Washington County Parks will have free entry for the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, and several outdoor agencies waive entrance fees to encourage the public and communities to spend more time outdoors. Washington County Parks designated the Friday after Thanksgiving as a free day to visit county parks without purchasing a vehicle permit.
Gather friends and family for a day filled with adventure and nature. There are self-guided opportunities planned at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
At Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, visitors can take part in the two-mile Breathe and Be Hike. Venture through the woods on paved, accessible trails and follow prompts along the way to practice awareness and self-reflection.
At Lake Elmo Park Reserve, visitors can embark on an exciting Spot the Gnome scavenger hunt. On this 1.1-mile natural terrain hike on the Yellow Prairie Trail, hikers try to discover all the whimsical gnomes hidden along the way.
Free entry applies to all 10 county parks and regional trails:
• Big Marine Park Reserve – 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
• Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park – 9653 Keats Ave. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016
• Hardwood Creek Regional Trail – 19987 Fitzgerald Trail N., Forest Lake, MN 55025
• Historic Courthouse – 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater, MN 55082
• Lake Elmo Park Reserve – 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042
• Pine Point Regional Park – 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater, MN 55082
• Point Douglas Park – 14500 Pt. Douglas Dr. S., Hastings, MN 55033
• Point Douglas Regional Trail – 14500 Point Douglas Drive S., Hastings, MN 55033
• St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park – 10191 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
• Square Lake Park – 15450 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater, MN 55082
County parks offer many amenities, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and horse trails. The possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited in county parks. Pets are allowed in parking areas and on designated trails and must always be on a maximum six-foot leash. Pets are not allowed on beaches or in campgrounds, indoor facilities, picnic areas, or playgrounds. Pet owners must clean up after their pets.
For more information about county parks, visit WashingtonCountyMN.gov/Parks or contact staff by calling 651-430-4300 or emailing parks@co.washington.mn.us.