Shepard Farm

Cottage Grove, MN

Shepard Farm (140 acres) offers a setting unique from other Dodge properties, with 100-year-old woods, 1920s-era historic buildings and barns, restored prairie, large community gardens, a bee apiary, and animal pastures. After acquiring it from the Wilder Foundation in 2013, Dodge has thoughtfully developed it to serve as a destination for agricultural and environmental education in Washington County.

Restrooms are open daily. Trails are open to the public sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. There is no cost to hike at Dodge.

Download Shepard Farm Map (PDF)

Lots for you to do!


Hike the mile-long trail

The trailhead is marked by a white kiosk to the west of the parking lot. Please leave your dogs at home and secure your bicycles by the parking lot.

View Map and Guide (PDF)

Learn at naturalist-led programs

Offered monthly for all ages

Activities Calendar

Garden and grow

Grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers in community gardens

Learn More

Learn beekeeping from experts

Cultivate hives and produce honey

Learn More

Directions & Parking


8946 70th Street S.
Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Vehicles can access the property via a one-way road. Please enter from 70th Street S. and exit on Jamaica Ave. The paved lot offers ample parking for cars; please do not park in the school bus drop-off/pickup loop.

Pedestrians can enter Shepard Farm from paved trails along 70th Street S. and Jamaica Ave.

Things to know before you visit.

Visitor Guidelines

Search Dodge Nature Center