Washington County Parks Quarterly Update

Photo of the fishing pier at Square Lake County Park in the summer time.

Summer is in full swing at Washington County Parks! Enjoy time spent outdoors hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, and so much more. Take part in upcoming programs including: Bird Hikes, Summer Market in the Ravine, Yoga in the Park, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, and Sunset SUP. Washington County Parks will also welcome back the annual Bluegrass Festival on September 9 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Photo of a goat with a yellow sign that says "Goats at work".

The Goats are Back

The goats are back! Currently located at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, these goats will be assisting with controlling garlic mustard and common buckthorn. Stay up to date on where to find the goats when visiting the parks by checking out our website.

Equipment Rentals

Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals are available through our iPaddlePort Stations at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park and Square Lake Park. Supported by System Services LLC, iPaddlePorts provide an accessible avenue for Washington County’s park users to spend time out on the lake. Users can rent a single or double (tandem) kayak along with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) directly from their smart phone. Visit our website for more information and to reserve.

Photo of a family kayaking with text that says “iPaddlePort Watercraft Rentals Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals”.

Photo of a person wearing a red t-shirt outside that says "Lake Elmo Park Reserve" and a scene of someone walking outside.

Parks Merchandise

Enjoy the parks in style with a your favorite park t-shirt! Pictured to the right is one of four different designs available at park offices. 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 the Historic Courthouse with a yellow rectangle box that says "Sorry Temporarily Closed".

Historic Courthouse Temporarily Closed

The Washington County Park division will be completing an exterior restoration project on the Historic Courthouse this year. The project will include improvements to the exterior of the building to restore and preserve this historic building. The Historic Courthouse will be temporary closed to the public in prreparation for the upcoming improvement project starting June 1 and for the duration of construction. The entire property, including the grounds, building and parking lot, will all be closed to the public. Visit the project website to sign up for updates and learn more.

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 a recycling bag sitting on the ground outside.

Campground Recycling

Recycling is easy in our campgrounds! Follow these simple steps to help keep our parks clean!

Get a recycling bag when you check in.
Collect recyclables in the bag during your stay.
When you leave, put the bag into the recycling dumpster.

Learn what can and cannot be recycled on our website.

Graphic that says Washington County Bluegrass Festival 21st Annual.

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

July 3 - Full Moon SUP

Square Lake Park, 8:45 - 10:45 p.m., $75 per person, registration required

July 4 - Sunset SUP

Square Lake Park, 7 - 8:15 p.m., $50 per person, registration required. Reoccurring program, please see our website for the full season schedule.

July 6 - Yoga in the Park

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 6 - 7 p.m., $10 per person, registration required. Reoccurring program, please see our website for the full season schedule.

July 8 - Bird Hike

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

July 8 - SUP Yoga

Square Lake Park, 9 - 10:15 a.m., $50 per person, registration required. Reoccurring program, please see our website for the full season schedule.