Dakota Lodge
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Dakota Lodge Photos
About This Vendor
A Charming Retreat By The Lake
Dakota Lodge is a wedding reception venue located in West St. Paul, MN. Enveloped by beautiful nature, this property would be an ideal choice for couples planning a secluded getaway for their big day. Picturesque grounds provide idyllic surroundings while luxurious indoor spaces offer ample room for the wedding party to celebrate and make new memories. A charming and eye-catching building, Dakota Lodge would be more than suitable for milestone celebrations. Out in the open air, everyone can enjoy special moments in bliss as they drink in the beautiful views. The nearby lake is sure to draw admiring glances as everyone mingles with one another and gets into the party mood. Inside, couples are welcome to make use of this blank canvas event space as it may be decorated appropriately for the fairytale event. Conveniently, Dakota Lodge offers a private escape removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, it is still located not far from St. Paul, meaning that anyone can take a trip to enjoy the beautiful city’s many attractions if they so wish. For the magical ceremony, space may be set up outside where the happy couple can join together to exchange vows. Beneath a tall tree, the ‘I do’ moment can take place while guests sit on chairs laid out across the green lawn. For the cocktail hour, a terrace by the lake is available where invitees can enjoy beverages in anticipation of the all-important meal. Inside, there is a lounge function area with an eye-catching fireplace where loved ones can gather as conversations take place. In the main banquet hall, up to 160 people can enjoy a sit-down meal, making it suitable for all manner of memorable occasions. Light, bright, and spacious, this room would be ideal for hosting speeches, festivities, and heartfelt toasts.
Amenities & Details
Ceremony Area, Handicap Accessible, Indoor Event Space, Liability Insurance, Reception Area, Wireless Internet
Guest CapacityUp to 200
Ceremony TypesCivil Union, Commitment Ceremony, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-Religious Ceremony, Religious Ceremony, Second Wedding, Vow Renewal Ceremony
Venue Service Offerings SettingsBallroom, Park, Trees
Business AttributesPricing for Dakota Lodge
| Option | Value |
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| Starting Cost | Affordable |
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Browse Dakota Lodge pricing PDF below for sample services and estimates.
View PricesDakota Lodge Reviews
George Krueger (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-09-2022
Dakota Lodge was a great place for our wedding! The recent revitalization of the park it is within made it an aesthetically-pleasing spot for our outdoor ceremony and photos, and the indoor venue was very nice as well. We had about 90-100 guests attend and not once did it ever feel crowded. It was convenient that they had a dance floor included as part of the building design, so we didn't need to worry about renting one to set up ourselves. Lastly, the Dakota County staff was very helpful and very good with communication. The pricing seemed fair as well. I highly recommend this venue for your wedding!
Reviewed on 03-10-2022
Wedding Date 17-09-2022
Dakota Lodge was a great place for our wedding! The recent revitalization of the park it is within made it an aesthetically-pleasing spot for our outdoor ceremony and photos, and the indoor venue was very nice as well. We had about 90-100 guests attend and not once did it ever feel crowded. It was convenient that they had a dance floor included as part of the building design, so we didn't need to worry about renting one to set up ourselves. Lastly, the Dakota County staff was very helpful and very good with communication. The pricing seemed fair as well. I highly recommend this venue for your wedding!
Reviewed on 03-10-2022
Mariah Brammer (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-03-2020
Super amazing to work with- great response time to our questions . We ended up not having our wedding there due to COVID-19. But during that process, they were incredible understanding and helpful in making our decision. We hope to have a large reception there in the later future.
Reviewed on 26-04-2020
Wedding Date 21-03-2020
Super amazing to work with- great response time to our questions . We ended up not having our wedding there due to COVID-19. But during that process, they were incredible understanding and helpful in making our decision. We hope to have a large reception there in the later future.
Reviewed on 26-04-2020
Tina Krueger (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 15-06-2019
Absolutely amazing venue for our wedding. Beautiful inside and out. Affordable and great staff.
Reviewed on 16-06-2019
Wedding Date 15-06-2019
Absolutely amazing venue for our wedding. Beautiful inside and out. Affordable and great staff.
Reviewed on 16-06-2019
Carol M (bride) 3 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
We used Dakota Lodge as a venue for our daughter's post destination wedding celebration luncheon. The building and grounds are beautiful and our guests were impressed. However we had some issues as the building was not open at the promised time. Also, the building facilitator helped when we directly asked questions but did not offer assistance otherwise. We had a wedding video to show and had much difficulty getting it to work as the HDMI connection did not work properly. It took multiple attempts and multiple appeals for help. Finally the facilitator told us that we could try a different VGA connection that we didn't even know was available. We had planned to show the video prior to the start of the luncheon, but had to allow people to start eating while we frantically tried to get the video running. Not quite the way we wanted things to proceed. If you have a video, allow yourself plenty of time to make certain that it will run properly.
