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We are excited to welcome the Fall season in Washington County Parks! Breathe in the crisp autumn air and take in the fall colors by getting 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! |
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Future Funding for Washington County Parks - Vehicle Permit FeesBudget, fees, taxes. These are the buzzwords when it comes to government spending – even for Washington County Parks. While our county’s public areas are true gems, they are unfortunately not free. Someone needs to mow the grass, clean the bathrooms, empty the trash, run community programs, and maintain natural resources … . The list is long and quite essential. While the County isn’t facing a budget shortfall, it is working to build a long-term funding roadmap for parks – especially since park visitors have increased by 20% over the past decade. To best shape that roadmap, the County is looking for input from its best advisors: you, the residents! In August, the County released this survey to collect public opinion on how its parks should be funded. The questions ask about park usage and funding options – whether to change permit fees, property taxes or leave things as they are. It also asks for feedback and ideas, which can be the best drivers of change. So far, 2,000 people have completed the survey. But with Washington County’s population near 300,000, we hope to hear from more of you! Before you click to take the survey, here’s a bit of background for context: - Washington County has 5,000 acres of parkland and 570 acres of water, spanning eight parks, three regional trails, one conservation area and a historic courthouse. Arguably the most diverse recreational county in the metro area!
- Currently, visitors pay $30 for an annual vehicle permit or $7 for a daily permit (if you use the park five times a year, the annual pass pays for itself!).
- Back in the mid-1980s, the annual vehicle permit was $10 and the daily permit was $2. That’s a modest average annual increase of roughly 3% per year over the past 40 years.
We’d love to hear what you think — whether you’re a weekly hiker or someone who loves knowing nature is nearby, your voice matters. This survey isn’t just about numbers — it’s about how we balance access and cost, and how we ensure future generations enjoy the same outdoor spaces we do today. So take five minutes to fill it out. Then do what I love to recommend: trade in some screen time for green time — go to the parks you’ve helped shape! Article courtesy of Parks and Open Space Commission Chair, Anne Siess. |
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Fall Camping Discounted RatesEnjoy 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 18. Important Change to How you Book your Camping ReservationsIn past years, all reservations for the entire camping season became available on a single date in early January. Starting with the 2026 camping season (beginning April 24, 2026), reservations for both Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park campgrounds will instead open on a rolling basis—120 days prior to your planned arrival date. What this means for you: - No more January rush — reservations will open throughout the year.
- You’ll be able to book sites as your plans take shape, up to 120 days in advance.
- Example: If you’d like to arrive on May 22, 2026, you can book starting January 23, 2026.
We hope this change makes it easier for everyone to plan trips and secure their favorite sites with less stress. Mark your calendars based on your preferred arrival date, and visit our reservation system to book once your 120-day window opens. We look forward to welcoming you to the campground in 2026!
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Christmas at the Courthouse Holiday Bazaar ReturnsVisitors 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. |
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Parks Vehicle Permit Photo ContestThe deadline for the vehicle permit photo contest is coming up quickly on Monday, October 6! 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. Temporary Park ClosureSquare Lake Park, including the beach, will be closed until early November for improvements to the roadway, parking lot, and walkways. More information on these improvement projects can be found on our website. Free Entry Days in the ParksOn 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 7
- November 4
- December 2
Washington County Parks will be waiving vehicle permit fees at all park locations on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 28, to encourage everyone in our community to enjoy more time in the outdoors.
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For more information or to view the full calendar of Parks events, please visit our website. Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Eagle Point Trailhead , 7 - 9 p.m., $45 per person, registration required. October 7 - Free Park Entry DayVisit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required. October 8 - Mental Health in Motion: Nature-Based HealingLake Elmo Park Reserve , 12 - 3:30 p.m., registration required. Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center Trailhead, 7 p.m. Historic Courthouse, 5 - 7 p.m., free to the public. Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Big Marine Park Reserve - Playground parking lot, 9 - 10:30 a.m. Historic Courthouse, tours offered at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m., $10 per person, registration required. Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center, 12 - 2 p.m., this event is free and open to everyone. Vehicle permits for program attendees provided by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. November 4 - Free Park Entry DayVisit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 per person, children 6 and younger are free, registration required. Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Nordic Center , 9 - 10:30 a.m. Historic Courthouse, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Historic Courthouse, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. November 28 - Free Park Entry Day - Friday after ThanksgivingVisit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required. December 2 - Free Park Entry DayVisit any Washington County Park for FREE, no vehicle permit required. Pine Point Regional Park - Trailhead Kiosk , 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
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To sign up for a volunteer opportunity or to learn more, please fill out a volunteer interest form.
Continuous – Photography VolunteerWe 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.
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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.
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