier, happier, smarter and more environmentally aware.
Whether it’s a nature program or a regular trip to the park, there are mental and emotional health gains.
Students watch, feel and learn as classroom concepts come alive outdoors.
Through these programs, students reap the rewards of Dakota County’s investment in natural resources. They’re learning to be stewards of the land and students of the outdoors.
Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search school programs, to learn more.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
YOUTH
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: 211501
Forest Ecology
Learn the different levels of the forest from roots to leaves.
• Wed, Oct. 1, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, Oct. 1, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, Oct. 2, 1–3 p.m.
MN Rocks
Explore the geology of Lebanon Hills and how to identify common rocks.
• Wed, Nov. 5, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, Nov. 5, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, Nov. 6, 1–3 p.m.
Winter Shelters
Discuss different ways animals find shelter in winter and build your own.
• Wed, Dec. 3, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, Dec. 3, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, Dec. 4, 1–3 p.m.
Predator and Prey
Go in-depth on an important relationship in nature — predator and prey.
• Wed, Jan. 7, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, Jan. 7, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, Jan. 8, 1–3 p.m.
Under the Ice
Learn how animals survive winter under the ice.
• Wed, Feb. 4, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, Feb. 4, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, Feb. 5, 1–3 p.m.
Geocaching
Discover how to navigate with GPS and find caches around the park.
• Wed, March 4, 9–11 a.m.
• Wed, March 4, 1–3 p.m.
• Thu, March 5, 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: 212001
Raccoons
Explore how these ingenious mammals thrive in Lebanon Hills.
• Thu, Oct. 2, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, Oct. 4, 10–11:30 a.m.
Habitats and Hibernators
Discover which animals leave the park, which sleep and which stay active all winter.
• Thu, Nov. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, Nov. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.
Whoo’s There?
Owls stay in the park year-round. Listen and look for owls on a winter hike.
• Thu, Dec. 4, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, Dec. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.
Pine Forest Fun
Be an explorer and discover which birds and animals thrive in the pine forest.
• Thu, Jan. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, Jan. 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
Insects in Winter
Go on a hunt to find insects that are active in our snowy winter.
• Thu, Feb. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, Feb. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.
Animal Senses
Compare your senses to how effectively different animals can hear, see and smell.
• Thu, March 5, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Sat, March 7, 10–11:30 a.m.
STORYTIME
Join Dakota County Library for a fun and interactive storytime in the yurt at Lebanon Hills.
Age: 2–6
Free
Lebanon Hills Yurt
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211801
• Tue, Sept. 16, 10–10:30 a.m.
• Thu, Sept. 18, 6–6:30 p.m.
• Wed, Sept. 24, 10–10:30 a.m.
• Tue, Sept. 30, 6–6:30 p.m.
• Wed, Oct. 8, 6–6:30 p.m.
• Sat, Oct. 11, 10–10:30 a.m.
• Wed, Oct. 15, 10–10:30 a.m.
WILD ART FOR YOUTH
Gather with friends to create nature inspired arts and crafts.
Activity Number: 210203
Needle Felted Autumn
Landscapes
Dive into the lush and tactile world of needle felting in this easy, introductory fiber arts program.
Age: 10–15
Fee: $40/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Oct. 11, 2–4 p.m.
Pressed Plant Collages
Use pressed leaves and flowers to create a unique everlasting collage.
Age: 10–15
Fee: $25/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Nov. 22, 2–4 p.m.
Eco-Printing
Experiment with preserved plants and pigments. Learn the art of flower pounding and bundle dyeing.
Age: 10–15
Fee: $25/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, March 7, 10 a.m.–noon
FAMILY
FAMILY CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Learn the basic skills of classicstyle cross-country skiing in a family-friendly environment.
Age: 5 and older
Fee: $15/person
Lebanon Hills Yurt
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210602
• Sat, Jan. 10, 10 a.m.–noon
• Sat, Jan. 24, 2–4 p.m.
• Sat, Jan. 31, 2–4 p.m.
• Sun, Feb. 8, 2–4 p.m.
• Wed, Feb. 18, 4–6 p.m.
FAMILY SNOWSHOE
Get outside with a park naturalist on a guided snowshoe hike with your family.
Age: 8 and older
Fee: $15/person
Activity Number: 211405
Winter Solstice Snowshoe Hike
Celebrate the longest night of the year on a guided hike with a park naturalist.
Thompson County Park Trailhead Thompson County Park
• Sun, Dec. 21, 2–4 p.m.
Snowshoe and S’mores
Gather around a bonfire with s’mores after a guided hike.
Jensen Lake
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Jan. 31, 3–5 p.m.
