Dakota County Parks - forever wild

06/07/2026

Happy National Prairie Day! 🌾🦬

Today we're celebrating one of Minnesota’s most iconic prairie species: the American bison. We are honored and proud to be stewards of Dakota County’s bison reintroduction program, helping reconnect these animals with the prairie landscapes they once roamed while supporting the ecological processes that keep prairies healthy and resilient.

This video, produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota through funding from Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), highlights the story of bison restoration and the partnerships that make this work possible. Through conservation, education, and stewardship, we're helping ensure these prairie landscapes remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.

Take a few minutes to watch and learn more about this remarkable effort.

Bison are important to prairie environments. They are also significant to Dakota culture and other Indigenous people. Bison are finally being reintroduced to...

06/04/2026

Summer Yoga in the Park is in full swing!

Yoga Sanctuary has curated a whole season of outdoor yoga classes designed to help quiet the mind and connect you to nature, all taking place at our cozy retreat center.

All levels of experience welcome!

Follow this link to view the summer schedule: https://tinyurl.com/mv5jdr6z

06/03/2026

Help us enhance a remnant prairie right here in Dakota County 🌾

Remnant prairies are fragments of Minnesota’s original, pre-settlement prairie landscapes that are home to rich and irreplaceable biodiversity.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington contains acres of prairie landscapes that were once used for agriculture/livestock grazing. But nestled within the park, we also have pockets of prairie that have never been tilled or converted for various land use. Preserving these areas is a top priority for us!

Join us on Tuesday, June 9th, from 5-7pm to help protect and promote these rare and amazing areas of the county.

Activities include:
🌳Removing encroaching woody species
⚒️Treating cut stumps with herbicide

No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to help and a willingness to learn!

View the details here: https://tinyurl.com/2e5vwcur

06/01/2026

Lebanon Hills Greenway Project – Public Open House June 3

Join Dakota County and their consultant KLJ Engineering for their next Public Open House. Stop by to learn more about the Lebanon Hills Greenway project and share your input on:

📅Updates to the greenway trail design and overall project schedule
🗺️Preferred alignment for trail connection from Cliff Road to Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
🌲Planned amenities and features along the trail
✏️ Opportunities to provide feedback on trail elements

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00–6:30 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123

Your input will help shape this important trail project for our community. Project displays will be available, and staff will be on hand to answer questions throughout the Open House. We hope you will join!

To find out more about the project visit: https://tinyurl.com/yekeajav

05/31/2026

Here in Dakota County, every day is Bike Day. ❤️🚲🌳

Thank you for riding along with us this May! As National Bike Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the many connections made along the trails this month. We’ve celebrated adventures to new places, quality time with family and friends, skills gained through our programs, and the excitement of trying something new.

Our greenways and park spaces are for everyone, and we look forward to creating further opportunities for connection, exploration, and community.

05/28/2026

Yoga in the Park is back! Join us this summer for a variety of outdoor yoga classes and enlightening workshops that focus on balancing energy, and promoting strength and flexibility. All thoughtfully curated by certified instructors from Yoga Sanctuary, to help you settle the mind and guide you towards deeper connection to yourself and to nature.

All levels of experience welcome 🧘

Follow this link to view the summer schedule: https://tinyurl.com/mv5jdr6z

05/28/2026

The annual Take A Kid Fishing Event is just over a week away! 🎣⭐

Get ready for a day packed with fishing, outdoor fun, and hands-on experiences for all ages on June 7th, from noon-3pm at Thompson County Park! Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s what you can look forward to:
🐟 Fishing off the Thompson Lake dock
🎣 A hands-on casting game to practice your skills
🎨 Crafts and games
😎 Educational stations led by awesome community partners
✨ Free giveaways + prizes

Want to be part of the fun behind the scenes? We’re still looking for volunteers to help make this event a success! Sign up today: https://tinyurl.com/yv27s7tc

05/27/2026

🌱Greenhouse volunteer opportunity!🌾

There are still slots available for this weekend's volunteer events at the Lebanon Hills Greenhouse! If you're curious to see the new space and learn more about our propagation program, come join us!

📆 Saturday, May 30th
⏰ 10am-noon or 1pm to 3pm
📍 Lebanon Hills Regional Park

To register, click here: https://bit.ly/4vdCWjk

05/26/2026

We have a few last minute openings in our How to Ride a Bike for Kids programs this weekend!

🚲 Sunday, May 31st from 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m.
Lebanon Hills Retreat Center

Follow this link to learn more and to register! https://tinyurl.com/4pnhun6t