Reservation Hours: Varies
Phone: 651-554-6533
Dakota County provides specialized nature activities to groups of any age. A group of up to 60 people can select a topic that is customized to your group's needs. Private Nature Programs are taught by park naturalists who are experts in their field and who make learning about nature a fun, hands-on experience.
Choose a topic from our 
Private Nature Program Guide or work with a park naturalist to develop a unique nature program for your group.
Bus transportation requests
School groups and organizations can apply for bus transportation from your location to your scheduled program with us. Group lead must complete and submit the Bus Request Form after a program has been confirmed. This program is currently available through the end of 2022.
COVID-19 procedures
All programs during the COVID-19 pandemic are following current public health guidelines and are subject to change or cancellation. Please read the COVID-19 Parks Program Handbook for additional protocols for in-person programs. Virtual options are also available.
Group size
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 60
Length
1–2 hours
Location
Most activities can be hosted at the following locations:
Cost
10–20 participants: $100
21–40 participants: $145
41–60 participants: $205
An additional equipment fee of $50 may apply for recreation-based programs. Group size may be limited based on equipment availability.
Requesting a Private Nature Program
To register for a Private Nature Program, select a date, time and topic using the Program Registration Page, enter keyword Private Nature Program. All program options will show Lebanon Hills as the location, please call 651-554-6534 for availability at a different Dakota County park location.
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis at least 21 days prior to a program. Registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation 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.
The program fee does not include use of a park facility.
Cancellation/refund policy
Programs are held rain or shine unless cancelled by Dakota County.
If you decide to cancel your field trip, contact Dakota County Parks as soon as possible at 651-554-6533.
To accommodate your program with staff and facility space, Private Nature Programs are nonrefundable upon receipt of confirmation unless canceled by Dakota County Parks.
Field trips cancelled by Dakota County are fully refunded.