








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.
Explore the park on your own, arrange a guided visit or attend a public event. 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.
Interactive Map of Gale Woods
gale woods pdf map
Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.
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. Rentals will not be available in 2020.
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.
New in 2020-21: Snowshoes are available to rent online. Advance reservations required.
Upcoming Events
March 13, 19 & 20 | Gale Woods
Make a needle felted farm animal, or make slippers or mittens using wet felting techniques.
March 20 | Online
Learn everything you need to know about raising chickens at home from Gale Woods!
Throughout March | Multiple Locations
Attend a maple syrup festival, learn to make your own syrup, discover maple sugaring and more! Learn more about this tradition on the Maple Syruping page.
All Programs and Events
See all upcoming events and programs at Gale Woods!
Visitor Information
Farm Market, Store & Visitor Center
Contactless shopping is now available at the Farm Store. Call 763.694.2001 during store hours for same-day curbside pickup, or order in-person from the store window. Credit cards only.
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
While the barn is only open for scheduled groups and public programs, the animals can typically be seen out on pasture from the hiking trails, which are free and open to the public every day. Join us for a public program or schedule a guided visit.
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.
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.
#threeriversparks
trails that connect
The Wandering Naturalist
Episodes 80-82: Healing in Nature
Learn the science behind how parks improve our health, walk Silverwood's certified forest-bathing trail with Brandon and Angela, and hear from a Three Rivers volunteer about his commitment to being in nature every day.
Related Blog Posts
A Love Letter to Gale Woods Farm
By: Mari Melby
Mari Melby, one of our park guests, shares why she loves visiting Gale Woods Farm with her family and how it's become such a special place in their lives.
Guardians of Gale Woods
By: Tim Reese
Meet the furry guardians of Gale Woods Farm who protect the sheep and learn what makes llamas and Great Pyrenees dogs good shepherds.
Giving Wood Ducks a Home in Three Rivers
By: Steven Hogg
Wood ducks are one of the most spectacular birds in North America. Learn what Three Rivers is doing to provide the space they need to nest and thrive in our parks.
Related News
-
KARE 11's Hitting the Trails series highlights Three Rivers Parks.
Similar Areas
The Landing
2187 Highway 101 E
Shakopee, MN 55379
763.694.7784
Silverwood Park
2500 County Rd E
St. Anthony, MN 55421
763.694.7707
Carver Park Reserve
7400 Grimm Road
Victoria, MN 55386
763.694.7650