Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Fall/Winter 2024

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS FALL & WINTER 2024

Inside

Ski lessons Special events Family activities

New spaces, fun places www.dakotacounty.us/parks

fall / winter 2024 | www. dakotacounty.us |

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Exciting changes are happening at Dakota County’s largest park.

We’re adding a yurt and two new outdoor classrooms this year to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The new features will allow visitors to experience the park in new ways and locations.

Here’s what you can expect:

Yurt for learning Construction is underway on a yurt that will stand on a deck near the Visitor Center.

Yurts are circular structures wrapped in a soft yet sturdy tent material. They serve as dwellings in some cultures,

but the Lebanon Hills yurt will be a learning space for up to 30 people.

The yurt provides additional learning space for when programs at the popular Visitor Center are full. The yurt’s interior will have outlets, be lit with a skylight and interior lights, and have heating and cooling for more comfortable use all year.

The yurt’s addition will free up other warming spaces during winter months and provide indoor space for school nature programs.

The yurt will sit on a deck platform with stairs and a ramp to make it accessible for all visitors.

Outdoor classrooms We’re wrapping construction on two more outdoor classrooms near Schulze and McDonough lakes for programs to gather as students arrive to explore the outdoors.

Similar to the outdoor classroom unveiled in 2018, these additions will have wooden bench seating for groups of 20, with ample space for students to rest and comfortably learn.

The new classrooms provide additional learning spaces for student groups — especially when schools arrive with up to five classes at a time.

Once complete, our outdoor classrooms will showcase three separate areas — the woods, the prairie and a lake.

community input for how the park system will look in 2050. The process will help develop plans for visitor services, land protection and natural resources.

Dakota County Parks has its eyes on the future.

A similar process undertaken in 2008 mapped out the vision for 2030. This drove the addition of Whitetail Woods Regional Park and the continued expansion of our greenway system, which now numbers six different routes and nearly 50 miles — with 16 more miles being constructed.

Over the past several months, we’ve been gathering information and

And while we consider expansion possibilities, the greater focus is

A vision for 2050

on how changes in demographics, climate and outdoor-space usage will shape how the parks will be used over the next 25 years. We’re taking a well-rounded analysis by considering things like research that points to connections between improved mental health and naturebased experiences.

We’re also looking at different ways the parks system could grow.

Discussion topics include new parks and greenways, consistent funding, enhancing connections with

Growing greenways Dakota County’s greenway system continues expanding.

Trails of the future We’re in the early stages of looking at how Lebanon Hills Regional Park’s trails are suited for the future.

A 2023 study considered: • Recreation on high-quality trails • Limiting impacts on natural resources and culturally important sites • When trail uses conflict with one another • Safety and accessibility • Reducing trail erosion • How to improve sustainable trail upkeep The study outlined the park’s trails and what changes are recommended.

It also mapped out best practices and proposed a plan. We’re reviewing the recommendations as we move into the next phase of the project.

Five new sections of paved trails will be completed by the end of 2024. One unlocks the connection between St. Paul and Hastings. Another will honor Dakota County’s military veterans. Look for these projects to be completed this fall:

Mississippi River Greenway:

Completion of a 2.1–mile gap in Rosemount. Once complete, greenway users will be able to follow an uninterrupted, 27-mile route from St. Paul to Hastings.

Follow Dakota County’s Facebook account for details on a grand-opening event.

Veterans Memorial Greenway: Completion of

Phase 1 — a 2-mile stretch in Inver Grove Heights. Features of this section include a sandbag facade-themed underpass

and two unique interpretive memorials honoring veterans and military service. Work on the second leg of this 5-mile greenway will begin in 2025.

North Creek Greenway (Apple Valley): A ribbon-

cutting event this fall will celebrate completion of a 1.3-mile section. Added features include a bridge and the closure of two gaps in the route.

Vermillion River Greenway:

Completion of a 3.5-mile stretch that will link up with the Mississippi River Greenway at Hastings’ Levee Park.

North Creek Greenway (Lakeville/Farmington):

Completion of a 2.1-mile-long section that includes bridges crossing North Creek and wetlands.

community members and climatechange impacts on natural resource management.

The public input process remains open.

Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search vision, to share your ideas.

Also, look for our table at upcoming parks events.

A draft version of the plan should be complete this winter. The Dakota County Board will consider adopting the plan in 2025.

fall / winter 2024 | www. dakotacounty.us |

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events

Program registration for fall and winter opens at 9 a.m. Sept. 1 Below the Snow YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

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

Age: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Nature’s Produce

Fall is harvest time. Discover what nature has produced that feeds our birds and animals over the long winter months.

Activity Number: 212001-01 • Thur, Oct. 3, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-02 • Sat, Oct. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

Fantastic Foxes

Have fun learning about fox families and why these agile and smart animals are good neighbors.

Activity Number: 212001-03 • Thur, Nov. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-04 • Sat, Nov. 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

Birds in Winter

Not all of Minnesota’s birds travel south. Take a walk in the park to explore birds that stay for the winter.

Activity Number: 212001-05 • Thur, Dec. 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-06 • Sat, Dec. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Water in Winter

Plunge into winter and learn how animals have adapted to life in our snow-covered landscape.

Activity Number: 212001-07 • Thur, Jan. 2, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-08 • Sat, Jan. 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

Explore the subnivean space between snow and the ground where a community of animals thrive.

Activity Number: 212001-09 • Thur, Feb. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-10 • Sat, Feb. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Clever Coyotes

Hike through coyote territory and learn how these smart animals work together to provide for their families.

Activity Number: 212001-11 • Thur, March 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-12 • Sat, March 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

HOMESCHOOL LAB

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

Age: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Science of Spiders

Delve into the world of spiders and discover the important role they play in our ecosystems.

Activity Number: 211501-01 • Wed, Oct. 2, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-02 • Wed, Oct. 2, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-03 • Thur, Oct. 3, 1–3 p.m.

Coyote Ecology

Get to know the largest predator in the park and how to get along with urban wildlife.

Activity Number: 211501-04 • Wed, Nov. 6, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-05 • Wed, Nov. 6, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-06 • Thur, Nov. 7, 1–3 p.m.

Biology of Conifers

Meet the trees that keep their leaves as we investigate the park’s conifers.

Activity Number: 211501-07 • Wed, Dec. 4, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-08 • Wed, Dec. 4, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-09 • Thur, Dec. 5, 1–3 p.m.

FAMILY

Snow Snakes

Try your hand at this traditional Indigenous winter game and see how far your snake can go.

Activity Number: 211501-10 • Wed, Jan. 8, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-11 • Wed, Jan. 8, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-12 • Thur, Jan. 9, 1–3 p.m.

Snowshoes and Tracks

Explore the trails on snowshoes and discover what animals have been out and about.

Activity Number: 211501-13 • Wed, Feb. 5, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-14 • Wed, Feb. 5, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-15 • Thur, Feb. 6, 1–3 p.m.

Maple Syruping

Learn some syrup history and the skills to identify maples and tap your own tree.

Activity Number: 211501-16 • Wed, March 5, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-17 • Wed, March 5, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-18 • Thur, March 6, 1–3 p.m.

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month. Learn about a different, exciting topic through hands-on activities, games and nature walks. Stick around for a bonfire and s’mores.

All ages Free

Whitetail Deer

Discover the world of white-tailed deer and spot their signs in the park.

Empire Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211001-01 • Fri, Oct. 4, 6–7:30 p.m.

Raptor Center DAY CAMPS Nature Detectives

Use your sleuthing skills to search for clues and uncover who is living in the forest and what they are doing.

Age: 6–8 Fee: $25/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-01 • Thur, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–noon

Wilderness Survival

Learn shelter building, fire starting and other bushcraft skills to survive the outdoors.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $65/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-02 • Fri, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Join the Raptor Center for a live presentation about the raptors of Minnesota.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 211001-02 • Fri, Nov. 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Sky

Explore the night sky and learn about stars, comets, meteors and more.

Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211001-03 • Fri, Dec. 6, 6–7:30 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 Activity Number: 211001-04 • Fri, Jan. 3, 6–7:30 p.m.

Sledding Party

Suit up for a night of sledding and snow sculpting. Bring your own sled and artful ideas.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211001-05 • Fri, Feb. 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Bison on the Prairie

Discover the role of bison in the prairie ecosystem.

Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211001-06 • Fri, March 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

WILD ART FOR FAMILIES

Gather with friends and family to create nature-themed arts and crafts.

Fused Glass Critters

Use colorful glass to make your own insects and critters. Eagan Art House will fire your artwork in their kilns.

Creations will be ready for pickup two weeks after class.

Age: 6 and older Fee: $35/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210205-01 • Sun, Oct. 13, 1–3 p.m.

Drawing Reptiles

Meet four incredible animals and learn to capture their essence with this energetic drawing experience.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $20/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210205-02 • Thur, Dec. 5, 6–8 p.m.

Binding a Nature Journal

Sew your own journal or sketchbook out of high-quality drawing paper and decorative covers.

Age: 6 and older Fee: $35/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210205-03 • Thur, March 20, 6–8 p.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: 210902-01 • Thur–Sun, Oct. 17–20, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Join us for a night hike and learn how animals have adapted to the night and how darkness can play tricks on our senses.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211404-01 • Wed, Oct. 9, 6–8 p.m.

COBWEBS AND CACHES

Use a GPS unit to find hidden jack-o'-lantern caches and collect a prize. Bring your own GPS unit or borrow one of ours. Costumes encouraged.

All Ages Fee: $8/child; ages 5 and under free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211002-01 • Fri, Oct. 18, 5–8 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 be banding owls and sharing what makes these creatures unique.

All ages Fee: $12/person Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211711-01 • Tue, Oct. 22, 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: 211702-01 • Sat, Dec. 14, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 211702-02 • Sun, Jan. 5, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

LEARN TO ICE FISH

Join us on Holland Lake to learn the basics of ice fishing, including equipment and technique.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $10/person Holland Lake Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211104-01 • Sat, Jan. 25, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211104-02 • Sat, Feb. 8, 1–3 p.m.

FAMILY SNOWSHOE

Join a park naturalist on a guided snowshoe walk around the park.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211405-01 • Sat, Jan. 4, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211405-02 • Sat, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.–noon

PARENT CHILD 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 Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210602-01 • Sat, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 210602-02 • Sat, Jan. 25, 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-03 • Sat, Feb. 1, 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-04 • Sun, Feb. 9, 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-05 • Wed, Feb. 19, 4–6 p.m.

MAPLE SYRUPING

Experience maple syrup season up close by learning syrup history and the skills to identify maples and tap your own tree. Drop in anytime to explore the stations. Registration not required.

All ages Free East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 211712-01 • Sun, March 23, 1–4 p.m.

ADULT BEGINNER ARCHERY

Learn about archery basics, equipment and safety, and hone your new skills with target practice.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210102-01 • Sun, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Activity Number: 210102-02 • Sun, Oct. 6, 2–5 p.m.

QIGONG

NEW!

Qigong is a system of movements and meditations designed to cultivate intention, awareness and balance. Move through a sequence to support soft strength and a feeling of harmony with nature.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Camp Sacajwea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211203-01 • Sun, Oct. 6, 3–4:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 211203-02 • Sun, Oct. 20, 3–4:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 211203-03 • Sun, Nov. 3, 3–4:30 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: 211402-01 • Tue, Oct. 15, 1–3:30 p.m.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS WILD ART

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

Needle Felted Autumn Landscape

Learn how to paint with wool and create a flat felted landscape capturing autumn beauty.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-01 • Thur, Oct. 24, 6–8 p.m.

Botanical Gel Prints

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 Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210603-01 • Sat, Jan. 11, 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210603-02 • Sun, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 210603-03 • Tue, Feb. 4, 10 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 210603-04 • Thur, Feb. 20, 4–6 p.m.

Make beautiful mutilayered prints using a variety of natural materials.

Take prints home and use as cards, gift tags or framed gifts.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-02 • Tue, Nov. 12 6–8 p.m.

WINTER SNOWSHOE

Cider and Cedars

Miesville Trailhead

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.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $45/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210204-01 • Wed, Dec. 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 210204-02 • Thur, Dec. 12, 1–3 p.m.

Join a park naturalist on a gentle guided snowshoe hike.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park Activity Number: 211401-01 • Thur, Jan. 16, 2–4 p.m.

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 211401-02 • Thur, Feb. 13, 2–4 p.m.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL This family-friendly festival includes bikes to demonstrate, build-​your-skills sessions, gear talks, fix-it clinics, bike games, group rides, timed competitive events, kids’ activities and great food and beer.

All ages Free Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210801-01 Sat, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

PON T S O P

ED

Ring in the new year with candlelight ice skating, hiking and snowshoeing — conditions permitting. Slide on a lit sledding hill. Enjoy s’mores, cocoa and bonfires. Stay for Lebbie the Yeti’s family friendly New Year’s countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. Dogs not permitted.

All ages Fee: $8/person; youth ages 5 and under free. Tickets on sale Dec. 1.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional park Activity Number: 210802-01 • Tue, Dec. 31; 5–8 p.m.

Empire Shelter

Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 211401-02 • Thur, March 13, 2–4 p.m.

EVENTS

Intro to Drop Spindle Spinning

Learn how to spin your own yarn.

Learn blending, drafting and spinning techniques while using wool roving and other assorted plant and animal fibers.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $25/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-03 • Thur, Jan. 16, 6–8 p.m.

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

TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Outdoor Gear Swaps are the perfect way to get rid of items that are no longer of use to you and give them another life. Bring items to leave and take items that are new to you. Donations to the swap are not required to bring items home with you.

All ages Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 212401-01 • Wed, Sept. 11, 4–7 p.m.

OPT OUTSIDE: WHERE YOU BELONG

Enjoy the outdoors on Black Friday, Nov. 29 and join us for an openhouse style, free family event with an activity trail, geocaching and a medallion hunt. All event materials, including medallion hunt clues, will be available in English and Spanish.

All ages Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210804-01 • Fri, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Enjoy parks by flickering candlelight. A variety of crosscountry ski, snowshoe, hiking and walking trails​will be lit with hundreds of candles. Warm up with hot cocoa and crackling bonfires.

Hot cocoa provided.

All ages Fee: $8/person; youth ages 5 and under free. Tickets on sale Dec. 1.

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park Activity Number: 210803-01 • Fri, Jan. 24, 6–9 p.m.

Gathering Center

Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 210803-02 • Fri, Feb. 7, 6–9 p.m.

Thompson County Park West St. Paul

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Archery Biking Boating

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Burnsville

Canoeing/Kayaking

Rosemount Hastings

Apple Valley

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Mississippi River Greenway

Dakota Woods Dog Park

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Cross-country skiing Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring Fishing

Coates

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Geocaching Hiking

Vermillion

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Horseback riding

Farmington

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Ice skating In-line skating

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Kicksledding Miesville

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Paddleboarding Picnicking Play area

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Skate skiing

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

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Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming

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Visitor Center Walking

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Nature play

Recreational bonfire

Cannon Falls Randolph

Mountain biking

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Horseshoes

Pick up a detailed Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.

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Gardening

Lakeville

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Camper cabin Camping

North Creek Greenway

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Thompson County Park

Mississippi River Greenway

Inver Grove Heights

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Eagan

Minnesota River Greenway

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

River to River Greenway

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Mendota Heights

South St. Paul

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Big Rivers Regional Trail

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Equipment Rental

www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events

INFORMATION

REGISTRATION 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.

EQUIPMENT

Provided unless specified.

EQUIPMENT

RESERVATIONS

RENTAL

BIRTHDAYS, FIELD TRIPS AND MORE

Rent cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes and kicksleds at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental

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

Escape and recharge in the woods.

Rent a camper cabin at Whitetail Woods Regional Park.

Make a reservation at www.dakotacounty.us/parks search camper cabins.