Reservation Hours: Varies
Phone: 651-554-6534
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.
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.
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 until June 10, 2023.
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 request a Private Nature Program, please fill out and return the Program Request Form to parkseducation@co.dakota.mn.us.
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 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.
The program fee does not include use of a park facility.
Cancellation and refund policy
Programs are held rain or shine unless canceled by Dakota County.
If you decide to cancel your field trip, contact Dakota County Parks as soon as possible at 651-554-6534.
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 canceled by Dakota County are fully refunded.