Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Spring/Summer 2023

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2023

Raising the stakes Park improvements enhance camping experience www.dakotacounty.us/parks

INSIDE

Family Fridays Music in the Park Day Camps

Dakota County Parks remain a destination for people looking to pitch tents, park RVs and cozy up in camper cabins.

Camping is available at three regional parks: Lebanon Hills, Whitetail Woods and Lake Byllesby. Each park features unique offerings, recent upgrades and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Considered the county’s flagship park, Lebanon Hills offers campers a nearly 2,000-acre outdoor oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities metro. Visitors have access to top-flight mountain bike trails, a series of lakes to be paddled, a popular beach, paved walking paths and miles of hiking trails — to name just a few activities available.

Lebanon Hills offers RV and tent camping. There are 58 sites with full RV hook-ups (water, sewer and 50-amp electricity). Additional 30-amp electric and nonelectric sites are available for tent or RV camping.

RV campers will find brand-new paved pads at the full hook-up sites.

The upgraded surface replaced gravel pads in 2022.

Amenities include on-site caretakers, a camp store, laundry, picnic tables, fire rings, accessible restrooms with showers, a dump station and six accessible campsites.

Lake Byllesby Regional Park A half-hour’s drive from almost anywhere in Dakota County, Lake Byllesby represents a true escape from the city.

Campground upgrades in 2020 brought paved sites to all 83 camping spots at Lake Byllesby, many with lakeside views. Camping amenities include on-site caretakers, a camp store, picnic tables, fire rings, accessible restrooms and firewood for purchase.

Here, water is the star of the show.

Lake Byllesby — a human-made reservoir formed by the damming of the Cannon River — draws boaters, anglers, paddlers and swimmers who can access a popular park beach. A separate park operated by neighboring Goodhue County can be seen across the reservoir.

Campers looking for quieter grounds and the opportunity to camp closer to friends and family may wish to consider midweek camping. Weekend camping reservations fill quickly.

Getting on the water is easy at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, which offers separate launches for motorized and nonmotorized boats. Scenic bluffs, birding and spectacular sunsets are just some of the offerings.

Visitors in search of a unique camping experience seek out this park — the newest in the Dakota County Parks system.

Up for more water fun? The park also features a splash pad that’s open midMay through September. Families will also enjoy a nature play area next to the splash pad.

Sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier and a connection to the Cannon Valley Trail round out the offerings at Lake Byllesby. Outside the park, visitors can explore the surrounding Cannon River Valley, including attractions in Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Whitetail Woods, located in the geographic center of Dakota County, opened in 2014 and is the only

See the

bison park in the system to offer year-round camping. Pick from five camper cabins — three elevated cabins situated in a pine forest and two modern-design cabins located on the edge of a prairie.

All cabins sleep six and include full- or queen-sized bunkbeds, a sleeper sofa, a table with four chairs, comfortable deck chairs, a ceiling fan, a picnic table and a fire ring. The cabins have electricity, heat and nearby accessible restrooms with showers.

Visitors flock to Whitetail Woods for great hiking, snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing. Families will enjoy Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area, located near the park’s amphitheater and a shelter.

The cabins are immensely popular, so book early. Reservations open 120 days in advance at 7 a.m. Looking to get lucky? Watch for cancellations in the one- to two-week time frame.

Visit www.dakotacounty/parks, search camping for more information.

Book it

Campground usage remains strong Campers like what Dakota County Parks has to offer — and the numbers back it up.

Campground reservations have held strong at Lebanon Hills Regional Park since 2018 and grown significantly during the same period at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. Whitetail Woods Regional Park camper cabins are always popular.

Here’s a snapshot of 2022 campground and camper cabin use:

Lake Byllesby campers: 8,993 Occupancy rate: 41% weeknights 96% weekends

Lebanon Hills campers: 11,330 Occupancy rate: 69% weeknights 97% weekends

Whitetail Woods camper cabins (2021–2022): 4,094 Occupancy rate: 98% weeknights and weekends

After a bit of winter solitude, the Spring Lake Park Reserve bison will be more visible — with opportunities to welcome and learn about the Bison Prairie — this spring.

The animals spent their first several months in a secluded area of Spring Lake Park Reserve Bison Prairie as they adjusted to their new surroundings following their reintroduction to the park in fall 2022.

Now acclimated, the eight bison will be roaming different areas of the park where they’ll be more visible to the public.

That will include a Bison Welcome Week in May. Look for updates in early April on the Parks’ bison webpage and our social media channels. Follow our Parks Facebook page and subscribe to our e-news for regular updates.

