Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Fall/Winter 2023

Now is a great time to make plans for the coming months at Dakota County Parks. For newcomers to winter activities, there’s so much to choose from.

Could this be the year you learn to cross-country ski? Maybe you’re ready to strap on snowshoes for the first time. Or, are you ready to try

Beginner instruction

Basic instruction is a great starting point for new outdoor enthusiasts. We offer beginner lessons at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Check out the Calendar of Events included in this publication for times, locations and more.

Don’t have your own ski equipment? We’ve got you covered. Rent equipment December through March at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center for use at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Though we set aside

Woods Regional Park. All trailheads offer parking and trail information. Skate-ski trails are available at Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead at Spring Lake Park Reserve and the West Trailhead at Lebanon Hills.

Snowshoes and kicksleds are also available for rental at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center.

If you’ve found snowshoeing is your thing, check out hikes online at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search snowshoe.

Marquee events

Whether outdoor exploration is a new experience or favorite pastime, there’s something for everyone at

something totally different — like going for a kicksled ride across a frozen lake?

Wherever you choose to start, we have a slate of options for cold-weather newbies.

equipment for walk-up rentals, it’s best to secure equipment by placing a rental reservation in advance through our online system. Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks and search equipment.

We offer miles of dual-track classic cross-country ski trails in three parks. Access them from trailheads located around Lebanon Hills Regional Park, at the Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead in Spring Lake Park Reserve or at Whitetail

our most popular winter events — the New Year’s Eve Party and Trails by Candlelight.

Both events offer family-friendly activities that suit different levels of exploration, from groomed ski trails to plowed walking surfaces, all lit by candlelight. And don’t forget to cozy up next to bonfires with s’mores and hot cocoa.

There’s a whole other world to explore in Dakota County Parks once the summer gear is packed away for the season.

Winter walks

Meanwhile, fans of our greenway system may be happy to learn they’re open yearround. All the paved greenways are plowed in the winter, ensuring they are accessible for all visitors even in the snowy months.

One great winter walk is the Mississippi River Greenway at Spring Lake Park Reserve. Start your adventure at the Fahey Trailhead and head east, where you can view the park’s bison herd. Or, consider

Patrolling with passion

There they are each winter — cruising along to be sure Dakota County’s crosscountry ski trails are safe.

We enlist the help of up to 40 volunteers each year to patrol the ski trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve and Whitetail Woods Regional Park. Ski patrol members keep a close eye on trail conditions. They also ensure skiers and other park visitors help preserve the excellent ski conditions that users have come to expect.

Gamlin took up patrolling about 20 years ago after deciding to blend his love of skiing Dakota County’s trails with his desire to volunteer. Fellow patroller Paul Kraus also volunteers at our popular Trails by Candlelight event. He finds ski patrolling to be a rewarding experience that allows him to coach new skiers.

starting from the park’s Schaar’s Bluff Trailhead, where visitors can access heated restrooms and a warming area inside the blufftop gathering center.

It’s a fun way to volunteer while enjoying a healthy activity, said patrollers John Gamlin and Anne Shadrick.

Shadrick, who grew up in Finland “with skis on my feet,” said she loves the educational aspect. That, and weaving through our wooded trails.

In addition to being a friendly, helpful presence on the trails, Dakota County ski patrollers can provide first aid. Ski patrollers carry cellphones and help assist during emergencies, and receive free patrol training and CPR certification.

Learn more about ski patrolling and other volunteer opportunities by visiting www.dakotacounty.us, search volunteers.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

www.dakotacounty.us/parks,

click Programs & Events

Program registration for fall and winter opens Sept. 1

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

Squirrel Tales

Learn about squrriels, what they eat and where they live.

Activity Number: 212001-01

• Thur, Oct. 5; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-02

• Sat, Oct. 14; 10–11:30 a.m.

Big Birds

Learn about crows, turkeys and eagles and what makes these big birds special.

Activity Number: 212001-03

• Thur, Nov. 2; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-04

• Sat, Nov. 11; 10–11:30 a.m.

Tracks and Signs

Use clues you find to discover which animals are living in the park.

Activity Number: 212001-05

• Thur, Dec. 7; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-06

• Sat, Dec. 9; 10–11:30 a.m.

