Whitetail Woods Regional Park

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PARK!! This place is so underrated. They've got little playground areas for families, and long running trails. Great views. Check this place out!

Well marked walking paths through some woods, a lot of prairie, and around a lake. Brand new amenities. Would like to try out the camping cabins which look beautiful.

This is one of the most ideal places for the whole family to go and experience the best of outdoor life and nature in Dakota County. We’ve watched it develop and expand it walking, sledding, picnicking, enjoying a summer hammock, walking pets (on a leash), snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing (pass required) opportunities.

Its expansive 456-acres are located in Empire Township in the heart of Dakota County and are very well kept. Paths are nicely marked with a few instructions that make it easier for everyone to enjoy. We love reading the informative signs, too. Like the one that tells us “Most animals can detect smells, but they don’t all have noses!”

It’s a year round spot for exercise and pleasure. It’s impressive how the park keepers have used naturally fallen trees to create park benches, bridges over wet area, play and viewing perks, as well as fun displays.
Yesterday when on a solo walk I was enjoying the swans. They add so much grace and are stunning to hear and observe. Everywhere you look; there is some treasure about nature to take in. The observant eye may find stones, bark, birds, and tracks that make one wonder who has been here before us and is silently with us.

We’ve had a close friend take a week in a camper cabins at Whitetail Woods Regional Park and that’s sounding enticing. I drove by and chatted with some campers and that had only good things to say. Everything done here seems to be down in the mode of “excellence”, making it ideal winter camping. Minnesota winters have wonderful color too – when you’re out in the woods.

Parking is ample. The pavilion is expansive with an exceptional fire pit and grilling stations. The front space has lots of room for picnickers to enjoy the provisions and still be completely private for others at other tables.

The kids and adults all loved it! It was our first time at a park like this in Minnesota. It was beautiful, meaningful built and planned, and offered many options to play even covered in snow.

DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH TO THIS PARK. Take Biscayne Ave to 170th. So many great walking trails once you get there. Ski trail options look great for winter, but my springtime visit focused on paved, accessible trail. Great for wheelchairs, strollers.