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Shepard Farm

Cottage Grove, MN
140 acres

Shepard Farm 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)

Directions & Parking

8946 70th Street S
Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Vehicles can enter the property via a one-way road off 70th Street S and exit on Jamaica Avenue S. 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 S.

A bike rack is available at the 70th Street S entrance.

Things to know before you visit.

Visitor Guidelines

Lots for you to do!

Hike the mile-long trail

The trailhead is marked by a white and green kiosk to the west of the parking lot. Dogs and bikes are not allowed on any Dodge Nature Center property.

View Map (PDF)

Learn at naturalist-led programs

Offered monthly for all ages.

Upcoming Activities

Spark creativity in the forge

Blacksmithing classes offered for adults 18+.

Join the Next Class

Garden and beekeep

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

Learn More

Come out for a field trip

Learn in the outdoor classroom! From Bird Basics to Farm Life, there's a field trip for every age.

Learn More

Send your kid to day camp

Spring, summer, and fall camps offered for Grades K–8.

Learn More

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