Dakota County, MN

We all have items we don't need that just take up space. Choosing to donate those items and choosing used over buying new saves money and it’s better for the environment. That is why Dakota County hosts Fix & Swap events in partnership with our Fix-it Clinics.

Community Swaps provide an opportunity for the community to leave their unwanted items and then take as many available items as they wish – for free. All items left over after the event will be donated to a local reuse retailer. 

The Dakota County Recycling Ambassador program provides training on waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste.

Ambassadors agree to volunteer 30 hours putting their skills to work. Ambassadors have the opportunity to staff informational booths at community events, make presentations, and work on special projects in their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Dakota County Recycling Ambassador Program. 

Green Squad volunteers help our county events recycle more and create less waste. Green Squad volunteers are composed of Dakota County Recycling Ambassadors who are trained to be good stewards of our resources and to help others make smart decisions when it comes to recycling and waste management.

ATTENTION: Volunteers must first complete Dakota County's Recycling Ambassador training to participate in Green Squad events.

Working together makes us stronger, builds better bridges and opens up a world of opportunity to our residents. The Dakota County Volunteer Network exists to help local non-profits and organizations tap into Dakota County's broader volunteer network. We seek to serve and activate people not just in Dakota County but to people living in the Twin Cities regions and beyond. We work together to build better programming and to share insight and ideas so that all of organizations can flourish and thrive in the causes that they care about. 

Dakota County Volunteer Network - Connecting Communities to Local Opportunities 

DISCLAIMER: Some of these opportunities are not managed by Dakota County Volunteers but with another local organization. You may have to complete additional registration/documentation with the organization to fully sign up for the activity. The organizations that host these opportunities take full responsibility for the organization and management of the opportunities listed below. 

LeDuc Historic Estate was built between 1862 and 1866 by William Gates LeDuc and his wife Mary LeDuc near the Vermillion River in Hastings, Minnesota. The LeDucs were prominent early settlers of Minnesota and played significant roles in the state's growth from a territory to a state. Take a step back in time and hear stories about the LeDuc family and the history of the 1800s.

1629 Vermillion Street
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-8480
Get Directions

The Estate is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from May 15 through October 25 and on special occasion the rest of the year.

Address
20085 Heritage Dr
Lakeville, MN 55044

Phone
952-891-0360

Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Closed on holidays

Address
131 Seventh Ave. N

South St. Paul, MN 55075

Phone
651-480-0900

Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: noon - 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Closed on holidays

Address
1340 Wescott Road
Eagan MN 55123-1029

Phone
651-450-2900

Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Closed on holidays

Come and enjoy all that Spring Lake Park Reserve has to offer. Experience views of the Mississippi River along the newly completed Mississippi River Greenway and learn about prairie restoration projects and the reintroduction of bison. There will be an assortment of activities throughout the entire park at both Schaar's Bluff and Fahey Trailhead.

Visit our website to learn more about the event here. 

Enjoy the outdoors while assisting park visitors with questions, directions, and providing an extra support measure in case of emergencies. Our patrol units offer a vital service to our county parks by providing trained individual assistance to our park users, helping to keep everyone happy and safe on our park and regional trails. Volunteer while personally enjoying the trails yourself, so easy and fun! 

The American Red Cross and Dakota County partner to offer onsite blood donations at our main building locations throughout the county.