FOREVER WILD
FAMILY FRIDAY
Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month with outdoor park activities, a bonfire and s’mores.
All ages
Free Activity Number: 211001
Bats
Explore the world of bats. Learn how they fly and how they see.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Fri, Oct. 3, 6–7 p.m.
Friday Night Lights
Join us for a fun night of glow-in-the-dark soccer and light-up yard games.
Empire Lake Shelter
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
• Fri, Nov. 7, 6–7 p.m.
Full Moon Fun
Meet the moon through myths, stories, games and the spotting scope.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Fri, Dec. 5, 6–7 p.m.
Celebrate the Stars
Explore the night sky and learn about stars, comets, meteors and more.
Gathering Center
Spring Lake Park Reserve
• Fri, Jan. 2, 6–7 p.m.
Fun on the Ice
Enjoy an evening of family fun on the ice. Try one of our kicksleds for free.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Fri, Feb. 6, 6–7 p.m.
Sounds of the Night
Join us for a scavenger hunt and use your ears to search for the sounds of winter.
Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center
Spring Lake Park Reserve
• Fri, March 6, 6–7 p.m.
STORY TRAIL
Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.
All ages
Free
Echo Point
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
Activity Number: 210902
• Thu–Sun, Oct. 16–19, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
STARWATCH
View the wonders of the night sky close up with Mike Lynch while he provides an introduction into the world of stargazing.
All ages
Fee: $10/person
Empire Shelter
Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211705
• Sat, Oct. 18, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
NORTHERN SAW-WHET BANDING
Explore the world of one of Minnesota’s littlest owls, the Northern saw-whet owl, in this partnership program with Carpenter Nature Center. Staff from Dakota County Parks and Carpenter will band owls and share what makes these creatures unique.
All ages
Fee: $12/person
Gathering Center
Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211711
• Wed, Oct. 29, 8–9 p.m.
LET’S GO OWLING
Delve into the world of owls and take a hike for a chance to hear and see these nocturnal hunters at work.
Age: 5 and older
Fee: $5/person
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Activity Number: 211702
• Tue, Jan. 6, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Thu, Jan. 8, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
LEARN TO ICE FISH
Join us to learn the basics of ice fishing, including equipment and technique.
Age: 8 and older
Fee: $10/person
Activity Number: 211104
Holland Lake Shelter
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Jan. 24, 1–3 p.m.
Lake Byllesby Beach
Lake Byllesby Regional Park
• Sat, Feb. 14, 1–3 p.m.
ADULT
BISON PRAIRIE WALK
Through a Dakota lens, learn about the role bison played in the lives of the original caretakers of this land.
Age: 16 and older
Free
Archery Shelter
Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211713
• Wed, Sept. 17, 6–7 p.m.
ARCHERY
Learn everything from stance to follow through, equipment styles to 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: 210102
• Sun, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Sun, Oct. 5, 2–5 p.m.
CANOEING
Make the most of fall and join a park naturalist for a guided paddle on Schulze Lake.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $20/person
Schulze Beach
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211901
Women’s Fall Color Paddle
Soak up the fall colors on this paddle specifically for women.
• Sat, Oct. 4, 1–3 p.m.
Full Moon Paddle
Enjoy a canoeing adventure illuminated by the full moon.
• Tue, Oct. 7, 7–9 p.m.
CYCLING
Bring your recently tuned fat-tire bike on a guided ride along Lebanon Hills premiere singletrack trails.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $20/person
West Trailhead
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210301
Fat-Tire Biking - Level 1
• Sun, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.–noon
• Sun, Feb. 8, 9 a.m.–noon
Fat-Tire Biking - Level 2
• Sun, Feb. 15, 9 a.m.–noon
• Sun, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.–noon
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Learn about equipment, trails and technique in this introduction to classic-style cross-country skiing.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $25/person
Lebanon Hills Yurt
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210603
• Sat, Jan. 10, 2–4 p.m.
• Sat, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.–noon
• Tue, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.–noon
• Thu, Feb. 19, 4–6 p.m.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TOURS
Get outside with a park naturalist on a guided ski tour. All gear provided.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $25/person
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210605
Starlit Ski
Experience the ski trails and stars on a guided outing.
• Fri, Feb. 13, 6–8 p.m.
Ski and S’mores
Enjoy a bonfire and s’mores after an evening of exploring the trails.
• Sat, Feb. 21, 6–8 p.m.
Full Moon Ski
Join a park naturalist for a quiet and naturally illuminated ski tour.
• Sat, Feb. 28, 6–8 p.m.
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
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 212403
Autumn’s Wild Edibles
• Sat, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–noon
Winter’s Wild Edibles
• Sun, Dec. 7, 2–4 p.m.