The Dakota County bison join Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, Minneopa State Park, Blue Mounds State Park and Minnesota Zoological Garden and as members of the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd — an effort to establish a healthy, stable herd of 500 genetically diverse bison.

Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and search bison for more information.

Watch a video of the Dakota County bison herd:

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

Program registration for spring/summer opens March 1.

Fall Migration YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

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

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

Bison

Learn how these huge animals live on the prairie and create a bison hoofprint to take home.

Activity Number: 112001-01 • Thu, April 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-02 • Sat, April 15, 10–11:30 a.m.

Spring Trees

Trees are waking up from their long winter sleep. Take a walk through the woods to explore how trees get ready for summer.

Activity Number: 112001-03 • Thu, May 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-04 • Sat, May 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

Not every animal wants to live in Minnesota during the wintertime.

Explore which animals stay and which move to warmer places.

Activity Number: 112001-11 • Thu, Sept. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-12 • Sat, Sept. 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

HOMESCHOOL LAB

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

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

Clouds and Weather

Use a combination of environmental signs and meteorological observations to make a weather forecast.

Activity Number: 111501-01 • Wed, April 5, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-02 • Wed, April 5, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-03 • Thu, April 6, 1–3 p.m.

Nesting Birds

The lake is home to animals big and small. Explore the lake to learn what calls this place home.

Activity Number: 112001-05 • Thu, June 8, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-06 • Sat, June 10, 10–11:30 a.m.

Look high and low to spot a variety of bird nests and learn about each species and how they create their nests.

Activity Number: 111501-04 • Wed, May 3, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-05 • Wed, May 3, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-06 • Thu, May 4, 1–3 p.m.

Helpful Insects

Fish On!

Who Lives in the Water?

Learn how dragonflies, bees and other pollinator insects help us.

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

Activity Number: 112001-07 • Thu, July 13, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-08 • Sat, July 15, 10–11:30 a.m.

Prairie Flowers

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

Activity Number: 112001-09 • Thu, Aug. 10, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-10 • Sat, Aug. 12, 10–11:30 a.m.

Owl Fun FAMILY

Learn fish anatomy and common Minnesota species and see what we catch.

Activity Number: 111501-07 • Wed, June 7, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-08 • Wed, June 7, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-09 • Thu, June 8, 1–3 p.m.

Bison on the Prairie

Explore how the bison and the prairie ecosystem are connected.

Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111501-10 • Wed, Sept. 13, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-11 • Wed, Sept. 13, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-12 • Thu, Sept. 14, 1–3 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

Animal Crafts

Join us for a series of animal inspired crafts to make and take home.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111001-01 • Fri, April 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Learn about snakes, turtles and toads with a live presentation from Dodge Nature Center.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111001-02 • Fri, May 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

Nature Play

Explore Fawn Crossing nature play space through guided activities and free-form play.

Fawn Crossing Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-03 • Fri, June 2, 6–7:30 p.m.

Campfire Stories

Listen to campfire stories and join call and response songs.

Lake Byllesby Beach Lake Byllesby Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-04 • Fri, July 7, 6–7:30 p.m.

Fun and Games

Join us for lawn games in the park.

Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-05 • Fri, Aug. 4, 6–7:30 p.m.

Learn all about owls by making an owl mask, dissecting an owl pellet and taking a self-guided owl walk.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-06 • Fri, Sept. 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

STARWATCH

See the stars and hear meteorologist Mike Lynch share stories about constellations and their legends.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $10/person Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111704-01 • Thu, April 20, 8:15–10:15 p.m.

FAMILY HIKE

Learn about the seasons and what’s happening outdoors during a naturalist-led walk in the park.

All ages Free Thompson County Park Trailhead Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111403-04 • Sun, April 30, 10–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111403-05 • Sun, July 23, 10–11 a.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: 110902-01 • Fri–Mon, May 26–29, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

McDonough Lake Loop

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110902-02 • Fri–Mon, Sept. 1–4, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

WOODCOCK WALK

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to spot the bird’s aerial display.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111702-01 • Thu, April 6, 7:30–9 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

Spend time with a child learning canoeing basics 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: 111902-01 • Mon, June 5, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-02 • Mon, July 24, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-03 • Sun, July 30, 9–10:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 111902-04 • Mon, Aug. 7, 6:30–8 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

Spend time with a child learning kayaking basics 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: 111901-01 • Tue, June 6, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-02 • Tue, July 25, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-03 • Sun, Aug. 6, 9–10:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 111901-04 • Tue, Aug. 8, 6:30–8 p.m.

