Reservation Hours: Varies
Phone: 651-554-6536

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 one of our nature activities or work with a park naturalist to develop a unique nature program for your group.

Group size
Minimum: 10 
Maximum: 60

Length: 1–2 hours

Location: Most activities can be hosted at the following locations:

• Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Cannon Falls/Randolph
• Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Apple Valley/Eagan
• Miesville Ravine Regional Park, Miesville
• Spring Lake Park Reserve, Hastings/Rosemount
• Thompson County Park, West St. Paul
• Whitetail Woods Regional Park, Empire Township

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, complete the Request Form. Requests are accepted at least 21 days prior to requested date.

Program staff will call to confirm program request, scheduling details and number of participants.

The program fee does not include use of a park facility

Confirming your field trip

Organizations will be billed when the program is confirmed with the Dakota County Parks Education Coordinator. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail or email.

Payment policy

Payment is due within seven days of registration. VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

One invoice will be sent to the billing address at time of registration. It is the organizer's responsibility to make full payment by due date.  Activities may be cancelled by Dakota County due to late payment.

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 952-891-7000.

In order to accommodate your program with staff and facility space, Private Nature Programs are nonrefundable upon receipt of confirmation unless cancelled by Dakota County Parks. 

Field trips cancelled by Dakota County are fully refunded.