Reviewed on 21-07-2018
Wedding Date 21-09-2019
We used Dakota Lodge as a venue for our daughter's post destination wedding celebration luncheon. The building and grounds are beautiful and our guests were impressed. However we had some issues as the building was not open at the promised time. Also, the building facilitator helped when we directly asked questions but did not offer assistance otherwise. We had a wedding video to show and had much difficulty getting it to work as the HDMI connection did not work properly. It took multiple attempts and multiple appeals for help. Finally the facilitator told us that we could try a different VGA connection that we didn't even know was available. We had planned to show the video prior to the start of the luncheon, but had to allow people to start eating while we frantically tried to get the video running. Not quite the way we wanted things to proceed. If you have a video, allow yourself plenty of time to make certain that it will run properly.
Reviewed on 21-07-2018
Stephanie Mueller (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 02-06-2018
We got so many compliments on this beautiful location! Parents appreciated the playground. We loved having the option to leave a vehicle overnight. Can't wait to see our pictures - just overall a gorgeous place.
Reviewed on 08-06-2018
Wedding Date 02-06-2018
We got so many compliments on this beautiful location! Parents appreciated the playground. We loved having the option to leave a vehicle overnight. Can't wait to see our pictures - just overall a gorgeous place.
Reviewed on 08-06-2018
Jennifer Chang (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 17-06-2017
I don't know why this venue is not more popular on The Knot! I had my wedding there this past weekend and it was absolutely phenomenal. My ceremony was outdoors and guests enjoyed being in the shade under the large oak tree, and you can't beat the convenience of then going inside for the reception. They charge the same for Friday/Saturday/Sunday weddings and are SO affordable! Realistically though I would not plan for bigger than 144 people at the venue or it'll be a little squished. The huge windows provide a lot of natural light and the sloped ceilings give it a unique look.You are allowed to cater your own food and drink at the venue, however if you are serving alcohol, that needs to be provided by a licensed caterer. To have total freedom over food services is wonderful - you can even make your own dinner to serve if you want! We used a caterer but baked our own cupcakes for the wedding, and it saved us a lot of money. There are separate rooms for bride's side and groom's side to get ready in, but bring your own mirrors. Planning the wedding was flawless from start to finish. The staff at Dakota Lodge were quick to respond to my questions and very professional. The Dakota Lodge staff that were on site during the day of were also friendly and helpful. Book with Dakota Lodge, you won't regret it!
Reviewed on 22-06-2017
Wedding Date 17-06-2017
I don't know why this venue is not more popular on The Knot! I had my wedding there this past weekend and it was absolutely phenomenal. My ceremony was outdoors and guests enjoyed being in the shade under the large oak tree, and you can't beat the convenience of then going inside for the reception. They charge the same for Friday/Saturday/Sunday weddings and are SO affordable! Realistically though I would not plan for bigger than 144 people at the venue or it'll be a little squished. The huge windows provide a lot of natural light and the sloped ceilings give it a unique look.You are allowed to cater your own food and drink at the venue, however if you are serving alcohol, that needs to be provided by a licensed caterer. To have total freedom over food services is wonderful - you can even make your own dinner to serve if you want! We used a caterer but baked our own cupcakes for the wedding, and it saved us a lot of money. There are separate rooms for bride's side and groom's side to get ready in, but bring your own mirrors. Planning the wedding was flawless from start to finish. The staff at Dakota Lodge were quick to respond to my questions and very professional. The Dakota Lodge staff that were on site during the day of were also friendly and helpful. Book with Dakota Lodge, you won't regret it!
Reviewed on 22-06-2017
Laura Hannam (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-01-2017
Cannot say enough good things about the Dakota Lodge at Thompson Park. From first email showing interest in booking this venue, email responses were almost immediate, super diligent and friendly staff. Tour was exceptional, any random off the wall question we had, the tour guide answered thoroughly. The on-side coordinators the day of the wedding were also amazing. We had no worries that anything would go wrong for our big day!
Reviewed on 01-02-2017
Wedding Date 28-01-2017
Cannot say enough good things about the Dakota Lodge at Thompson Park. From first email showing interest in booking this venue, email responses were almost immediate, super diligent and friendly staff. Tour was exceptional, any random off the wall question we had, the tour guide answered thoroughly. The on-side coordinators the day of the wedding were also amazing. We had no worries that anything would go wrong for our big day!
