Washington County Parks MN

09/04/2026

We are just about a week away from the annual Washington County Bluegrass Festival. It fuses community, the great outdoors, and homegrown bluegrass music. It’s our way of celebrating a successful summer season and giving thanks to everyone for supporting Washington County Parks. We hope to see you there!

09/03/2026

Do you have some gently used outdoor gear you no longer need? Participate in the Outdoor Gear Swap!

Washington County is collecting gently used outdoor gear for a swap in September. Drop off items you no longer want or need at an Environmental Center, located in Forest Lake and Woodbury, through September 12.

Examples of items accepted include:
• Camping accessories.
• Hiking accessories.
• Fishing accessories. (No lead items.)
• Hunting accessories. (No weapons or clothing.)
• Bicycling accessories.

Find a full list of accepted and not accepted items at WashCoRecycles.com/Reuse.

09/01/2026

Grab your fishing pole and join us for another Free Tuesday in our Parks! Visit any of our parks for free today, no vehicle permit required.

08/31/2026

There is just one week left to submit your vendor applications for Christmas at the Courthouse! Experience the splendor of the holiday season with the 33rd anniversary of Christmas at the Historic Courthouse. More information is available on our website: https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/4287

08/28/2026

Heads up! This burn will support ongoing habitat management as well train firefighters responding to a fire event within the park.

Live Fire Training!

Date: August 31, 2026

Location: Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Time: 18:00 - 21:00

The Lake Elmo Fire Department will be working closely with the Washington County Parks Department to conduct brush fire training within the park reserve. Smoke and fire will be visible from Stillwater Blvd N and Stillwater Ln N.

08/28/2026

St. Croix Bluffs Beach is now OPEN as testing confirmed the water is safe for swimming after elevated levels of E. coli were discovered earlier this week.

08/26/2026

St. Croix Bluffs Beach will be closed until further notice due to elevated levels of E. coli. Parks staff will reopen the beach when testing confirms the water is safe for swimming.

08/25/2026

Join us this Saturday at the Historic Courthouse from 1-2:30 p.m. to discover the history of the jail through an in-depth look at crime, inmate life, and daring escape attempts. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of all three cell blocks and the Sheriff’s Residence, along with a special hands-on artifacts session where you can explore and interact with historic items up close. Reserve your spot now before they fill up: https://bit.ly/3S7H3Qg

08/24/2026

Taking part in the Parks & Trails Visitor Study is simple — and it makes a real impact. If you’re invited to participate while visiting a park or trail:
• The survey takes about 10–15 minutes
• You can complete it on the spot or later via QR code
• Your responses are anonymous

The study, led by the Metropolitan Council with support from Wilder Research, helps ensure parks and trails continue to meet the needs of our communities. It’s quick, easy, and helps make our beloved parks & trails better for everyone. Learn more: www.metrocouncil.org/parkvisitor

08/19/2026

Reminder! The Swim Pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve will be closed for the season on Sunday, August 23. After the swim pond closes, it will be drained for seasonal maintenance. Soak up this last weekend to take a swim!