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 free to explore every day, from sunrise to sunset.

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 (PDF)

Learn at naturalist-led programs

Offered monthly for all ages

Activities Calendar

Spark creativity in the forge

Blacksmithing classes offered for adults 18+

Find a Class

Garden and beekeep

Rent a plot in the community garden or space for your hives

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 Avenue. 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 Avenue.

Things to know before you visit.

Visitor Guidelines

Search Dodge Nature Center