Commercial and professional photography is allowed in all Dakota County Parks by permit only. Amateur photography is welcome at all locations without a permit. Photography by unmanned aerial vehicles or drones is allowed by permit only. Apply for a Drone Permit.
Fees
- Still portrait photography daily pass: $40 + tax
- Still portrait photography (annual permit for unlimited sessions): $150 + tax
- Commercial stock photography (advertisement/product): $200 + tax.
- Proof of $1 million in liability insurance naming Dakota County as additionally insured required.
- Commercial video (advertisement/product): $400 + tax.
- Proof of $1 million in liability insurance naming Dakota County as additionally insured required.
- Other commercial photography and videography (large commercial projects): $500, or as determined by the county board.
- Proof of $1 million in liability insurance naming Dakota County as additionally insured required.
Purchasing a permit
Professional still portrait daily or annual pass: Purchase a pass online. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted. Daily passes must be purchased on the day of photo shoot.
Advertisement/commercial photography: Complete the Commercial Photography Permit Request Form. Permit requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.
Refund policy
No refund is available on pass purchases.
Photography rules
- Photographers and their subjects must follow all park rules as listed in
Dakota County Ordinance 107 Park Use and honor all posted signage. - Trails and park areas may be closed due to construction, special events, natural resource restoration, etc. Sessions must not interfere with an park programming or activities.
- You may not intentionally remove, alter, injure, or destroy any tree, plant or other vegetation, or disturb the soil, or other natural resource.
- You must the yield the right-of-way and not disturb other park and trail users if photography shoot location is on or near a trail or other park use area.
- Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only