
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Explore miles of diverse trails through forests, prairies, and wetlands, with a nature-focused Visitor Center and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife viewing

Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore miles of diverse trails through forests, prairies, and wetlands, with a nature-focused Visitor Center and abundant wildlife.
"Blown away by the sprawling trails winding through forests, prairies, and wetlands – one of the best park areas!"

🗺️ Download Trail Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps before you go to navigate the extensive trail system.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rugged. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Trail Network
Throughout the park
Explore miles of trails winding through forests, prairies, and wetlands. Perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Visitor Center Exhibits
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Engage with nature exhibits and learn about local wildlife. Kid-friendly and educational for all ages.

Lakeside Views
Various lakes within the park
Enjoy scenic views of the park's lakes, ideal for quiet reflection or a picnic. Canoe and kayak rentals available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Visitor Center Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps before you go to navigate the extensive trail system.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rugged. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring.
Any Eagan recommendations?
🛶 Book Rentals Early
Canoe and kayak rentals are popular. Reserve your spot in advance, especially on weekends.
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, frogs, and birds. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for sightings.
Eagan - tell me all the things.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps before you go to navigate the extensive trail system.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to rugged. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring.
🛶 Book Rentals Early
Canoe and kayak rentals are popular. Reserve your spot in advance, especially on weekends.
📸 Capture the Wildlife
Keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, frogs, and birds. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for sightings.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. Water fountains are available at the Visitor Center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lebanon Hills Regional Park for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, featuring well-maintained trails through forests, prairies, and wetlands. The Visitor Center is a hit for its educational exhibits, and the abundance of wildlife adds to the appeal. Some find it can get crowded at times, and a lack of regular biking trails is noted.
"Great park with lots of activities. Great for BWCA training as the lakes have portage trails. No regular biking trails. Fishing is fine. Canoe and kayak rentals in site with reserve in advance. There are a limited number of ultralight Kevlar Auroras available."
Darin Jensen
"Beautiful park with such a diversity of flora and fauna. Very well maintained paved trails. From forest, to wetlands, to prairies with native wildflowers, this place has it all! The staff was helpful and eager to answer any questions. The children also loved the visitor center where they can draw and learn about nature and the park."
Thomas Schmidt
"Lebanon Hills had got to be one of the best park areas in the twin cities, I was just blown away. There are sprawling trails, winding through a mix of forests, prairies, and wetland. The facilities available (such as the visitor center and various viewing areas/walkways) are well-maintained, the trails are marked clearly and thoroughly, and there is an abundance of wildlife (in our walk we saw a turtle, many snakes, a frog, a toad, and a variety of birds).
I hope to come back to Lebanon Hills again soon; there is so much to see. 💙"
Blue
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center is located in Eagan, Minnesota. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there are several parking lots throughout Lebanon Hills Regional Park, including near the Visitor Center. Parking is generally free.
While there are paved trails, dedicated bike lanes leading directly to the park might be limited. Check local biking maps for routes from your starting point.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take I-35E South to exit 98B for Yankee Doodle Road. Turn left onto Yankee Doodle Road, then right onto Jensen Avenue. The Visitor Center will be on your left.
Public transport options to Lebanon Hills Regional Park can be infrequent. It's best to check with local transit authorities for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Lebanon Hills Regional Park is free. There are no admission fees to access the trails or general park areas.
The Visitor Center typically has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Dakota County Parks website for the most current hours before your visit.
While park entry is free, there are fees for renting canoes and kayaks. These rentals are available seasonally and can be booked in advance.
Yes, picnic shelters are available for rent within Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons.
There is no entrance fee for using the extensive trail system at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lebanon Hills offers a variety of trails, including paved multi-use paths perfect for walking and biking, as well as unpaved, more rugged trails for hiking through forests and wetlands.
You can spot a diverse range of wildlife, including turtles, various snakes, frogs, toads, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out during your walks!
Restroom facilities are available at the Visitor Center and at various points throughout the park.
Absolutely! The diverse habitats within Lebanon Hills Regional Park make it an excellent spot for birdwatching, with many species present throughout the year.
Swimming is generally not permitted in the lakes at Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The park focuses on activities like boating, fishing, and hiking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes within Lebanon Hills Regional Park. It's recommended to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated picnic areas and shelters available throughout the park.
Many picnic tables are located near the lakes and offer scenic views. The areas around the Visitor Center also have convenient picnic spots.
Some picnic areas may have grills available for public use, but it's best to confirm this with the park staff or check the park's amenities list.
Bring your own food, drinks, utensils, and any picnic blankets or chairs. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse landscapes offer great photo opportunities. Look for scenic lake views, wildflower meadows in bloom, and wooded trails.
Yes, Lebanon Hills is excellent for nature photography due to its varied ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Early morning light is particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the park's regulations regarding drones before flying.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Various overlooks and boardwalks provide elevated views of the wetlands and lakes, perfect for capturing panoramic shots of the park's natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🛶 Paddlers and Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Lebanon Hills
When planning your hike, consider the different trail experiences. The paved trails offer accessibility and ease, while the unpaved trails provide a more immersive nature experience. Many visitors rave about the diversity of flora and fauna encountered along these paths, from vibrant native wildflowers to abundant wildlife. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some trails can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Downloading an offline map is also a wise precaution, as cell service can be inconsistent in certain areas of the park.
Wildlife Encounters and Nature Education
The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center serves as an excellent educational hub for understanding the park's natural wonders. Inside, you'll find engaging exhibits that teach about the local flora and fauna, making it a perfect stop for families and anyone interested in learning more about the environment. The staff are often described as helpful and eager to share their knowledge, enhancing the visitor experience. This focus on education, combined with the opportunities for wildlife spotting, makes Lebanon Hills a valuable destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Water Activities and Lakeside Relaxation
While swimming is not permitted in the lakes, the shores and surrounding areas offer beautiful vistas. Many visitors enjoy simply unwinding by the water, taking in the tranquil atmosphere, and observing the aquatic life. The park's well-maintained facilities, including viewing areas and walkways, enhance the experience of enjoying the lakeside environment. Whether you're an avid paddler or simply seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, the lakes of Lebanon Hills offer a refreshing escape.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit