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Dakota Lodge

Plan your next memorable event at the Dakota Lodge in Thompson County Park.

Minutes from downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. Dakota Lodge is a beautiful, natural setting for:

  • Weddings
  • Meeting
  • Banquets
  • Retreats
  • ​Other special events​

Capacity: 160 with tables or 190 chairs only

Address: 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118 (Driving directions)

Exterior view of event building

Make a reservation

Reserve your spot at Dakota Lodge in Thompson County Park.
Complete a reservation request (opens in a new tab)

Rental details

Caterer's kitchen includes:

  • Serving window
  • Refrigerator and freezer
  • Oven/stove
  • Commercial coffee maker
  • Microwave
  • Ample stainless steel counter space
  • Separate entrance
  • Recycle, compost and trash area

AV equipment includes:

  • LCD ceiling mounted projector with HDMI & VGA compatibility
  • Large screen
  • Two handheld microphones and two lapel microphones
  • In room sound system with Bluetooth adaptor
  • Wi-Fi access

Building amenities include:

  • Terrace with lake view
  • Large stone gas fireplace (visible from atrium and great room)
  • Permanent, concrete  dance floor 
  • Outdoor ceremony locations
    • Various sites for groups of 20-100 people.
    • Some ceremony locations are on uneven ground and are best suited to smaller groups.
    • Outdoor seating not provided.
    • Please ask about ceremony locations before booking your date.
    • Important: The Majestic Oak Lawn ceremony location will be unavailable for ceremonies November 2026 - August 2027 due to a grading and lawn reseeding project. 

Weekend Deluxe Events (wedding receptions and ceremonies): $1,775

Other fees:

  • Extra hours: $55 per hour
  • Outdoor ceremony: $100
  • Damage & security deposit: $500

Weekend Basic Events (family reunions, graduation parties, etc.)

Events booked​ more than 90 days in advance

  • April - October: $1,115
  • November - March: $920

Events booked less than 90 day​s in advance

  • April-October: $560
  • November-March: $445

Other fees:

  • Extra hours: $50 per hour
  • Damage & security deposit: $150

Weekday Events: $335

Other fees:

  • Extra hours: $35 per hour
  • Damage and security deposit: $150

 

Event typeAvailable hoursHours included in rentalSetup included?Takedown included?Cleaning included?Facility host onsite?Insurance included?
Weekend DeluxeFri-Sun,
8 a.m.-midnight
14YesYesYesYesYes
Weekend BasicFri-Sun,
8 a.m.-midnight
14NoYesYesYesYes
Weekend Basic (90 days or less in advance)Fri-Sun,
8 a.m.-midnight
6NoYesYesYesYes
WeekdayMon.-Fri.,
8 a.m.-10 p.m.
6NoNoNoNo, check in and out onlyNo

Events withou​t alcohol

May have catering by any licensed caterer or self-catered by the Permit Holder.

Events wit​​h alcohol

Must have catering for both food and alcohol.

Alcohol caterer must have a CATR type license to serve alcohol at Dakota Lodge. Food can be from any licensed caterer.

Guests may not bring their own alcohol to events at the Dakota Lodge.   

Peace officer re​quirements

Events with alcohol must hiring a peace officer through the City of West St. Paul Police Department. Officer must be onsite once alcohol service starts through final check out time​.   

Liability insuranc​​e requir​ed

Liability insurance coverage required for events with alcohol. Coverage included in weekend event rental fee. Weekday events must purchase coverage from Dakota County or provide coverage.                      

               

Reservation po​licy

  • Reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservation accepted 21 days to 365 days​ in advance.
  • Showings by appointment. Book a tour online
  • No overnight rentals.​

Payment policy

  • Full rental fee payment and damage/security deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • VISA, Mastercard and Discover accepted.

Weekday events

  • 50% refund for cancellations 21 days or more in advance
  • No refund for cancellations less than 21 days in advance

Weekend events

  • 50% refund for cancellations made 60 days or more in advance
  • No refund for cancellations less than 60 days in advance

Damage and security deposit refunded on all cancellations.

Reservations are closed for the following dates:

  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Virtual tour

For more information, contact:
Dakota County Parks
952-891-7000