The Hibernators of Winter

Focus on hibernating animals and how and where these critters spend the winter.

Activity Number: 212001-07

• Thur, Jan. 4; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-08

• Sat, Jan. 6; 10–11:30 a.m.

Oh, Deer!

Discover how whitetail deer live through the winter.

Activity Number: 212001-09

• Thur, Feb. 1; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-10

• Sat, Feb. 3; 10–11:30 a.m.

TREE TALES

Learn how trees tell stories, how you can talk to a tree and explore parts of a tree.

Activity Number: 212001-11

• Thur, March 7; 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 212001-12

• Sat, March 9; 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 Leaves

Explore the science of why leaves change color in the fall and how trees adapt to survive the winter.

Activity Number: 211501-01

• Wed, Oct. 4; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-02

• Wed, Oct. 4; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-03

• Thur, Oct. 5; 1–3 p.m.

Geology

Learn about Minnesota’s geologic history and how the landscape was formed.

Activity Number: 211501-04

• Wed, Nov. 1; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-05

• Wed, Nov. 1; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-06

• Thur, Nov. 2; 1–3 p.m.

Oh, Deer!

Delve into deer biology and behavior and see if you can survive as a winter whitetail.

Activity Number: 211501-07

• Wed, Dec. 6; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-08

• Wed, Dec. 6; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-09

• Thur, Dec. 7; 1–3 p.m.

Ice Art

Discover how to create art with ice and snow and make your own wintery masterpieces.

Activity Number: 211501-10

• Wed, Jan. 3; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-11

• Wed, Jan. 3; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-12

• Thur, Jan. 4; 1–3 p.m.

Snowshoeing

Learn how snowshoes have changed over time and head off trail with a guide to explore the park.

Activity Number: 211501-13

• Wed, Feb. 7; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-14

• Wed, Feb. 7; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-15

• Thur, Feb. 8; 1–3 p.m.

Woodland Wayfinding Practice different methods of “staying found” in the forest.

Activity Number: 211501-16

• Wed, March 6; 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 211501-17

• Wed, March 6; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211501-18

• Thur, March 7; 1–3 p.m.

NATURE DETECTIVES: DAY CAMP

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

Age: 8–12

Fee: $65/youth Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210406-01

• Wed, March 27; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

FAMILY

FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Explore new trails and habitats throughout our park system. Enjoy activities and a bonfire with s’mores.

All ages Free

Jolly Pops

Sing and clap along to the Jolly Pops as they perform fun, kid-friendly songs.

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 211001-01

• Fri, Oct. 6; 6–7:30 p.m.

Raptor Center

Join the Raptor Center for a live presentation Minnesota birds of prey.

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 211001-02

• Fri, Nov. 3; 6–7:30 p.m.

Winter Stories

Engage with stories about winter and hibernation from storyteller Katie Knutson.

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park Activity Number: 211001-03

• Fri, Dec. 1; 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: 211001-04

• Fri, Jan. 5; 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: 211001-05

• Fri, Feb. 2; 6–7:30 p.m.

Nature Bingo

Play bingo with a twist during our family-friendly game night.

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 211001-06

• Fri, March 1; 6–7:30 p.m.

OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Drop off unused outdoor gear or pick up new-to-you gear. Don’t have anything to give away?

That’s OK — all are welcome. Please do not bring chemicals or broken items. If you can’t make the event but have an item to donate, use the early drop-off option on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 1–4 p.m.

All ages

Free

Dakota Lodge

Thompson County Park

Activity Number: 212401-01

• Fri, Sept. 15; 5–7 p.m.

STORY TRAIL

Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.

All ages

Free

McDonough Lake Loop

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210902-01

• Thur–Sun, Oct. 19–22; 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. 18; 6–8 p.m.

NORTHERN SAW-WHET BANDING

Learn about one of Minnesota’s smallest 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: 211711-01

• Thur, Oct. 26; 8–9 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. 27; 5–8 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. 16; 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 211702-02

• Sun, Jan. 7; 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. 27; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211104-02

• Sat, Feb. 10; 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

• Fri, Jan. 5; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211405-02

• Sat, Feb. 17; 10 a.m.–noon

PARENT CHILD CROSSCOUNTRY 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. 13; 10 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 210602-02

• Sat, Jan. 27; 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-03

• Sat, Feb. 3; 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-04

• Sun, Feb. 11; 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210602-05

• Wed, Feb. 21; 4–6 p.m.