Reviewed on 01-02-2017
Jennelle Kline (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 22-08-2015
This place is great when you're on a budget. Its HUGE and they are very flexible with what you want out of the place. We had our ceremony outside in the park (beautiful scenery) and the reception inside. We were able to set up early, get ready there and have all our vendors arrive there when they were needed. I recommend them to anyone with 160 or less guests!
Reviewed on 26-08-2015
Wedding Date 22-08-2015
This place is great when you're on a budget. Its HUGE and they are very flexible with what you want out of the place. We had our ceremony outside in the park (beautiful scenery) and the reception inside. We were able to set up early, get ready there and have all our vendors arrive there when they were needed. I recommend them to anyone with 160 or less guests!
Reviewed on 26-08-2015
Amber McKenzie (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 24-10-2014
We had our ceremony and reception at Dakota Lodge. They were easy to work with, affordable and the space was perfect for our group. Deposit refunded quickly. Beautiful backdrop for family photos.
Reviewed on 13-11-2014
Wedding Date 24-10-2014
We had our ceremony and reception at Dakota Lodge. They were easy to work with, affordable and the space was perfect for our group. Deposit refunded quickly. Beautiful backdrop for family photos.
Reviewed on 13-11-2014
Mindy (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-06-2014
This was the perfect reception spot! We were so happy to have found it-- when we went there to tour, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for. It's at a park on a lake and it was such a great gem while still being close to the cities. The staff there was also wonderful and they got back to my emails/questions right away!! This alone was such a relief compared to other sites we were looking in to... It would take FOREVER for some of them to get back to us (if they even bothered in the first place-- hey, I guess they didn't want our money...). This place doesn't need much as far as decorations go... but can be spruced up quite nicely if you do decide to be more decorative. We loved this location and we definitely recommend it to others.
Reviewed on 02-08-2014
Wedding Date 28-06-2014
This was the perfect reception spot! We were so happy to have found it-- when we went there to tour, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for. It's at a park on a lake and it was such a great gem while still being close to the cities. The staff there was also wonderful and they got back to my emails/questions right away!! This alone was such a relief compared to other sites we were looking in to... It would take FOREVER for some of them to get back to us (if they even bothered in the first place-- hey, I guess they didn't want our money...). This place doesn't need much as far as decorations go... but can be spruced up quite nicely if you do decide to be more decorative. We loved this location and we definitely recommend it to others.
Reviewed on 02-08-2014
Cheryl Raway (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-09-2013
Loved this location! Couldn't be more perfect!
Reviewed on 14-10-2013
Wedding Date 27-09-2013
Loved this location! Couldn't be more perfect!
Reviewed on 14-10-2013
Kim Corrigan (parent) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2013
My daughter wanted a rustic, casual site for her reception. Dakota Lodge provided a beautiful and relaxing site for the reception. The grounds were beautiful. The lobby area was big enough for the Irish band, hor d'oeuvres, bar, and wine tasting. The fireplace is beautiful and there was comfortable furniture for guests. We used one of the small conference rooms for a \"photo booth.\" The staff was helpful before the event.
Reviewed on 23-08-2013
Wedding Date 27-07-2013
My daughter wanted a rustic, casual site for her reception. Dakota Lodge provided a beautiful and relaxing site for the reception. The grounds were beautiful. The lobby area was big enough for the Irish band, hor d'oeuvres, bar, and wine tasting. The fireplace is beautiful and there was comfortable furniture for guests. We used one of the small conference rooms for a \"photo booth.\" The staff was helpful before the event.
Reviewed on 23-08-2013
Katherine Corrigan (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2013
We chose this venue for our wedding for a number of reasons. The location was perfect as it was not a long drive from our church. Also, it held the correct amount of people. Since it is the only event venue in the park other than the park shelter, we had a very private event. Also, there were windows everywhere, which allowed for natural light. Beth was very nice to work with, and very easygoing. The grounds were beautiful, and we did a lot of our photos at the park.\r\rI highly recommend this venue! It would be beautiful to have the ceremony outside here, too!
Reviewed on 10-08-2013
Wedding Date 27-07-2013
We chose this venue for our wedding for a number of reasons. The location was perfect as it was not a long drive from our church. Also, it held the correct amount of people. Since it is the only event venue in the park other than the park shelter, we had a very private event. Also, there were windows everywhere, which allowed for natural light. Beth was very nice to work with, and very easygoing. The grounds were beautiful, and we did a lot of our photos at the park.\r\rI highly recommend this venue! It would be beautiful to have the ceremony outside here, too!
