Parks Quarterly Update

Spring is finally here - here's what's heating up in Washington County Parks! We are excited to announce the opening of the campgrounds and beaches, as well as new volunteer opportunities. Summer programs also begin, including; Archery, Yoga in the Park, Stand Up Paddleboard, Fitness Hikes, SUP Yoga, Campfire Programs, Family Fishing and a new bike exhibit at the Washington County Historic Courthouse, "Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bikes and Trails in Washington County".

Don't forget to visit Washington County Parks on the first Tuesday of every month for "Free Tuesday" when parks are free to enter, no vehicle permits are required. Explore Your Parks Day on Saturday, June 1 is also a free day at the parks, with a variety of fun activities offered throughout the park locations.

Read on for more information on what's new in our parks, upcoming programs & events, volunteer/hiring opportunities, and more!

What's New?

Campgrounds & Beaches Open

Campgrounds Open Friday, April 26

Begin your spring outdoor adventures with s'mores and the sounds of nature while camping at a Washington County Park! Campgrounds at Lake Elmo Parks Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park open on Friday, April 26. Reserve a campsite.

Beaches Open Saturday, May 25

Grab your swim gear and join us at the beach beginning Memorial Day weekend. Click here for more information on our swimming beaches.

Point Douglas Park - Permit Required

Beginning May 1, 2019, a Washington County Vehicle Permit will be required at Point Douglas Park. To accommodate this new requirement, electronic pay stations will be installed at 2 locations along the park. Vehicle permits can be purchased online.

Ladies archery at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Upcoming Programming & Events

April 13 - Bird Hike
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. year-round, locations vary.

April 19 - Fitness Hike
Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Ongoing program, times and locations may vary.

May 30 - Yoga in the Park
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. through August 22

June 1 - Family Fishing
Big Marine Park Reserve - Ongoing program, check calendar for details.

June 1 - Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bikes and Trails in Washington County
Washington County Historic Courthouse, exhibit open June 1 - December 31

June 5 - Archery
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., through the month of June

June 11 - Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard
Square Lake Park - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. through August 13

June 15 - Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga
Square Lake Park, Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. through August 10

and many more!

For more information or to view the full calendar of Parks events, please click here.

Job/Volunteer Opportunities

Now Hiring

Recruitment postings are available online for lifeguards, and maintenance assistants for all park locations. Wages range from $12.38/hr.
Apply Online

The American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is required for lifeguard positions. Partial reimbursement for the certification is available with a season commitment, based on an evaluation.

Volunteer Opportunities

Starting in April, join us for a new monthly natural resource-based volunteer group forming at Lake Elmo Park Reserve! This group is open to the public and tasks may include; collecting prairie seed, planting trees, and more. Help make a difference while learning about plants, animals, pollinators and the work we do to improve our parks and natural resources.

The group will meet monthly on the 2^nd Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Eagle Point Lake Trailhead. Click Here for more information

Support Our Parks

Your generosity helps us enhance natural areas, improve trails and amenities, provide valuable education to youth, and preserve our county's history at the Washington County Historic Courthouse.

For more information or to complete a tax-deductible donation form, please call 651-430-8370 or visit our website.