SPARK! MOBILE

Join the City of Eagan’s puppet wagon for family friendly puppet shows and activities.

All ages Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110203-01 • Fridays, June 23–Aug. 4, 10–10:45 a.m.

FAMILY WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-03 • Sun, May 7, 1–2:30 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: $12/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111302-01 • Sun, May 14, 11 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 111302-02 • Sun, May 14, 1–2 p.m.

BISON BIKE

Join a naturalist on a gentle, guided 10-mile bike ride through Spring Lake Park Reserve on the Mississippi River Greenway. Stop along the trail to learn about the bison. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet.

Age: 10 and older Fee: $5/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110303-01 • Sun, June 11, 1–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 110303-02 • Wed, July 26, 9 a.m.–noon

BUILD A KITE

Join David Herzig, member of Minnesota Kite Society, to build a kite where you select the pattern and color.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $8/child Empire Lake Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-06 • Sat, Aug. 19, 4–5:30 p.m.

BOTANICAL SUN PRINTS

Capture the beauty of plants with the creative art of cyanotypes or sun prints. Go on a nature hike to gather materials and then let the sunshine help create your own unique artwork. Workshop led by an Eagan Art House teaching artist.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $8/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-04 • Sat, April 29, 2–4 p.m.

OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

PARENT/CHILD ARCHERY

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

Age: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101-01 • Sun, Sept. 10, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110101-02 • Sun, Sept. 10, 1–4 p.m.

NATURE’S PAINT PALETTE

Discover pigments found in nature and explore how to make your own eco-friendly paint and tools.

Workshop led by an Eagan Art House teaching artist.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $8/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-05 • Wed, Sept. 13, 6–8 p.m.

Drop off unused and gently used outdoor gear or pick up new-to-you gear.

All ages Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 212401-01 • Fri, April 21, 1–4 p.m.

INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for a hands-on 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: 111102-01 • Sat, April 29, 10 a.m.–noon

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 Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111102-02 • Thu, May 11, 6–8 p.m.

WILDFLOWER WALK ADULT NATURE JOURNALING SERIES Use creative prompts and nature walks each week to practice observational drawing to capture nature in your journal.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Camp Sacajawea Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-01 • Tuesdays, April 11, 18 and 25, 6–8 p.m.

NEEDLE FELTED LANDSCAPE

Learn to paint with wool, silk and more using a tactile form of needle felting to create a felted landscape.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-02 • Wed, April 19, 6–8 p.m.

MILKWEED PAPERMAKING Learn how to create paper using natural fibers and native prairie seeds.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110201-03 • Wed, Sept. 20, 6–7:30 p.m.

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

Learn basic wildflower identification while exploring the trails.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-01 • Sun, May 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon Trout Brook Shelter Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-02 • Sun, May 7, 1–2:30 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 Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111406-01 • Tue, May 23, 1:30–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 111406-02 • Sun, June 11, 6:30–9 p.m.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

FISH CAMP

Bird with a naturalist along the Mississippi River Greenway and explore the unique vantage points along the river.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Swing Bridge Trailhead Mississippi River Greenway Activity Number: 111701-01 • Tue, May 2, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Lock and Dam No. 2 Trailhead Mississippi River Greenway Activity Number: 111701-02 • Tue, May 9, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Pine Bend Bluffs Trailhead Mississippi River Greenway Activity Number: 111701-03 • Tue, May 16, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

BEGINNING BIRDING

Explore new birding locations in the park and learn basic birding tips and identification.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111705-01 • Fri, April 28, 8:30–10 a.m.

Thompson County Park Trailhead Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111705-02 • Tue, May 2, 6–7:30 p.m.

Jensen Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111705-03 • Fri, May 12, 8:30–10 a.m.

BIKE THE TRAIL

Enjoy a gentle, guided bike ride between the Big Rivers and Lilydale trailheads. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Big Rivers Trailhead Big Rivers Regional Trail Activity Number: 110302-01 • Thu, June 1, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR MEN

Learn mountain biking skills for men from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more.

For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older Fee: $65/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-01 • Wednesdays, May 17, 24 and 31, 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: $65/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-02 • Wednesdays, May 17, 24 and 31, 6–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 110301-03 • Wednesdays, July 26, Aug. 2 and 9, 6–8 p.m.

CAMPS LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No previous experience required.

Age: 6–10 Fee: $55/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110406-01 • Wed, June 14, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110406-02 • Tue, June 20, 5–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 110406-03 • Wed, July 19, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110406-04 • Wed, Aug. 23, 9 a.m.–noon

SMALL FRY FISH CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for the youngest anglers. Learn the basics of fishing, how to cast, tie knots and get out on the water to catch the big one.