Reviewed on 10-08-2013
Angela Fish (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 29-06-2013
Dakota Lodge was perfect for my smaller wedding. The location was fabulous. Right on a lake with a playground only feet away, all of our guests loved it! The program services assistant was phenomenal with communication. I had a billion questions and she answered each one almost immediately via email. The price was great too! I highly recommend this venue for your wedding reception!
Reviewed on 17-07-2013
Wedding Date 29-06-2013
Dakota Lodge was perfect for my smaller wedding. The location was fabulous. Right on a lake with a playground only feet away, all of our guests loved it! The program services assistant was phenomenal with communication. I had a billion questions and she answered each one almost immediately via email. The price was great too! I highly recommend this venue for your wedding reception!
Reviewed on 17-07-2013
Erin Monahan (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 13-10-2012
Everything about this location is and was fantastic. It's beautiful, the staff are very nice, and there's tons of parking!
Reviewed on 01-11-2012
Wedding Date 13-10-2012
Everything about this location is and was fantastic. It's beautiful, the staff are very nice, and there's tons of parking!
Reviewed on 01-11-2012
Elizabeth Bohling (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 06-10-2012
The Dakota Lodge was a perfect spot for a wedding - especially when you are trying to watch your spending. The cost to rent the Lodge is reasonable, and were able to select any food/drink vender we would like, which allowed us to keep the cost down. \r\rWe had planned to have our ceremony outdoors, but were unable to because of the weather. However, the indoor ceremony was still beautiful and cozy in front of the large fireplace.\r\rWe would also like to mention how wonderful Beth Baker was to work with. She was so patient with our MANY email questions and answered immediately. This quick and friendly service was so important through the whole planning process.
Reviewed on 23-10-2012
Wedding Date 06-10-2012
The Dakota Lodge was a perfect spot for a wedding - especially when you are trying to watch your spending. The cost to rent the Lodge is reasonable, and were able to select any food/drink vender we would like, which allowed us to keep the cost down. \r\rWe had planned to have our ceremony outdoors, but were unable to because of the weather. However, the indoor ceremony was still beautiful and cozy in front of the large fireplace.\r\rWe would also like to mention how wonderful Beth Baker was to work with. She was so patient with our MANY email questions and answered immediately. This quick and friendly service was so important through the whole planning process.
Reviewed on 23-10-2012
Jenny Furry (bride) 5 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 27-07-2012
So highly recommended! Our July wedding was beautiful and we received so many compliments on our venue. We had the outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. We had the perfect weather, the natural outdoor view was gorgous and the looked beautiful after just a few decorations. Beth Baker was also fabulous to work with!
Reviewed on 22-08-2012
Wedding Date 27-07-2012
So highly recommended! Our July wedding was beautiful and we received so many compliments on our venue. We had the outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. We had the perfect weather, the natural outdoor view was gorgous and the looked beautiful after just a few decorations. Beth Baker was also fabulous to work with!
Reviewed on 22-08-2012
EmilyAnne Ebner (bride) 4 out of 5 Rating
Wedding Date 28-07-2012
We got married at Dakota Lodge in West St. Paul. The location was beautiful since it was mostly surrounded by trees and had a lake on the other side. We were lucky to have a mild summer day, so our ceremony was outside under a large oak tree. If small children come to the wedding, there is a great playground out front by the lake! \rThe building was great. Very spacious with lots of places to sit and relax if needed. Beth, our contact, worked with us to create a great layout for tables and such. She was very helpful and responded to emails quickly. \rNot only was the venue beautiful, it was reasonably priced. We didn't feel like we had to spent our entire budget just to have a great location. Plus, since it's already a great looking location, you don't need to spend much on decor for inside and out!
Reviewed on 07-08-2012
18 Reviews, with a Rating of 4.78 out of 5.0Wedding Date 28-07-2012
We got married at Dakota Lodge in West St. Paul. The location was beautiful since it was mostly surrounded by trees and had a lake on the other side. We were lucky to have a mild summer day, so our ceremony was outside under a large oak tree. If small children come to the wedding, there is a great playground out front by the lake! \rThe building was great. Very spacious with lots of places to sit and relax if needed. Beth, our contact, worked with us to create a great layout for tables and such. She was very helpful and responded to emails quickly. \rNot only was the venue beautiful, it was reasonably priced. We didn't feel like we had to spent our entire budget just to have a great location. Plus, since it's already a great looking location, you don't need to spend much on decor for inside and out!
Reviewed on 07-08-2012
Contact Info for Dakota Lodge
| Contact | Value |
|---|---|
| Dakota Lodge | |
| X (Twitter) | Dakota Lodge |
| Dakota Lodge | |
| Website | www.co.dakota.mn.us |
| Phone | (952) 891-7000 |
| Address | 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118 |
| parks@co.dakota.mn.us |
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