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)
Rental information
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
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 days 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 type | Available hours | Hours included in rental | Setup included? | Takedown included? | Cleaning included? | Facility host onsite? | Insurance included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Deluxe | Fri-Sun, 8 a.m.-midnight | 14 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Basic | Fri-Sun, 8 a.m.-midnight | 14 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weekend Basic (90 days or less in advance) | Fri-Sun, 8 a.m.-midnight | 6 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weekday | Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | 6 | No | No | No | No, check in and out only | No |
Events without alcohol
May have catering by any licensed caterer or self-catered by the Permit Holder.
Events with 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 requirements
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 insurance required
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.
Dakota Lodge offers several locations for outdoor ceremonies. Rental fee provides exclusive use of a designated ceremony area. Trails remain open to the public. Outdoor ceremonies are available during rental of the Dakota Lodge.
- Various sites for groups of 20-120 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.
Rate includes signage indicating ceremony area is reserved. In the event of inclement weather, ceremony fee is refundable. The permit holder must supply any desired chairs, arbors, and other furnishings. Any items must arrive and depart within the reservation window. Tents are not permitted at Dakota Lodge. Dakota County Parks furnishings are not permitted for use outside.
Designated outdoor ceremony areas
- Pergola Terrace
- Lakeview Terrace
- Lakeview Lawn
- Oak Grove Lawn
- Majestic Oak Lawn
The Majestic Oak Lawn ceremony location will be unavailable from November 2026 through August 2027 due to a grading and lawn reseeding project. This is the location directly behind the Dakota Lodge, next to the large oak tree and the small patio with the pergola. Outdoor ceremonies of 120 guests or fewer can still take place on the lawn space behind the Adult Activity Center.
Reservation policy
- Reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reservation accepted 21 days to 365 days in advance.
- 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.
Showings by appointment only. Book a tour online.
Weekday events
- 50 percent refund for cancellations 21 days or more in advance
- No refund for cancellations less than 21 days in advance
Weekend events
- 50 percent 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.
Holiday closures:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Building closures:
The Majestic Oak Lawn ceremony location will be unavailable from November 2026 through August 2027 due to a grading and lawn reseeding project.