Whitetail Woods Regional Park — Attraction in Empire

This is one of the most ideal places for the whole family to go and experience the best of outdoor life and nature in Dakota County. We’ve watched it develop and expand it walking, sledding, picnicking, enjoying a summer hammock, walking pets (on a leash), snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing (pass required) opportunities.

Its expansive 456-acres are located in Empire Township in the heart of Dakota County and are very well kept. Paths are nicely marked with a few instructions that make it easier for everyone to enjoy. We love reading the informative signs, too. Like the one that tells us “Most animals can detect smells, but they don’t all have noses!”

It’s a year round spot for exercise and pleasure. It’s impressive how the park keepers have used naturally fallen trees to create park benches, bridges over wet area, play and viewing perks, as well as fun displays. Yesterday when on a solo walk I was enjoying the swans. They add so much grace and are stunning to hear and observe. Everywhere you look; there is some treasure about nature to take in. The observant eye may find stones, bark, birds, and tracks that make one wonder who has been here before us and is silently with us.

We’ve had a close friend take a week in a camper cabins at Whitetail Woods Regional Park and that’s sounding enticing. I drove by and chatted with some campers and that had only good things to say. Everything done here seems to be down in the mode of “excellence”, making it ideal winter camping. Minnesota winters have wonderful color too – when you’re out in the woods.

Parking is ample. The pavilion is expansive with an exceptional fire pit and grilling stations. The front space has lots of room for picnickers to enjoy the provisions and still be completely private for others at...

As a U of M agricultural researcher who has research plots in the adjacent Vemillion Highlands WMA, I am thrilled to have Whitetail Woods so close, so I can go trail running at the end of a work day. I LOVE the way the trails are laid out, winding and gently undulating, through pine forests and restored prairies. Those restored prairies were just spectacular earlier this summer, and are still beautiful if you appreciate the sensation of being in a canyon of big bluestem as tall as a horse. The trails are also relatively smooth, which is important for trail running, because they were actually tilled during constuction. (My first venture out there was during construction, which is why I know.) This is unlike the trails at Vermillion Highlands, which are meant for horses and can be ankle-twisters.

There are parts of Whitetail Woods that are NOT pretty--at least right now, because they are being restored. It looks to me like there has been a recent effort to eliminate weed trees, probably buckthorn, from the area north of the lake. If successful, this area should eventually be a gorgeous oak savanah. I look forward to watching this transformation.

Skiing at Whitetail Woods should also be wonderful, especially classic. I've been hoping to try it out ever since it opened two years ago, but unfortunately, Mother Nature has failed to provide enough snow for good classic when I've been able to go. I have high hopes for this...

Love this place! Camper cabins are relatively new and clean. Fits up to 6 people. Two double bunks and two sofas that turn into twin beds. Three camper cabins total on the premises and you'll need to book way in advance if you want a weekend in the summer. We stayed on a Thurs in July in cabin #2. There is nearby parking for the cabins with a wheelbarrow locked at each site that opens with a key you're given at check-in. You take the wheelbarrow back to your car to lug your belongings. My only suggestion for improvement would be to have a lock box on site to get your keys and not have to drive 10 mins to Lebanon Hills. However we did purchase firewood there ($6/bundle) during check-in; staff was friendly and helpful. They also give you a bag for garbage, recycling, and compost to separate for the dumpsters. They provide a broom and cleaning supplies in the cabin for when you leave, so it's as you arrived. The bonfire pit has a couple logs to sit on and a picnic table nearby but I'd bring camping chairs next time. Each cabin has a deck with chairs that has a peaceful view. Dont forget Deep Woods bug spray, you're in a very...