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 for visitors of all ages to gain an understanding of agriculture, food production and land stewardship.
Get visitor information for exploring the park on your own, attend a public program or event, or schedule a group visit. You can also buy meat, wool, seasonal produce and more 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 Grounds: 5 AM–10 PM
Farm Store: Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12–5 PM
Saturday Mornings on the Farm: Every Saturday through September; 9:30 AM–noon
Barn: Open during select public programs
Interactive Map of Gale Woods
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 small watercraft rack rentals are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reserve a canoe | Reserve a small watercraft rack
For more information, call Gale Woods Farm at 763-694-2001.
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.
Reserve a canoe. Accessible parking is available at the fishing pier. For access or more information, call 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 small watercraft rack rentals are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day every year.
Reserve a canoe | Reserve a small watercraft rack
For more information, call Gale Woods Farm at 763-694-2001.
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.
Beef cattle and sheep may be visible on the pastures, and if the weather is right, you may be able to see chickens in the barnyard.
Explore programs and events happening soon at Gale Woods Farm!
Nearly all of our program offerings can be adapted or modified. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request free modifications and learn about available options.
Learn more about accessibility at Three Rivers.
To stay up to date on farm product availability and promotions or to learn about upcoming events and news, sign up for our newsletter!
Visitor Information
Exploring the Park Grounds
Visiting the park grounds is free and open to the public daily from 5 AM–10 PM.
When the park is open, explore three miles of unpaved hiking trails to observe the farm animals on pasture. You may see chickens, cattle, sheep, guard dogs, cats and pigs as well as a llama in the summer and early fall.
Picnic tables are available throughout the grounds, and a restroom and water fountain is accessible in the visitor center during park hours.
Please note: the barn is only open during scheduled events.
Visiting the Barn and Meeting the Animals
The barn is only open during scheduled events. To meet the animals, explore the barn and learn more about the farm, attend a public program or event or schedule a group program.
Dog Policy
Due to consideration of the farm animals, dogs are not allowed at Gale Woods.
While visiting dogs are not allowed at the farm, you may see one of our resident guard dogs during your visit.
Learn more about our working dogs and their job protecting the animals.
Other Opportunities at the Farm
From purchasing farm-grown foods and other goods year-round at the farm store to booking group visits, discover more opportunities at the farm.
- Farm Store & Visitor Center
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday: 12–5 PM
Purchase food and other goods grown or raised at Gale Woods from the farm store.
- Farm Market
From mid-June to mid-October, visit our outdoor farm market on Saturdays from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM to purchase vegetables and fruit grown in the gardens. You can also participate in the CSA program.
- Group Visits
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.
- Take A Virtual Tour
Explore the farm in a virtual tour!
Contact Us
For questions about visiting the farm, please email Gale Woods Farm at gwf@threeriversparks.org or call 763-694-2001.
Watch A Video About Gale Woods
Celebrate your birthday with a unique, hands-on experience at Gale Woods!
Equipment Rental
Seasonal equipment rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis as conditions allow.
- Snowshoe Rentals
Snowshoes can be rented at Gale Woods Farm during the winter season as conditions allow.
Equipment rental reservations are required to guarantee availability on your preferred day/time. Reservations can be made online or over the phone by calling 763-559-6700.
Snowshoes can be reserved from seven days in advance to 2 hours prior, as snow conditions allow. Availability may vary between locations and walk-up rentals are very limited.
- Canoe Rentals
Canoes are available at Gale Woods Farm from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Rental hours:
- Monday–Saturday (including Holidays): 9 AM–4:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:15–4:30 PM
Recreation equipment rental is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Watercraft can be reserved online up to seven days in advance or in-person.
Reserving online is encouraged to ensure availability. Same-day reservations are available. Reserve a canoe.
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. The firepit is available for rental year-round.
Gale Woods PDF Map
Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.
Trails That Connect
Give to Gale Woods Farm
Make a donation to Gale Woods Farm today.
Contact Us
For questions about visiting the farm, please email Gale Woods Farm at gwf@threeriversparks.org or call 763-694-2001.
#threeriversparks
The Wandering Naturalist
Episodes 246–248: Fisher Facts
Have you ever heard of a fisher? Not the kind with a rod and reel, but a bushy tail! This month, Angela and Brandon take a trek through the world of fishers, discussing what makes them unique, hearing from fisher expert, Dr. Roger Powell, and finding out why they’re moving south from the northern woods of Minnesota.
Related Blog Posts
Raising Farm Babies at Gale Woods Farm
By: Tim Reese
The most exciting time of the year at Gale Woods is upon us – spring babies! Learn what it takes to birth sheep or chickens on the farm and how this special season can be very demanding on a farmer's time and attention.
2024: Three Rivers Parks’ Big Year of Bugs
By: John Moriarty
Join us throughout the year to learn more about the insect world and what makes these creatures fascinating and awe-inspiring.
Where to Go Birding in Three Rivers (Part 2)
By: Steven Hogg
Learn key spots to bird in the Three Rivers Park District in the second part of our “Where to Go Birding” series.
Related News
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The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award honors exceptional volunteers who have made significant contributions to Three Rivers Park District. Read on to learn about the 2025 recipients.
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Shayne Wells of Fox 9's Good Day Minnesota paid a visit to Three Rivers Park District to check out the adorable baby boom at Gale Woods Farm.
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WCCO | CBS Minnesota headed to Gale Woods Farm to learn how it connects people to the source of their food.
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Three Rivers' farm supervisor stopped by Twin Cities Live with lambs and chicks to talk about the newest babies and spring activities at Gale Woods Farm.
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KARE 11's Hitting the Trails series highlights Three Rivers Parks.
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