Parks and Trails

24-Hour Information Line: (651) 430-8368
e-mail:

parks@co.washington.mn.us

Park Office Locations:

Lake Elmo Park Reserve
1515 Keats Ave.
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Phone: 651-430-8370
Fax: 651-430-8369

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
10191 St. Croix Trail
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: 651-430-8240
Fax: 651-430-8239

Big Marine Park Reserve
17495 Manning Trail
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Phone: 651-430-8200
Fax: 651-430-8205

General Information

Washington County Parks consists of six regional parks, one county park, one regional trail, one historic site, and an additional regional park in the "acquisition phase." These locations total 4,312 acres and contain facilities for a variety of outdoor-oriented activities including camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and others. There are also 15 miles of paved trails and 35 miles of turf trails (30 of which are also groomed for cross-country skiing) to accommodate a variety of trail users. An additional 32 miles of county-operated paved trails can be found outside the parks.

Vehicle permits are required for access to all county and regional parks, except for Point Douglas Park and the Historic Courthouse. Vehicle permits, however, are not required on the first non-holiday Tuesday of each month or on the first Saturday of June. Vehicle permits may be purchased at the park offices (above), or by depositing the fee in the payment box at the park entrance.

In addition to county and regional parks, Washington County also has two state parks,
William O'Brien and Afton State Park and a portion of the Gateway State Trail. The county is also bordered on the east by the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and on the south by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Vision Statement

The following vision statement was reviewed by the Washington County Park and Open Space Commission and recommended for adoption by the County Board. The Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted this vision statement as part of the Parks Division "Vision for the Next Twenty Years," July 10, 2001.

The Washington County Park and Open Space System adds value to all peoples' lives and contributes to the well being of local and regional communities by providing public enjoyment and education; and maintaining and restoring high quality natural areas. By virtue of its large size, high quality facilities and dispersed locations, the County Parks and Open Space System preserves and showcases the County's heritage and provides a place for users to find quietude, green space, clean water and a place to recreate.

• County Bike Trail Map

• Park and Trail Map

County Parks

Big Marine Park Reserve

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

Hardwood Creek Regional Trail

Historic Courthouse

Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Pine Point Regional Park

Point Douglas Park

Square Lake Park

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

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