Howling At The Moon And Snowshoeing

When's the last time you took a moonlit walk with snowshoes strapped to your feet? Next week you'll get your chance if you sign up for the Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Lebanon Hills Park is a hidden gem in Dakota County, with miles of cross country, hiking and snowshoeing trails. The park is located at 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN.

On Friday, January 25th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM there will be a guided snowshoe hike under the full moon. There's also a beginner cross-country ski lesson for adults scheduled for Sunday, January 20, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Registration is required for both events, and equipment is included in the registration fees. Can't make the sessions? You can rent equipment at Lebanon Hills and explore when your schedule allows.

So, if you're tired of feeling cooped up inside this winter, get some warm clothes on and head out to Lebanon Hills to make the most of this season.

Learn more about the programs offered at the park by visiting their calendar here. 

Fight Cabin Fever With Fun

Do you have the winter blues? Are you already bored from being indoors? Here are a few fun-filled places to visit near Salem Green.

The Grove

8055 Barbara Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
(651) 450-2480
The Grove is the Inver Grove Heights community center. They offer a variety of activities such as indoor swimming, a workout facility, aerobic classes and more.

The Grove has an indoor pool and water play area.

The Grove has some great exercise equipment.

Skyzone

595 Hale Ave, Oakdale, MN 55128
(651) 200-3383

Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park located in Oakdale. Sky Zone offers fun and fitness for all ages. Perfect for winter birthday parties or just an evening out with the family.

Hours
Monday: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 3 pm- 8 pm
Friday: 12 pm- 9 pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11 am- 7 pm

Pricing:
30 Mins- $8
60 Mins- $12
90 Mins- $16
120 Mins- $20

Water Park of America
1700 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-8900

The Water Park of America is located off of 494 just south of the Mall of America. You can have hours of fun in this water park. With attractions from waters slides, lazy river, hot tubs, wave pool, over 70 arcade games and much more!

Get Your Fair Fare In Farmington

Have a hankering for corn dogs and cheese curds and you just can't wait until the State Fair? Not to worry, our very own Dakota County Fair is in full swing and goes until Sunday, August 12. Located at the county fairgrounds in Farmington, the Dakota County Fair has something fun for everyone.

Check out the schedule for all the events happening at the Fair, and there's a lot of them, including a tractor pull tomorrow and bull riding on Thursday, both at the grandstand. Plus there's a band or entertainment lined up each evening.

For more information about the Dakota County Fair visit the website here.

Rides and food at the Dakota County Fair.

Where else can you catch a Mutton Bustin' event?

Master Your Gardening Skills This Summer.

Do you love to garden or have a green thumb? Well you're in luck! There are plots just down the road with 18 garden plots operated by the Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Department. The plots are located at Salem Hills Park in Inver Grove Heights. The cost for a plot is $25 for the whole season. One plot is available per household address on a first come, first served basis. There is access to water at the site and plot renters will be responsible for planting, watering and maintaining their own plot.

If you are interested in a plot for the 2012 season, please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at (651) 450-2585.

Dakota County Offers Emergency Alerts Via Phone.

You can get emergency alerts on your phone.

Ever wonder where those emergency vehicles are going and if it will affect your day? Well now you can know. The Dakota County Communications center is offering emergency alerts on a “Mass Telephone Notification System”. So if there is a public emergency that may affect the health, safety or welfare of the community, you can elect to receive a notice to your home, work or cell phone.

Emergency Alerts Include:
Pandemic outbreaks, chemical spills, building evacuations and other threats to public safety

Residents with “land-line” telephone numbers most likely were automatically entered into the notification system. Residents may provide alternate phone numbers or an email address to ensure you receive all messages.  To confirm your number or to register your phone number visit www.mn-dcc.org (look for Mass Telephone Notification System” or call 651-322-8644 for more information.

The contact information provided for the Mass Telephone Notification System will not be sold or made public.