Washington County Parks Quarterly Update

Photo of blooming crab apple trees with a picnic table in the center, with green grass and a brick building in the background.

Spring has sprung! Although we are still patiently waiting for the snow to melt and things to become green again, there are still ways to enjoy the outdoors as the weather begins to warm. It is time to break out your tennis shoes, tune up your bikes, and venture out for a visit to Washington County Parks! Enjoy upcoming programs including: Bird Hikes, Zumba, Spring Market in the Ravine, Forest Bathing, and Dog Days in the Ravine!

Pop-up camper situated on a campsite surrounded by trees and tall grass.

Campgrounds Open April 28

Washington County offers two beautiful campgrounds for a relaxing getaway, one located at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and the other at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Find a campsite that suits your needs, including sites with electric and water hookups, group sites, and rustic hike-in sites.

To create your account or make camping reservations online, visit our website.

This year, campgrounds will be open April 28 – October 22, 2023. Water is not guaranteed after October 1, 2023.

Washington County Campgrounds are closed annually between the end of October to the end of April.

Campground Hosts Wanted

We are still seeking a Camp host Volunteer for St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve for September and October! In exchange for a free campsite, you would be responsible for providing information to campers, registering campers, and cleaning as necessary. For more information please visit us online or review the application.

Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 around the world to celebrate planet Earth and to support environmental protection. Washington County will waive daily vehicle permit fees allowing free entry to Washington County Parks on April 22 in honor of Earth Day!

Some specific activities we will be hosting in our parks include Zumba, a Fitness Hike, Frisbee Disc Golf, and a Story Stroll. To learn more about these activities, visit our website.

Parks Merchandise

Get ready for camping season with our new campfire mugs! Get started on your collection by visiting one of our park offices to purchase. They are currently available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and Big Marine Park Reserve.

Photo of a Parks Vehicle Permit with a green Kayak situated in the shore of a lake with a dock in the water and sunset in the background.

Parks Vehicle Permit Photo Contest

The 2024 Parks Vehicle Permit will feature Big Marine Park Reserve and is now open! Venture out to Big Marine and start snapping some pictures. More information on the photo contest is available on our website.

Free Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday (non-holiday) of every month, visit any Washington County Park for FREE. No vehicle permit required.

Please keep in mind that the 4th of July falls on the first Tuesday of the month this year. That means, that Free Tuesday in our Parks will occur on Tuesday, July 11.

Photo of the Great Room at the Nordic Center, with chairs and tables set up facing a fireplace with a TV mounted over it.

Reserve your gathering space today!

Washington County Parks is now accepting reservations for our Lake Elmo Nordic Center, Ravine Landing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and pavilions throughout our parks. For more information visit our website.

Summer Day Camps

Washington County Parks is excited to be offering Summer Day Camps in 2023 providing a fun, healthy, and safe experience for your child.

Outdoor Skills

Kids entering grades 1 -3

Learn a variety of outdoor skills while developing an appreciation for nature. Activities include building forts and shelters in the woods, fishing, making fires from scratch, scavenger hunts, and playing lots of outdoor games!

Woodland Explorers

Kids entering grades 3 -5

This camp is perfect for those who love spending time outdoors. Learn about the animals that call Minnesota home, and come face-to-face with some of these critters of the woods. You will also master new outdoor survival skills that will last a lifetime!

Survivor Camp

Kids entering grades 4 - 6

Harness your inner survivor and take your outdoor skills to the next level! Activities range from fishing, shelter building, wilderness survival, starting a fire without a match, and orienteering. Kids will gain confidence and comfort in being in the outdoors while having a blast!

Visit our website to learn more about each camp and to register.

Graphic with trees and flowers that says "Spring Market in the Ravine".

For more information or to view the full calendar of Parks events, please visit our website.

April 4 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required

April 8 - Bird Hike

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Hilltop Pavilion, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

April 15 - Spring Market in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

April 16 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

April 22 - Zumba

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10 - 11 a.m., $10 per person, registration required

April 22 - Fitness Hike

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Nordic Center Trailhead, 10 a.m.

April 22 - Frisbee Disc Golf

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, South Pavilion, 12 - 6 p.m.

April 30 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

May 2 - Family Storytime

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

May 2 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required

May 6 - Dog Day in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

May 13 - Bird Hike

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Trailhead Kiosk, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

May 14 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

May 20 - Forest Bathing

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 9 - 11 a.m., $40 per person, registration required

May 28 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

June 6 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required

June 10 - National Get Outdoors Day

Washington County Parks will designate the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit county parks without purchasing a vehicle permit

June 10 - Bird Hike

Pine Point Regional Park, Trailhead Kiosk, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

June 10 - Family Fishing

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Fishing Pier, 6 - 8 p.m., June 10 is National Get Outdoors Day – Free entry into Washington County Parks, registration required

June 11 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

June 25 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

July 8 - Bird Hike

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Nordic Center, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

July 9 - Sunday Roleplaying Games in the Ravine

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Ravine Landing, 12 - 5 p.m., $5 per person

July 11 - Free Tuesday

Visit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required

Volunteers on the ground plug planting at Butterfly Landing.

To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, please fill out our newly launched volunteer interest form.

April 22 – Earth Day Park Cleanup

Fill out a volunteer interest form and get a confirmation. We will provide you (and your friends) with trash bags, gloves, and cleanup destination maps to head out and assist the parks with cleanup and be sure to check out other programs going on in our parks that day!

Date TBD – Spring Planting at Pine Point

Help us with this fun, staff-led, planting event at Pine Point Regional Park! Stay tuned for dates/times.

September & October – Camp Host

We are still seeking a Camp host Volunteer for St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve! In exchange for a free campsite, you would be responsible for providing information to campers, registering campers, and cleaning as necessary. For more information please visit us online or review the application.

Coming Soon – Park Ambassador Program

Become a Park Ambassador and help provide information for parks and trail users by handing out maps, informing policies, and assisting with guest questions! More information and application available soon. Look to the website for updates!

Continuous – Photography Volunteer

We love seeing your photos of our parks. Help us expand our collection of images to be used on social media and other promo materials and get volunteer hours for going out and taking pictures.

Washington County Parks is hiring for seasonal positions, including: Beach Coordinators, Guest Services Attendants, Lifeguards, Maintenance Workers, Natural Resources Laborers and Technicians, and Outdoor Recreation Instructors. Pay ranges from $15.42 - $20.59/hour. Visit our website to apply.

Graphic with green background and text that says "Now Hiring Parks Seasonal Positions for Summer 2023".

Photo of a blue ski with clouds overlooking a field with a mowed path and tall grasses surrounding.

Your time, talents, and generosity can help greatly maintain the natural areas, improve trails and amenities, provide valuable education to youth, and so much more! To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, please fill out our newly launched volunteer interest form.

Donations can now be made online or by submitting a tax-deductible donation form.