ADULT

BEGINNER ARCHERY

Learn everything from stance to follow through, equipment styles and archery 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. 8; 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Activity Number: 210102-02

• Sun, Oct. 8; 2–5 p.m.

Activity Number: 210102-03

• Mon, Oct. 16; 10 a.m.–1 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: 211402-01

• Thur, Oct. 19; 1–3:30 p.m.

CIDER AND CEDARS

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. 13; 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 210204-02

• Thur, Dec. 14; 1–3 p.m.

NEEDLE-FELTED FLOWER BROACH

Craft your own piece of wearable art. Learn about the tools and materials involved in the felting process.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $25/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-01

• Thur, Nov. 16; 6–8 p.m.

NATURE JOURNALING

Each week use creative prompts and nature walks to practice techniques of observational drawing to capture nature in your journal.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $30/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 210202-02

• Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19; 6–8 p.m.

WINTER SNOWSHOE

Join a park naturalist on a gentle guided snowshoe hike.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $15/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 211401-01

• Thur, Jan. 18; 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 211401-02

• Thur, Feb. 15; 2–4 p.m.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

EVENTS

OPT OUTSIDE:

HERE, THERE BE MONSTERS!

Join us for the annual open housestyle, free family event with an activity trail, geocaching and a medallion hunt — only on Black Friday. Visit the Parks website for the medallion hunt clue schedule and other details.

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. 13; 2–4 p.m.

Activity Number: 210603-02

• Sat, Jan. 27; 10 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 210603-03

• Sun, Feb. 11; 10 a.m.–noon

Activity Number: 210603-04

• Thur, Feb. 22; 10 a.m.–noon

SKI WITH A NATURALIST

Explore the cross-country ski trails with a naturalist. Must be comfortable skiing on varied terrain up to 5K. Participants must bring their own equipment.

Age: 16 and older

Fee: $25/person

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 210604-01

• Thur, Feb. 15; 10 a.m.–noon

Empire Shelter

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Activity Number: 210604-02

• Sat, Feb. 24; 10 a.m.–noon

All ages

Free

Visitor Center

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Activity Number: 210804-01

• Fri, Nov. 24; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

YETI FOR SOME NEW YEAR FUN?

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

• Sun, Dec. 31; 5–8 p.m.

2024 2024

TRAILS BY CANDLELIGHT

Enjoy each park by flickering candlelight and warm up with crackling bonfires and cocoa. A variety of trails will be lit — conditions permitting. Bring your own equipment. Dogs not permitted. Dakota County Parks ski pass required for skiers.

All ages

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

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River as you enjoy candlelight cross-country ski trails and plowed walking paths.

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Gathering Center

Activity Number: 210803-01

• Fri, Jan. 19; 6–9 p.m.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Enjoy award-winning cross-country ski trails, hiking and snowshoe trails, and plowed walking paths — all by candlelight. Ski and snowshoe rental available. Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center

Activity Number: 210803-02

• Fri, Feb. 9; 6–9 p.m.

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

RESERVATIONS

BIRTHDAYS,

FIELD TRIPS 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

Refreshing the rules

Everyone should feel they belong in Dakota County Parks. That was a priority when we recently updated the ordinance for park visitors.

The updated ordinance, last revised in 1997, was approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in May and takes effect in October. Input from many residents — especially those from

communities traditionally underrepresented in parks — helped guide the update.

The ordinance is meant to support safe, inclusive and enjoyable park experiences. We’ve simplified terms in the ordinance, added new activities and increased the emphasis on protection of natural resources.

Parks and greenways remain free to use. Parks

click Programs & Events

are still open from 5 a.m.–10 p.m., and the greenway system will be open 24/7 for travel. There are other changes, which we’ve made to represent evolving user trends. For example, foraging, such as berries and mushrooms, and hammocking are allowed within established guidelines. We’ve also made clear that e-bikes, which are increasingly popular among cyclists of all ages, are welcome on greenways and trails within the posted speed limit.

We will, however, continue enforcing the rules to be sure everyone can enjoy our parks.

Residents and park visitors can look for new signs and more information about the updated ordinance in the coming months.

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