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 (PDF)

Learn at naturalist-led programs

Offered monthly for all ages

Activities Calendar

Spark something new at the forge

Blacksmithing classes offered for adults 16+

Find a Class

Garden and grow

Grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers in community gardens

Rent a Garden Plot

Be a beekeeper

Rent 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 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