Reservation hours: Varies
Phone:
651-554-6534
Extend your teaching beyond the walls of the classroom. Explore the outdoors through nature and recreation programming with Dakota County Parks in the parks, at your site or virtually. Programs are offered year-round.
Ages: Field trips are offered for grades pre-K–12.
Topics: Field trip curricula are aligned to the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science. Professional naturalists will present programs at an age appropriate level. Program topics, descriptions, type and location availability, appropriate age ranges and applicable standards can all be found in the
School Nature Program Guide.
Bison programs now booking
We are now taking request for programs at Spring Lake Park Reserve to learn about the bison herd. Call 651-554-6534 for more information.
Park field trips
Let the park be your classroom with a hands-on, in person field trip experience led by Dakota County Park naturalists.
Length: 1-2 hours, dependent on age.
Location: Most programs are hosted at the Visitor Center in
Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. Limited field trip options exist at
Lake Byllesby Regional Park,
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve,
Spring Lake Park Reserve,
Thompson County Park,
Whitetail Woods Regional Park. Check the
School Nature Program Guide for location availability.
Cost
10-25 participants: $100
26-50 participants: $145
51-75 participants: $205
An additional equipment fee of $50 may apply for recreation-based programs. Group size may be limited based on equipment availability.
Virtual programs
Bring the outdoors in with a virtual program led by Dakota County Parks naturalists. Virtual programs consist of a 30-60 minute live, interactive program led by professional park naturalists, pre- and post-program activities for you to do with your class for further learning, one optional 15-20-minute follow-up session with your naturalists for questions and to share your observations and discoveries. Check theSchool Nature Program Guide for available topics.
Length: 30-60 minutes, dependent on age
Location: Zoom platform
Cost
10-25 participants: $100
26-50 participants: $145
51-75 participants: $205
Outreach visit
Can't come to us but want a hands-on experience? Host a Dakota County Parks naturalist at your site. You can register for a single program or have naturalists on-site for a full day. We can run two programs concurrently. Check theSchool Nature Program Guide for available topics.
Length: 45-60 minutes
Location: At your site
Cost
First class: $125
Second class (same day and location): $75
Register for a program
School Nature Programs are typically scheduled for morning, afternoon or full-day sessions. Please fill out and return the Program Request Form to parkseducation@co.dakota.mn.us.
Requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at least 21 days prior to a field trip. Registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation and payment email from Outdoor Education Staff. If program cost is a barrier, please contact us for financial options. If you have questions or are interested in custom programming, please call 651-554-6534.
Payment policy and confirmation
Payment is due at the time of booking to reserve your field trip. You will receive a confirmation receipt by email after registering. Scheduling details and registration are confirmed once payment has been completed and you receive a confirmation email from Outdoor Education Staff.
Cancellation policy
If you decide to cancel your field trip, contact Dakota County Parks as soon as possible at 651-554-6534.
In order to accommodate your trip with staff and facility space, school field trips are nonrefundable upon receipt of confirmation unless canceled by Dakota County Parks.
Field trips canceled by Dakota County are fully refunded. Dakota County School Programs are held rain or shine, safety permitting. In the event of forecasted severe weather or other circumstances that prevent in-person or in the field programming, certain programs can be switched to a virtual format.