Private Nature Programs
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.
Request a program
Program information
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 60
Average program is 1–2 hours.
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
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. The program fee does not include use of a park facility.
If program cost is a barrier, please contact us for financial options.
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.