Dakota County Parks

General Description

Help us celebrate Trails by Lantern Light at beautiful Whitetail Woods Regional Park! We are looking for responsible individuals who can master and maintain the art of fire, bonfires to be exact. Help provide a friendly face and a warm place to rest during the event, it is always greatly appreciated! 

For Whitetail Woods Regional Park, lanterns will be lit around the Empire Lake Loop starting February 5 through February 15, 2027. Look for the “Lanterns this way" signs. This is a paved and plowed trail, but some areas could become slippery. Conditions may vary — traction on shoes recommended. Bonfire at the Empire Shelter fire ring from 5-8 p.m.

For more event information, visit the county's event page through the following link - https://dakotacountymn.gov/parks/programs-events/special-events/trails-by-lantern-light#accordion-a014282bf3-item-777c195e82

Event Location

Whitetail Woods Regional Park - Empire Shelter 

17100 Station Trail

Farmington, MN 55024

(Map and driving directions)

Dates/Times

February 5 - February 15, 2027

5 - 8 p.m.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Help answer questions during the event. 
• Be a friendly and welcoming face to our event goers.
• Start and safely tend your bonfire during the event. Bonfires will be assigned two people per fire. If you wish to be paired up a certain person, please notify the County Volunteer Coordinator by email when signing up.
• This opportunity will be outside for the duration of the event, so dress accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Anyone under 18 years of age requires adult supervision.
• Must be able to display responsibility and sensibility around open fire pits.
• Must enjoy talking to and being around people.
• Able to lift and haul bundles of firewood (10 lbs.) and to be able to walk 1-2 miles during the event.

Minimum Time Commitment

3 - 3.5 hours

Activity Level

Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; project may involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Activities will require longer periods of standing and walking with limited access to sitting. Activities will mostly occur in an outdoor setting with uncontrollable elements present.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us