Discover the Wonders of Washington County Parks: A Mission to Get Everyone Outdoors

The Washington County Parks and Open Space Commission has a bold mission: to ensure every resident knows about and takes full advantage of the six stunning parks that stretch across more than 4,700 acres. These parks aren’t just beautiful; they’re vital for enhancing health and happiness.

Need proof? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s 2024 article, “The Mental Health Benefits of Nature: Spending Time Outdoors to Refresh Your Mind.” It highlights how spending time in nature boosts cognitive function – improving memory, attention, creativity, and even sleep quality. Who wouldn’t want more of that?

To make these benefits accessible to all, Washington County Parks is stepping up its efforts to encourage park exploration and engagement. Here’s what’s new:

• GRIT Freedom Wheelchairs are now available for checkout at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, making trails more accessible. Plus, an Action Track Wheelchair—a rugged, all-terrain option—will be available for public use beginning summer 2025.
• Sit Skis, an adaptive alternative to cross-country skis and snowshoes, are available to rent for just $5 for three hours at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
• The Parks on the Go Outreach Vehicle is bringing the parks to local communities, meeting residents where they are and building awareness. If you spot a white van sporting “Washington County Parks” on the side, it’s the Go Outreach Vehicle spreading the parks’ message!
• New inclusive play areas are coming soon! St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve will unveil exciting playgrounds designed for children of all abilities, both set to open in summer 2025.

With the New Year upon us, there’s no better time to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, rolling, gliding, or just taking in the sights, there’s something for everyone in Washington County Parks.

And remember, the best experiences often come from community feedback. If you see an opportunity to make our parks better, please let us know. Now, put down your phone, grab your gear, and head to the park—your next adventure awaits. Happy New Year!

Article courtesy of Parks and Open Space Commission Chair, Anne Siess. 

Washington County Parks Ski Pass

Remember to purchase your Washington County Parks Ski Pass! Washington County grooms ski trails when conditions allow at Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park, and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Skiers must purchase a Washington County ski pass online, at a pay station, or at a park office. 

Nordic Rocks Ski rentals are also available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. These introductory level cross country skis come in youth and adult size and are worn over a traditional winter boot.  As part of the rental package, standard poles are included.   

Snowshoe Rentals

Snowshoe rentals are available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Regional Park and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. 3-hour rentals are $10/adult, $5/child.

Share the Trails: Winter Trail Etiquette 101

Not all modes of transportation are allowed on all trails, so make sure your allowed to use your chosen activity before heading out. Call the park offices or visit our website to see our winter trail maps. 

Guidelines for Cross Country Skiers

• Travel in the right direction.
• Know who has the right of way.
• Fix your divots: Falls happen, but what’s important, aside from you being okay, is fixing any divots or dents you may have left in the snow from your fall. Other skiers rely on those tracks and a missing segment may cause others to crash. Use the loose snow from your fall to fill in the holes and smooth the surface. If the divot is in the tracks, use your skis to press down loose snow.

Guidelines for Snowshoers

• Stay out of ski tracks.
• Yield the trail: Uphill travelers have the right of way. Make sure to move off the trail when you need a break. If you are on a multi-use trail, make sure to keep an ear open to hear for other users who may be behind you.
• Snowshoeing is allowed on multi-use trails but please stay off ski trails. 

Guidelines for Fat Tire Bikers

• Never ride on ski tracks. If you’re riding on a groomed trail, where fat tire bikes are permitted, stay in the middle of the open groomed run, and never ride across the ski tracks.
• If your bike is sinking, call it a day. Groomed trails need time to set, and sometimes the snow is too soft for a decent ride. If you lowered your tire pressure but are still sinking, come back and try another day. 
• Yield to others. Fat tire bikers yield to all other users on a multiuse trail, like the etiquette that is used for bikers’ other times in the year.
• Fat tire biking is allowed on multi-use trails but please stay off ski trails. 

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

Tuesday, January 7 - Free Park Entry Day

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

Saturday, January 11 - Bird Hike

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

Saturday, January 18 - Winter Maker's Market in the Ravine

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

Saturday, January 25 - Winter Clothing Swap

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Washington County Historic Courthouse 

Friday, January 31 - Winter Constellations

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

Tuesday, February 4 - Free Park Entry Day

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

Saturday, February 8 - Bird Hike

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

Saturday, February 8 - Game Night

5 - 7:30 p.m.
Washington County Historic Courthouse

Wednesday, February 12 - Forest Bathing Full Moon Walk

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

Saturday, February 15 - Blizzard Bash

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

Saturday, February 22 - Game Night

5 - 7:30 p.m.
Washington County Historic Courthouse 

Tuesday, March 4 - Free Park Entry Tuesday

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

Saturday, March 8 - Bird Hike

9 - 10:30 a.m.
Big Marine Park Reserve - Playground Parking Lot

Saturday, March 22 - Spring Equinox / International Day of Forest Walks

9 - 11 a.m.
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

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.

 Washington County Parks will begin accepting applications for seasonal positions including Lifeguards, Beach Coordinators, and Outdoor Recreation Instructors in mid-January. 

Please visit our website to learn more about these positions and apply!