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, have a picnic by the lake 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.
Paved Trail
Unpaved Trail
Aggregate Trail
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.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.
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 June-September. Before your visit, call Gale Woods Farm at 763.694.2001 for information on canoe rental hours.
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 un-groomed trails for snowshoeing 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. Snowshoes are available to rent.
Upcoming Events
April–Sept. | Gale Woods
Explore the barn, meet animals, assist with chores and participate in seasonal farm activities. $5. Children under 2 free. 20% discount for groups of four or more.
Oct. 7 | Gale Woods
Witness a giant pumpkin weigh-off, walk a llama, watch sheepherding and more! Free admission. For more details, check out the event page on Facebook.
Oct. 14 | Gale Woods
Celebrate the harvest season at Gale Woods Farm! Enjoy string-band music, learn basic folk dancing, take a wagon ride and explore the farm. Walk-ins welcome. Farm-raised food available. $8.
Visitor Center, Farm Store, & Barn Hours
Visitor Center and Farm Store
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, 12:00–5:00 PM
Buy it at the Farm: Purchase meats, produce, and other goods grown or raised at Gale Woods from the Store, or purchase a share of weekly produce.
Barn/Animal Hours
The barn is open only for scheduled groups and public programs. Call for availability.
Watch a video about Gale Woods
Oct. 1, 2017
Need some inspiration for your upcoming wedding? At the wedding fair at Hyland Hills Chalet, you can attend Q & A sessions, watch demonstrations, and browse for florists, decorations, caterers, invitations and more. Entrance is free! (Photo by Dillinger Studios)
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.
Celebrate your birthday with unique, hands-on experiences 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.
Community Farm Project
Funds from the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shareholders program support the Community Farm Project. In cooperation with the Carver County Workforce Program, this project gives youth aged 14–15 the opportunity to work in our gardens and grow vegetables that will be distributed to farm shareholders, residents of the local community, visitors to the farm, and the Mound-Westonka Food Shelf. Youth farmers learn about sustainable agriculture and food production while receiving leadership training and building lifelong learning skills.
Dogs
Due to consideration of the farm animals, dogs are not allowed at Gale Woods Farm.
Volunteering
Volunteers are an important part of the operations at this park.
