From Oct. 13–Dec. 5, Dakota County is hosting We Are Water, a traveling exhibit where community members will learn about our connection to water in our local areas and throughout the state at an interactive display.Locations
- Pleasant Hill Library, Hastings
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center, Eagan (closed Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-23)
The We Are Water exhibit will include personal stories from county residents, historical events, and scientific information such as conservation, water usage and pollution prevention.
This event aims to strengthen visitors' relationship with water, share new perspectives, and increase awareness and participation in water protection activities.
Events and related activities
All events and activities are free and open to the public. Visit this page often as event information will be added.
Story Trail: We Are Water Protectors
Enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends and read from giant picture book pages displayed in the park. We are Water Protectors is a 2021 Caldecott Medal winner and No. 1 New York Times bestseller by Anishinaabe and Metis author Carole Lindstrom.
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
860 Cliff Road, Eagan
Nov. 25-27, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Dakota and Ojibwe Water Storytime
Join us to hear Tanagidan To win (Tara Perron) read from her Indigenous children's books about water, mother earth and traditional storytelling. Geared for youth ages 3 and older and their families.
Pleasant Hill Library
Monday, Nov. 28, 6–6:45 p.m.
Opt Outside Day
Stop by the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center and participate in the several water-themed activities on Opt Outside Day. Stroll along the Water is Life Activity Trail, use your GPS or phone app to search for themed geocaches or take part in the annual medallion hunt. For more information, visit the Opt Outside event page.
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Groups invited to visit
Groups, such as schools, civic organizations, churches, living centers and more, are invited to schedule a visit to the We Are Water Minnesota exhibit. A guided 45-minute session includes an introduction to We Are Water Minnesota, an audio story from a Dakota County resident, and free time to explore the exhibit. Optional activities are available for extended tours. Contact Paula Liepold at paula.liepold@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7117 for more information and to schedule your group's visit.
Volunteer and take action
There are several ways you can get involved and make a difference in your local community to protect water resources.
Protect our Water Commit to Action List
Learn more
For more information about the Minnesota Humanities Center and the We Are Water event, visit the We Are Water program page.
We Are Water partners and resources
We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Department of Agriculture. We also partnered and collaborated with Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District and Vermillion River Watershed.
We Are Water MN is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.