Age: 6–8 Fee: $55/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110407-01 • Fri, June 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities. Spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $125/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-01 • Wed–Fri, June 21–23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $125/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-02 • Wed–Fri, June 28–30, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

OUT(DOOR) ADVENTURES

From outdoor recreation and survival skills to journaling and crafts, experience camp favorites in a program for LGBTQ+ campers and allies.

Age: 12–15 Fee: $125/youth Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110419-01 • Wed–Fri, June 21–23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

ARCHERY CAMP

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

Age: 8–12 Fee: $125/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-01 • Mon–Fri, June 26-30, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110402-03 • Mon–Fri, July 17–21, 9 a.m.–noon Age: 10–14 Fee: $125/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-02 • Mon–Fri, June 26–30, 1–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 110402-04 • Mon-Fri, July 17-21, 1–4 p.m.

BACKYARD BIOLOGIST

Use the park for fun science experiments, from backyard bugs to playground physics.

Age: 6–8 Fee: $125/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110418-01 • Wed–Fri, July 5–7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $135/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-01 • Mon–Thu, July 10–13, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110403-03 • Mon–Thu, July 31–Aug. 3, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $135/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-02 • Mon–Thu, July 10–13, 9 a.m.–noon

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP

Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires and learning knot-tying skills, wayfinding and more.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $175/youth Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-01 • Mon–Fri, July 10–14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

JUNIOR NATURALISTS CAMP

Get a feel for science by working with park naturalists and ecologists to track and study plant and animal populations.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $175/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110417-01 • Mon–Fri, July 17–21, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

MYTHICAL CREATURES CAMP

Investigate the truth behind Minnesota’s creature myths and create some of your own.

Age: 7–9 Fee: $125/youth Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110411-01 • Wed–Fri, Aug. 9–11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

BOOKS IN THE WOODS CAMP

Read a different book each day and use the story to explore the park in this camp for our littlest nature explores.

Age: 4–6 Fee: $125/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110412-01 • Mon–Fri, Aug. 14–18, 9 a.m.–noon

EVENTS BISON WELCOME COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Welcome the return of the bison to Bison Prairie.

All ages Free Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Event details to be released in April at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search bison.

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 hooking, casting and more.

All ages Free North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110801-01 • Sun, June 11, Noon–3 p.m.

Summer

Solstice

A FESTIVAL FOR ALL

Solsticio de Verano Un festival para todos

ADVANCED MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Take your riding to the next level by diving deeper into bike skills and body separation drills. Must have completed previous Dakota County Mountain Bike Camp and be able to ride black trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Age: 11–15 Fee: $135/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-04 • Mon–Thu, Aug. 7–10, 9 a.m.–noon

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

MUSIC IN THE PARK

EQUIPMENT

RESERVATIONS

RENTAL

BIRTHDAYS, FIELD TRIPS AND MORE

Celebrate the summer with live music, yard games, food and fun.

All ages Free Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110803-01 • Wed, June 21, 6–9:03 p.m. (sunset)

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.

PAYMENT

SCHOLARSHIPS

Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Call 952-891-7000.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL

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.

Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL

Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

ACCESSIBILITY

EQUIPMENT

Provided unless specified.

Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center. www.dakotacounty.us/ parks, search equipment rental.

Head to Whitetail Woods for entertaining musical performances and tasty food truck snacks.

All ages Free Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601-01 • Tue, June 27, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-02 • Tue, July 25, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-03 • Tue, Aug. 29, 5–7 p.m.

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

River to River Greenway

Biking Boating Camper cabin

Eagan

Minnesota River Greenway

Mississippi River Greenway

Inver Grove Heights

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Camping Canoeing/Kayaking Cross-country skiing

Spring Lake Park Reserve North Creek Greenway Burnsville

Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring Fishing

Rosemount Hastings

Apple Valley

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Mississippi River Greenway

Dakota Woods Dog Park

Gardening Geocaching Hiking Horseback riding

Coates

Ice skating

Vermillion

In-line skating

Farmington

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Horseshoes Lakeville

Kicksledding

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Mountain biking Nature playground Miesville

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Paddleboarding Picnicking Playground Recreational bonfire Sand volleyball

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

Cannon Falls Randolph

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Skate skiing

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Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming Beach Visitor Center Walking

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Archery

Thompson County Park

Mendota Heights

PARKS & GREENWAYS

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Big Rivers Regional Trail

South St. Paul

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

West St. Paul

DAKOTA COUNTY

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Thompson County Park

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Equipment Rental

www.dakotacounty.us/parks