Join us to see the 2021 master plan improvements at Thompson County Park. Park staff will be onsite offering tours and activities in the park. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk or bike ride around Thompson Lake to see the new trail enhancements and new interpretive stops. Take in the lake view from the new lakeview plaza, sunset deck and enhanced picnic area.
Kids of all abilities can enjoy the new accessible pollinator-themed playground. Enjoy games, activities, fishing and fun. Live music and food trucks.
Date
Thursday, July 14, 4-8 p.m.
Location
Thompson County Park
The event will be outdoors in a large open lawn space, largely without trees or shade. Nearby seating available at picnic tables. Portable chairs, picnic blankets and umbrellas for personal shade are welcome. Tents and staked canopies are not permitted. The area is near picnic grounds and the North Picnic Shelter — a large open-air shelter with modern restrooms and drinking water. Wi-Fi is also available.
Performances
- 4-5:30 p.m.: Mariachi Jalisco (Latin)
- 6-8 p.m.: Ecuador Manta (Latin)
Food trucks
- Thai Thai Street Food
- Yummy Tummy
- California Dip and Eat
- Little Dipper Softserve
- Cookie Dough Bliss
What to bring
Bring your bikes, scooters, walkers and wheelchairs. Bring blankets and chairs for the great lawn to enjoy the live music. Pets welcome on a leash.
Come dressed for the weather. This event is outside. Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
No fishing license required
The Department of Natural Resources has granted permission to allow fishing at this event without a Minnesota fishing license. Fishing poles, bait and mentors to show you how it's done are all provided. Thank you to Tips Outdoors Foundation for providing the fishing station and to the West St. Paul Police Department for volunteering as fishing mentors.
Admission
Free, no ticket or pre-registration required
Ages
All ages
Parking
Free, available onsite. Parking is limited, please arrive early and carpool. Overflow parking available on city streets wherever parking is permitted.
Weather cancellation
The event is light rain or shine. In the event of severe or significantly rainy weather, event staff will determine if the event will be cancelled 2-3 hours before the event start time. Updates, including cancellation notices, will be posted as available on the Dakota County Parks-forever wild Facebook page, or you can call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530.