Washington County Parks Quarterly Update

Photo of the swim pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Summer is in full swing in Washington County Parks! Come take a swim, cast a line, pitch a tent, and so much more! Join us in one of our upcoming programs including: the Community Ice Cream Social, Yoga in the Park, StarWatch, and Full Moon Stand Up Paddleboard. Washington County Parks will also welcome back the annual Bluegrass Festival on September 6 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Washington County Parks – A Place for Everyone

What’s the best thing about parks? They welcome everyone — all ages, backgrounds, and interests — from birdwatchers to bikers, grandparents to toddlers. The second-best thing? They offer something for everyone, whether it’s physical activity, conservation awareness, or simply a quiet place to relax.

Take Square Lake Park, for example. With its crystal-clear water and forested shoreline, it’s a hidden gem in Washington County. It draws scuba divers from across the country and boaters from around the state. On any summer day, you may see adults teaching kids to fish off the pier, friends strolling the half-mile trail, and families playing games on the beach or shaded picnic area. The interpretive signs throughout the park share insights into local wildlife and water protection efforts, which just adds a layer of learning for everyone.

During a recent visit, I sat near a family grilling a delicious, healthy feast — the aromas were enough to make me rethink my standard picnic of hot dogs, chips and canned baked beans. That experience sent me home digging through cookbooks, inspired to try something new!

That’s what parks do — they offer opportunities to explore, learn, and connect without special gear or experience to take part. Through Washington County Parks’ equipment rental program, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even picnic kits — making outdoor fun more accessible than ever. (Check the website for availability by park.)

And if you’re curious to learn something new, check out our seasonal programs and classes. From guided hikes and outdoor yoga to fishing clinics and nature education, there’s something for all ages and experience levels.

At Washington County Parks, everyone belongs — and every visit is a chance to grow. Open space leads to open minds, open doors, and endless possibility. So, think about trading in your summer screen time for some green time at Washington County Parks. You will not be disappointed!

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

Photo of St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park new play area.

New Play Area now Open at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

Installed in 1999, the former playground at St. Croix Bluffs recently got a major upgrade. Parks staff worked with Valley Friendship Club to make sure the new design included sensory-friendly equipment and quiet spaces for children with sensory sensitivities. The new setup balances modern play with mature oak trees providing natural shade. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just young at heart, this new playground promise a fresh, fun, and welcoming space for everyone to play.

Access Improvements

Washington County Parks has made significant strides to improve access to its park and trail system through innovative design and equipment in recent months. Among the most exciting upgrades are the Trails at Your Pace program and an all-terrain electric wheelchair known as the Action Trackchair. These improvements are a part of an ongoing effort to ensure parks as a welcoming space for all members of the community, no matter of ability.

The Trails at Your Pace program is a network of existing trails within the parks identified as accessible, short walking opportunities for users of all abilities. In addition to marking trails as part of the Trails at Your Pace program, Parks made physical improvements including installing additional benches along the trails to provide more resting spots. Trails at Your Pace are available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Detailed route maps are available on our website.

Coming to parks this summer, the Action Trackchair will give visitors with a disability the chance to explore parkland independently, enhancing their park visit and autonomy. This versatile electric wheelchair can maneuver through mud and snow, over rocky and grassy land, and even through standing water. With optimal conditions, the chair’s battery can withstand three hours of use and can be used in various weather conditions. The Action Trackchair was purchased with grant funds from the Metropolitan Council’s Equity Grant Program.

Graphic with a dog on a leash and text that says "Safety First! Leash and clean up after your pets.".

All Pets Must be Leashed

More and more of us are venturing out into the parks with our pets. Please remember to fetch the leash, it's required! Keeping your dog leashed will create a safer environment for you, your dog, other park users, and wildlife. Our parks are cleaner and safer when you leash and clean up after your dog!

Photo of a Parks Vehicle Permit with a yellow border and an owl.

Parks Vehicle Permit Photo Contest

Visitors who have been snapping photos in Washington County Parks now have the opportunity to submit those photos with the possibility of one being used on the county's annual 2026/2027 parks permit! This year, Washington County will be highlighting all Washington County Parks.

More information on the photo contest 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.

July 1
August 5
September 2

Promotional banner for the Community Ice Cream Social at the Washington County Historic Courthouse.

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

July 1 - Free Park Entry Day

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

July 3 - 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 - Full Moon SUP

Square Lake Park, 8:30 - 10:15 p.m., $80 per person, registration required.

July 8 - Sunset SUP Yoga

Square Lake Park, 7 - 8:15 p.m., $50 per person, registration required.

July 12 - Bird Hike

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

July 12 - Campfire Program: The Crow Knows by Dodge Nature Center

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

July 13 - Campfire Program: Animals Nobody Loves by Wildlife Science Center

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

July 17 - Community Ice Cream Social

Washington County Historic Courthouse, 5 - 8 p.m.

July 18 - Shakespeare on Tour

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - North Pavilion, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

July 19 - Campfire Program: Reptiles and Amphibians presented by Carpenter Nature Center

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

July 19 - SUP Yoga

Square Lake Park, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m., $50 per person, registration required.

July 20 - Micro Museums Maker's Day

Washington County Historic Courthouse, 1 - 4 p.m.

July 22 - Sunset SUP Yoga

Square Lake Park, 7 - 8:15 p.m., $50 per person, registration required.

August 2 - Campfire Program: Raptors by Wildlife Science Center

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

August 2 - SUP Yoga

Square Lake Park, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m., $50 per person, registration required.

August 5 - Free Park Entry Day

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

August 9 - Bird Hike

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park - Hilltop Pavilion , 9 - 10:30 a.m.

August 9 - Campfire Program: Nature Hide-and-Seek presented by Dodge Nature Center

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

August 9 - Full Moon SUP

Square Lake Park, 8:30 - 10:15 p.m., $80 per person, registration required.

August 29 - StarWatch

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m., $5 per person, registration required.

August 30 - Campfire Program: Raptors presented by Carpenter Nature Center

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park - Outdoor Amphitheater, 7 - 8 p.m.

September 2 - Free Park Entry Day

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

September 6 - Bluegrass Festival

Lake Elmo Park Reserve - South Pavilion, 2 - 6 p.m.

September 13 - Bird Hike

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park - Trailhead Kiosk , 9 - 10:30 a.m.

September 13 - Foraging Orientation

Lake Elmo Park Reserve , 5 - 7 p.m.

September 21 - Forest Bathing Fall Equinox Walk

Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 7 - 9 p.m., $45 per person, registration required.

Photo of a trailhead with posters displaying various program information.

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.

Two people and a small child walking on a pier towards the water.

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.