HIKE THE PARKS
Spend time in nature and explore hidden gems in Dakota County Parks.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $5/person
Activity Number: 211409
Women’s Winter Hike and Bonfire
Make your way to the A-Frame Shelter and gather around a fire in this women’s hiking program. Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Dec. 6, 2:30–4 p.m.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Winter Bird Hike
Hear and view the birds of winter.
Binoculars provided.
Miesville Ravine Park
Reserve Trailhead
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
• Sat, Jan. 3, 9–10:30 a.m.
Spring Equinox Hike
Celebrate the first day of spring with a guided hike.
Thompson County Park Trailhead
Thompson County Park
• Fri, March 20, 4–5:30 p.m.
FIRESIDE TAI CHI & QIGONG
Flow through a sequence of movements to support soft strength and a feeling of harmony with nature alongside a cozy fire.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $24/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211203
• Sun, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Sun, Oct. 26, 2–3:30 p.m.
• Sun, Jan. 11, 1–2:30 p.m.
• Thu, Jan. 29, 6–7:30 p.m.
• Sun, Feb. 8, 1–2:30 p.m.
• Thu, Feb. 26, 6–7:30 p.m.
WILD ART
Gather with fellow crafters and learn new skills taught by local artists.
Age: 16 and older Activity Number: 210202
Needle Felted Autumn Landscapes
Learn how to ‘paint’ with wool and create a flat felted landscape capturing the autumn beauty.
Fee: $40/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Fri, Oct. 10, 6–8 p.m.
Basket Weaving Basics
Learn foundational basket weaving techniques and build two small baskets, one square and one oval, in this multi-class series.
Fee: $100/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Thu, Nov. 6, 13 & 20, 6–9 p.m.
Foraging Basket Weaving Discover basket weaving basics and create a foraging basket in this multi-class series.
Fee: $100/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Thu, Dec. 4 & 11, 6–9 p.m.
Cider and Cedars
Join us to sip on hot apple cider and create festive wreaths of cedar boughs, harvested from the park as part of natural resources restoration efforts.
Fee: $35/person
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Wed, Dec. 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• Thu, Dec. 11, 1–3 p.m.
CELEBRATE THE SEASONS
Get outdoors and celebrate the season at one of many Dakota County Parks special events.
Parks offers a variety of fun and exciting events throughout the year. For a full list of both free and ticketed events this fall and winter, visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search special events.
Clay Coil Pot Planter
Create a new home for your favorite plant using slabs, coils and texture tools. Eagan Art House will have four glaze colors to choose from. Projects will be ready for pickup three weeks later.
Fee: $35/person
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Thu, March 12, 6–8 p.m.
WINTER SNOWSHOE
Get outdoors in winter and explore new trails on a guided snowshoe hike.
Age: 16 and older
Fee: $15/person
Activity Number: 211401
Full Moon Snowshoe
Join a park naturalist for a quiet and naturally illuminated snowshoe hike.
Holland Lake Shelter
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Jan. 3, 6–8 p.m.
• Sat, Jan. 31, 6–8 p.m.
Valentine’s Snowshoe
Celebrate your love for nature and sip hot cocoa on this Valentine’s Day snowshoe hike.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sat, Feb. 14, 2–4 p.m.
Morning Coffee and Snowshoe
Enjoy the crisp winter air on a beautiful guided snowshoe hike with a coffee in hand.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sun, Feb. 22, 8–10 a.m.
YOGA IN THE PARK
This fall and winter, join Yoga Sanctuary for a series of classes and interactive workshops. All levels of experience are welcome.
Age: 16 and older
Activity Number: 211201
Fall Nature Walk + Yoga
Take part in a mindful walk and inclusive yoga, fostering connection to the environment and yourself.
Visitor Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Sun, Oct. 5, 2:30–4 p.m.
Winter Wellness Series
Embrace the serenity of winter with this intentional new year yoga series for all levels. Designed to nourish your body, mind and spirit in harmony with nature's wisdom, rhythms and cycles.
Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Tue, Jan. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Tue, Jan. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Tue, Jan. 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Tue, Jan. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
PROGRAM 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.
Payment: Payment is due at registration. Major credit cards other than American Express 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.
SUPPORT YOUR PARKS
Dakota County Parks offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals. If you have a passion for nature and the outdoors, volunteer in a county park or greenway near you. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search volunteer
PRIVATE PROGRAMS, BIRTHDAYS AND MORE
Celebrate a birthday, take a school field trip or book a private program in Dakota County Parks.
www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search private program
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Rent cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes and kicksleds at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center.
www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental
