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.
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.
A vision for 2050
Dakota County Parks has its eyes on the future.
Over the past several months, we’ve been gathering information and
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.
And while we consider expansion possibilities, the greater focus is
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.
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
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.
Growing greenways
Dakota County’s greenway system continues expanding. 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 ribboncutting 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.
Program registration for fall and winter opens at 9 a.m. Sept. 1 PROGRAMS & EVENTS
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.
Below the Snow
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.
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.
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.
FAMILY
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
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
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. NEW!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
WINTER SNOWSHOE
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 Trailhead
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
Activity Number: 211401-02
• Thur, Feb. 13, 2–4 p.m.
Empire Shelter
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Activity Number: 211401-02
• Thur, March 13, 2–4 p.m.
EVENTS
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.
WILD RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL
POSTPONED
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.
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.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
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.
TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT
Enjoy parks by flickering candlelight. A variety of crosscountry ski, snowshoe, hiking and walking trailswill 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.
Pick up a detailed Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.
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
RENTAL
Rent cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes and kicksleds at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center.
www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental
Celebrate a
or book a private program in Dakota County Parks.
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve
Rent a camper cabin at Whitetail Woods Regional Park.
Make a reservation at www.dakotacounty.us/parks search camper cabins.
