Sheep and cows graze on a rolling green pasture.

Two large white dogs stand watch near a flock of sheep in the winter.

two sheep standing in snow and covered in snow.

a red barn on a blue-sky day with a light layer of snow on the ground.

kids walking on a path carrying pumpkins

View of pastures leading to a lake. The trees are changing colors.

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.

Park Hours: 5 AM–10 PM Store Hours: Closed.

Main Number 763.694.2001

7210 County Road 110 W. Minnetrista, MN 55364

Interactive Map of Gale Woods

Gale Woods Farm Pavilion

Interactive Map of Gale Woods

Gale Woods Farm Pavilion

Legend

Trails

Interactive Map of Gale Woods

Gale Woods Farm Pavilion

gale woods pdf map

Year-round 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Paddling

558 acres of water

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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.

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Snowshoeing

a woman walks through a snow-covered forest on snowshoes.

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.

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Upcoming Events

Wagon Ride & Bonfire

Sept. 17 & 24 | Gale Woods
Take a wagon ride through the park, meet the animals, explore a hay bale maze and relax around a fire.

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Sheepherding, Farm Tours and Wagon Rides

Sept. 25 & 26 | Gale Woods
Watch the annual Star of the North Sheepherding Trial, meet the farm animals, tour the gardens and see the annual fall sheep shearing.

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Cooking Challenge: The Mystery Bag

Ongoing | Gale Woods
Pick a mystery bag and see what you can cook up!

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All Programs and Events

See all upcoming events and programs at Gale Woods!

Explore Gale Woods with KARE 11

Hit the trails of Gale Woods and other Three Rivers parks with KARE 11!

Visitor Information

Farm Market & Visitor Center

The visitor center and farm store are closed.

Purchase fresh food and other goods grown or raised at Gale Woods from the Farm Store, or participate in the CSA program.

From mid-June to mid-October, visit our outdoor Farm Market on Saturdays from 9:30 AM-Noon.

Barn/Animal Hours

The barn is open for scheduled groups and public programs. Please call for availability, or join us for a farm tour. 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.