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.
Season dates
April 1-Oct. 31
Rental hours
10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Reservation policy
Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance. No reservations available for requests less than seven days in advance. If a shelter is not reserved, it is available for drop in use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Payment policy
Payment is due when shelter is booked online. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted.
Cancellation policy
- For cancellations made 60 days or more in advance, 75 percent of the rental fee is refunded.
- For cancellations made 14 days or more in advance, 50 percent of the rental fee is refunded.
- Cancellations made less than 14 days in advance are non-refundable.
- No refunds due to weather.
- Date changes are cancellations and the cancellation policy applies.
Food and alcohol
Catering vehicles must remain in the parking lot. Inform caterers of the distance to the service area from the parking lot.
Registered mobile food vendors may operate in reservable park areas. Vendors must have a permit from Dakota County Parks. Visit the Food Truck Permit webpage for details.
Beer, wine, ciders, flavored alcoholic beverages and other single-serving, prepackaged beverages are permitted in the picnic shelter area. Kegs, barrels or more than a single case of 24 prepackaged, single-serving beverages are not permitted.
Signs, banners and decorations
Temporary signs or banners (directional, decorative, informational) must be free-standing. They can not attached in any way to any park picnic shelter or park feature (bench, tree, etc.) Remove all signs before departing.
Items not permitted:
- Glitter
- Confetti
- Bird seed
- Rice
- Fireworks or sparklers
- Floating lanterns
- Tiki torches
- Fog machines
- Nails, tack or tape on park structures
- Balloon releases
Remove all decorations before departing.
Portable structures
The use of portable structures is by Special Use Permit only. This includes tarps, tents, canopies, bounce houses and other inflatables. Park staff must approve all locations. Fees may apply.Apply for a special equipment permit.
Cleanup
Please return the picnic shelter and grounds to pre-use condition.
Cleanup responsibilities:
- Return all picnic tables to their pre-use location.
- Remove temporary signs and decorations.
- Rake or sweep pinata fragments, etc.
Fires
Use only designated fire rings for bonfires. Portable fire rings or other portable devices are not permitted. Attend fire at all times and fully extinguish before leaving the area. See firewood restrictions.
No tiki torches, fireworks or sparklers are allowed.
Parking
Parking is free. Overnight parking is not allowed. All vehicles must leave by 10 p.m. Motorized vehicles are only allowed in designated parking areas.
Music
Amplified music is welcome at a volume that respects other park visitors. Please keep sound levels reasonable and content appropriate for all audiences. Adjust volume levels if instructed by Dakota County Parks staff.
Pets
Pets must be on a leash at all times. Do not tether pets to any tree, plant, sign or park structure. Remove all pet waste..
Smoking
For the health and enjoyment of all park users, smoking of any kind (including vaping) on county park property and recreational facilities is prohibited, except in parking lots, on roadways, and on individually rented campsites.
Emergencies and severe weather
For emergencies or to contact Park Patrol, dial 911. For non-emergencies, facility issues and all other inquiries, 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.