Community Corner

Dakota County Parks Offers Ideas for Summer Holiday Recreation

From canoeing and paddleboards, to fishing, swimming and hiking, Dakota County parks can help you enjoy the outdoors over the Fourth of July week.

Editor's note: The following was supplied by Dakota County Parks:

Everybody and their uncle

It’s the biggest holiday weekend of the summer. If you’re planning to stay close to home and looking for fun things to do, we’ve got something for everybody and their uncle.

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Meet the animals
Join us around the campfire at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center for our Forever Wild Family Friday program on July 6 from 7–8:30 p.m. and spend the evening with a variety of fun critters presented by Dakota Wild Animals.

Test drive a paddleboard
Try surfing Minnesota style at our Summer Sampler Series on paddleboarding on July 7. A variety of times are available.

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Cool down
Hot weather is finally here—time to head to the beach. Schulze Beach and Lake Byllesby Beach are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

See the Park from the water
Paddle the 2.5-mile water trail in Lebanon Hills Regional Park by canoe or kayak or try stand-up paddling on Schulze Lake. Equipment rental is available throughout the holiday week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

Go treasure hunting
Rent GPS units at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center and find treasures in the park.

Catch fish
Use our free equipment to take the kids fishing this weekend. We also have bait for sale. Both are available at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center and Lake Byllesby Campground.

Take a hike
Head out on the spectacular hiking trails at Spring Lake Park Reserve. Pack a snack for along the trail or a lunch to enjoy at the picnic area.

It’s that time again

It’s time to update the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Master Plan that will guide park improvements, resource management and operations over the next decade. Join us at an open house on July 10 from 7–8:30 p.m. to let us know how you currently use the park and what you’d like to see in the future. The open house will be held at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 860 Cliff Road in Eagan.

Storm damage update

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve is temporarily closed because of flood damage. Visit the web for updates.


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