Washington County Parks Quarterly Update

Group of people surrounding a firepit listening to a story at night.

Welcome the fall season in Washington County Parks! Soak in the fall colors and get outside to hike, bike, camp, and more. Enjoy upcoming programs including: Fall Night Hike, Nocturnal Animals, and get ready for Halloween with Courthouse by Candlelight at the Historic Courthouse, and Lake Elmo Park Reserve will be hosting both Spooky Stories and Día de Muertos Celebration (Day of the Dead). We hope to see you out in the parks this fall!

Fall Camping Discounted Rates

Enjoy fall camping at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Starting October 1, campers can book a site at a discounted rate that saves $6 per night booked. Modern, rustic, hike in, and group sites will remain until the last night of camping on Saturday, October 19.

Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar Returns

Visitors have begun the holiday shopping season at the Historic Courthouse for the past 30 years! Join the tradition and experience a holiday event like no other. The Holiday Bazaar offers a variety of vendors selling handcrafted goods. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the season while shopping your way through this historic site decorated from top to bottom for the holidays.

We are extending the vendor application deadline for Christmas at the Courthouse until October 21, 2024. Find an online application on our website.

Promotional image for the 31st Annual Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar in Washington County, showing event dates and times against a wintery courthouse backdrop.

Temporary Playground Closures

The Swim Pond Playground at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and the Hilltop Playground at St. Croix Bluffs are temporarily closed for the installation of a new play structure. More information on these improvement projects can be found on our website.

Temporary Park Office at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

The park office at Lake Elmo Park Reserve will be temporarily relocated due to a remodel of the building. Staff will still be available onsite near the building in a temporary office.

Photo of a Parks Vehicle Permit with a red border and a loon in the water with a fish in it's mouth.

Parks Vehicle Permit Photo Contest

The deadline for the vehicle permit photo contest is coming up quickly on October 7! This weekend will be a great opportunity to get outside and snap some photos. This year, we are featuring all Washington County Parks. More information on the photo contest and how to submit photos is available on our website.

Free Entry Days in the Parks

On the first Tuesday (non-holiday) of every month, visit any Washington County Park for FREE. No vehicle permit required. Below are upcoming free entry days in our parks.

October 1
November 5
December 3

Washington County Parks will be waiving vehicle permit fees at all park locations on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 29, to encourage everyone in our community to enjoy more time in the outdoors.

Banner for a Día de Muertos event on Saturday, October 29 from 1-4 p.m. at Lake Elmo Park Reserve Nordic Center, featuring vivid floral decorations and two decorated skulls on a purple background.

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

October 1 - Free Park Entry Day

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

October 3 - Fall Night Hike

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

October 10 - Courthouse by Candlelight

Historic Courthouse, tours offered at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., $10 per person, registration required.

October 11 - Spooky Stories

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

October 12 - Bird Hike

Big Marine Park Reserve - Playground parking lot, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

October 17 - Full Moon Forest Bathing

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., $45 per person, registration required.

October 24 - Courthouse by Candlelight

Historic Courthouse, tours offered at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., $10 per person, registration required.

October 26 - Día de Muertos Celebración

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center, 12 - 3 p.m., this event is free and open to everyone. Vehicle permits for program attendees provided by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.

November 5 - Free Park Entry Day

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

November 8 - Nocturnal Animals

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 per person, registration required.

November 19 - Bird Hike

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

November 23 - Christmas at the Courthouse

Historic Courthouse, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 24 - Christmas at the Courthouse

Historic Courthouse, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

November 29 - Free Park Entry Day - Friday after Thanksgiving

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

December 3 - Free Park Entry Day

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

December 14 - Bird Hike

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

Red barn intermixed with fall colored trees.

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

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.

A man setting up a hammock on a tree in front of a lake.

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 a volunteer interest form.

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