A-Frame Shelter
Offering a unique hike-in ceremony experience nestled into the forest, the A-Frame has a rustic feel and beautiful views of Portage Lake.
This site is available by hike-in only from the Visitor Center Trailhead in Lebanon Hills Regional Park, no motor vehicle access on trails.
Capacity: 30 people
2026 reservations
Reservations for the 2026 season are open. Reservations must be made online.
Reservations available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from May–October. Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance.
If you are interested in a ceremony or reception at Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center or Dakota Lodge, please visit the facility page for more information and pricing.
Make a reservation
A-Frame details
Amenities
- View of Portage Lake
- Picnic shelter
- 4 picnic tables (under shelter)
- Fire ring (Firewood not included)
- Electricity
- Portable restroom
- Trash & recycling bins
- Free parking
Hiking conditions
- .63-mile moderate hike from Visitor Center
- Not ADA accessible
Rental rate
- $100, 3-hour reservation
Season dates
- May-October
Rental hours
- Friday-Sunday only, 2-5 p.m.
Reservation policy
- Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance.
- Ceremony reservation ensures no other events are scheduled for the same location or time. Reservation does not provide exclusive use of park area or trails. Other park users may be in park area.
Payment policy
- Full rental fee payment is required at the time of booking.
- VISA, Mastercard and Discover accepted.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation is non-refundable.
- No refunds due to weather
Ceremony guidelines and policies
A full list of park rules is detailed in Dakota County Ordinance 107 - Park Use. It is the permit holder's responsbility to inform group members of park rules.
Food and alcohol beverages are not permitted.
Social gatherings and receptions before or after are not permitted without a reservation. To reserve a space for a reception or social gathering, go to Dakota County Rental Spaces.
Decorations
All decorations must be freestanding and not attached to any park feature (tree, plant, posts, etc.). Fake or real flower petals allowed, but cleaned immediately after ceremony.
Balloons are allowed, but clean up before departing. Balloon releases are not allowed.
Hike-in ceremony sites are encouraged to bring minimal decorations.
Tables and chairs
Hike-in sites encouraged to be standing room only. Chairs and tables are not included with the reservation site. Group must hike-in and out any equipment within the rental period. No motorized vehicles allowed on trails.
Signs and banners
Temporary signs or banners — directional, decorative or informational — must be free-standing and not affixed in any way to any park feature (bench, tree, post, etc.). Remove all signs before departing.
Portable structures
Because of underground utilities, the use of tarps, tents, canopies and inflatables are not permitted.
Please return the ceremony site to pre-use condition.
Cleanup responsibilities:
- Return all picnic tables to their pre-use location.
- Remove temporary signs and decorations.
- Pick up any trash and bring to waste receptacle.
Parking is free. Overnight and bus parking is not allowed. All vehicles must leave by 10 p.m. Motorized vehicles are only allowed in designated parking areas.
Use only designated fire rings. Portable fire rings or other portable devices are not permitted. Attended fire at all times and fully extinguish before leaving the area. See firewood restrictions. Firewood is not included in rental.
Tiki torches, floating lanterns, fireworks or sparklers not permitted.
Pets must always be on a leash. Do not tether to any tree, plant, sign or park structure. Remove all pet waste.
For the health and enjoyment of all park users, smoking of any kind (including vaping) on county park property and recreational facilities is prohibited, except in parking lots, on roadways and on individually rented campsites.
Traditional tobacco use for spiritual or cultural ceremonies permitted in parks.
For emergencies or to contact Park Patrol, dial 911. For non-emergencies, facility issues and all other inquiries, call the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center at 651-554-6530. If after hours, please call the Parks 24-Hour Facility Assistance Line at 651-438-4388.
Ceremony sites are not designated storm shelter areas. Please be informed about severe weather and take steps to maintain personal safety.