Park rules
A full list of park rules is detailed in 
Dakota County Ordinance 107 – Park Use. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to inform group members of park rules.
Emergencies and severe weather
For emergencies or to contact Park Patrol, dial 911. For non-emergencies, issues with the facility (power outage, etc.) and all other inquiries, first call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530. If after-hours, please call the Parks 24-Hour Facility Assistance Line at 651-438-4388.
Picnic shelters are not designated storm shelter areas. Please be informed about severe weather and take steps to maintain personal safety.
Accessibility
Please contact the Dakota County Parks office at 952-891-7000 or parks@co.dakota.mn.us for more information on shelter accessibility.
Food and alcohol
Catering vehicles must remain in the parking lot. If you are having your event serviced by a professional caterer, inform the caterer of the distance and accessibility of the service area from the parking lot prior to the event.
For food trucks and other mobile food units (e.g., wood-fired pizza ovens), Dakota County requires a copy of a state-issued mobile food license and certificate of liability insurance naming Dakota County as additionally insured with liability coverage of $1 million and automobile coverage of $1 million. Once these certificates are received and approved, Dakota County will issue a Special Use Permit which specifies approved food truck parking/setup locations.
Charcoal grills are available for use near all picnic shelters. Leave hot coals to cool in the grill. Do not attempt to clean the grill and empty coals in a nearby trash can or dumpster. You may bring additional charcoal or gas grills for use in designated picnic areas.
Beer and wine are permitted in picnic areas only. Consumption of any alcoholic beverage is not permitted on roadways or in parking lots. Kegs, barrels, case lots and other bulk quantities of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. Hard liquor and controlled substances of any kind are prohibited.
Cleanup
Please return the picnic shelter and grounds to pre-use condition. Return all picnic tables to their pre-use location, remove temporary signs, rake or sweep piñata fragments, etc. Use the Picnic Shelter Self-Checkout Form as a guide to all cleanup responsibilities. The Empire Lake and North picnic shelters have their own checkout form.
Signs & banners
Temporary signs or banners (directional, decorative, informational) must be free-standing and not affixed in any way to any park picnic shelter or park feature (bench, tree, etc.) All signs and banners must be removed by the end of the rental period.
Portable structures
Because of underground utilities, the use of tarps, tents, canopies, bounce houses and other inflatables is by Special Use Permit only. Locations for staked tarps, tents and canopies must be approved by park staff in conjunction with a shelter reservation by way of a supplemental Special Use Permit. Additional fees apply.
Fires
Fires are permitted in designated rings only. Portable fire rings or other portable devices are not permitted. Fire must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving the area. See firewood restrictions.
No tiki torches, fireworks or sparklers are allowed.
Parking
Parking is free. Overnight parking is not allowed. Park visitor vehicles must leave by 10 p.m. Motorized vehicles are only allowed in designated parking areas.
Music
Amplified music is permitted but must not impact other park users. Volume must be kept at a reasonable level and be appropriate for all audiences. Dakota County Parks staff reserves the right to require volume levels be reduced at their discretion.
Pets
Pets must be on a leash at all times and may not be tethered to any tree, plant, sign or any park structure. Pet waste must be removed.
Tobacco
Dakota County Parks are smoke free. Tobacco use is allowed in parking lots and roadways only.