The park features a historic stone shelter building constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s.
The park acts as a vital intersection point for the North Urban Regional Trail, connecting West St. Paul to regional networks.
The area incorporates managed natural restoration sites aimed at supporting native pollinator species.
The site includes a dedicated fenced area for off-leash dog exercise, which is one of the few designated dog spaces in the immediate West St. Paul vicinity.
Thompson County Park is a 57-acre green space located in West St. Paul, Minnesota, offering a mix of active recreational facilities and natural landscapes. The park is distinguished by its central location and its status as a hub for Dakota County's regional trail system. It features two miles of paved trails suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling that connect to the broader North Urban Regional Trail. The park includes the Thompson Park Activity Center, which serves as a venue for meetings and community events. Visitors can access multiple picnic areas, a playground, and open play fields throughout the property. The landscape is characterized by mature woods, open meadows, and a small pond, providing habitats for local wildlife. It serves as a trailhead for those seeking longer excursions into the neighboring municipal park networks. The facility is managed by the Dakota County Parks Department, which oversees its maintenance and recreational infrastructure.
The WPA-era stone shelter building offers a distinct historical aesthetic for photography.
Use the North Urban Regional Trail connections to extend your walk into the adjacent city park systems.
Check the county's online event calendar before visiting if you plan to use the picnic shelters, as they are often reserved for private gatherings.
Carry insect repellent if visiting during the mid-summer months, especially when venturing near the wooded trail sections.
Do not wander off the marked paved trails into dense brush during the peak tick season.
Dogs must be kept on a leash except in the designated off-leash area; adhere to pack-in, pack-out waste policies.
