Dakota County, MN

​Protecting Dakota County’s valuable surface water and groundwater resources is an important responsibility for everyone who lives and works here. Dakota County helps protect water quality every step of the way.

Take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River by starlight and candlelight at the Trails by Candlelight event at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings. A variety of cross-county ski, snowshoe, hiking, and walking trails with varying distances will be lit with hundreds of candles. When you need a break, stop by one of our roaring bonfires to warm up and roast a marshmallow. Enjoy some wintertime fun for the whole family.

Volunteers are needed to help support multiple activities before, during, and after the event to make this event a success. All volunteers will receive free access to the event and volunteers who help during the event will receive a dinner voucher to use at one of our participating food trucks. To ensure a high quality experience, pre-registration is required to volunteer. Space is limited and spots fill quickly. Check out the roster below to see what opportunities are available.

Take a walk around the lake and through the woods by flickering candlelight at the Trails by Candlelight event at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul. A variety of snowshoe, hiking and walking trails with varying distances will be lit with hundreds of candles. When you need a break, stop by one of our crackling bonfires to warm up and roast a marshmallow. Fun for the whole family.

Volunteers of all ages are needed to help support multiple activities before, during, and after to help make this event a success. All volunteers will receive free access to the event and volunteers who help during the event will receive a dinner voucher to use at one of our participating food trucks. To ensure a high quality experience, pre-registration is required to volunteer. Space is limited and spots fill quickly. Check out the roster below to see what opportunities are available.