Gale Woods Farm
Outdoor fun on a real working farm. Located on picturesque Whaletail Lake in Minnetrista, Gale Woods Farm features a unique educational opportunity where visitors of all ages gain an understanding of agriculture, food production and land stewardship.
Explore the park on your own, arrange a field trip, or attend a public event. You can also buy fresh food and yarn or host a celebration. In addition to programs and summer camps for aspiring farmhands, you'll find a variety of skill-based classes including fiber arts, cooking and gardening.
COVID-19
Updates & FAQs
Our parks and trails are open! Please remember to practice social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. For the safety of our guests and employees, our buildings are closed.
Interactive Map of Gale Woods
gale woods pdf map
things to do
Biking
2.2 miles of trails
Enjoy crushed limestone trails for hiking or biking as you loop around rolling fields and forests, and take in the scene of undeveloped lakeshore and beautiful wetlands. Cows, sheep and pigs may be visible on the pastures, and you can see chickens in the barnyard. Bike to the farm on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.
Boating
558 acres of water
Enjoy a ½-mile hike around the pastures to the accessible fishing pier and non-motorized boat access. The reward: exploring the secluded bays of Whaletail Lake, known for its crappie and panfish. Canoe rentals and rack rental space are available June-September. Before your visit, please call Gale Woods Farm at 763.694.2001 for information on canoe rental hours.
Educational Farming
Gale Woods presents unique opportunities to experience agriculture, food production and land stewardship. Workshops in gardening, farming, fiber arts and cooking strive to enrich lives and create connections in a casual group setting. The barn is open during public programs and scheduled group field trips, during which visitors can meet the animals and take part in seasonal farm activities such as collecting eggs, feeding the sheep, planting and harvesting in the garden or creating a wool-craft.
Fishing
558 acres of water
Enjoy a half-mile hike around the pastures to the accessible fishing pier and non-motorized boat access. The reward: exploring the secluded bays of Whaletail Lake, known for its crappie and panfish. Canoe rentals and rack rental space are available June-September. For information on canoe rental hours, please call Gale Woods Farm at 763.694.2001.
Hiking
3.5 miles of trails
Enjoy crushed limestone trails for hiking or biking as you loop around rolling fields and forests, and take in the scene of undeveloped lakeshore and beautiful wetlands. Cows, sheep and pigs maybe visible on the pastures, and you can see chickens in the barnyard. Walk or hike to the farm on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.
Paddling
558 acres of water
Enjoy a half-mile hike around the pastures to the accessible fishing pier and non-motorized boat access. The reward: exploring the secluded bays of Whaletail Lake, known for its crappie and panfish. Canoe rentals and rack rental space are available.
Rental Hours
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day:
9 AM-5 PM Monday-Saturday
Noon-5 PM Sunday
4 canoes available. Last rental is at 3:30 PM. See rental prices.
Picnic Areas
Several picnic areas are spread around the farm. The pastoral scene and vista of Whaletail Lake offers a wonderful backdrop. A spacious three-season picnic pavilion is available for rent. Gale Woods has earned national recognition as a “green” venue for hosting earth-friendly events.
Snowshoeing
4.2 miles of trails
Enjoy ungroomed trails for snowshoeing as you loop around rolling fields and forests, and take in the scene of undeveloped lake shore and beautiful wetlands. Cows, sheep and pigs maybe visible on the pastures, and you can see chickens in the barnyard.
Snowshoes are available to rent at the visitor center. See rental rates.
Visitor Information
Farm Market & Visitor Center
The visitor center is closed.
Regular Hours
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, 12:00–5:00 PM
Purchase fresh food and other goods grown or raised at Gale Woods from the Farm Store, or participate in the CSA program.
Barn/Animal Hours
The barn is open for scheduled groups and public programs. Please call for availability, or join us at Saturday Mornings on the Farm April through September when the barn is open and you can see the farm animals up close! The barn is closed in the winter. The animals can typically be seen out on pasture from the hiking trails, which are free and open to the public every day.
Dogs
Due to consideration of the farm animals, dogs are not allowed at Gale Woods Farm.
Groups
Whether you’re with a school, scout troop, 4-H or other group, Gale Woods Farm offers exciting, hands-on programs for preschoolers through adults. Learn more.
Watch a Video About Gale Woods
The pavilion is available for large groups April–November. This facility, a popular spot for weddings and corporate events, overlooks Whaletail Lake and the farm’s pastures and gardens.
Volunteering
Volunteers are an important part of the operations at this park. Three Rivers also has several opportunities for teens to get involved.
Gale Woods Newsletter
Want to know what's happening at Gale Woods? Sign up to receive news from the farm!
Give to Gale Woods
Make a donation to Gale Woods Farm today.
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