Blue Earth County, MN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Anyone wanting exclusive use of a reserved area in a Blue Earth County park, such as a shelter, campground area, or open field for a family reunion, wedding, or organized gathering, must obtain a permit under Sec. 12-16(a) of the Code of Ordinances. The permit is issued by the board of commissioners, the public works director, or an authorized representative. Sec. 12-16(d) makes it unlawful to use any park facility or area for which the board has established a fee or charge without paying it, so reserving a shelter or camping site carries a cost set by county resolution.

Under Sec. 12-16(c), any permit granted may be revoked if the permittee violates any ordinance, rule, or regulation of the board of commissioners, or any other local ordinance, law, or state statute, giving the county broad authority to pull a reservation for misconduct. Separately, Sec. 12-16(f) lets the board of commissioners, the public works director, or an authorized representative close any park or portion of it to the public, or to certain uses, at any time and for any interval found reasonably necessary, which can override an existing reservation.

General park hours also apply: Sec. 12-16(b) keeps most county parks open only between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with Williams Nature Center, Schimek Park, and Wildwood Park closed between sunset and sunrise, except for registered campers in designated camping areas. Sec. 12-18 makes violation of any chapter 12 provision, including unpermitted exclusive use or nonpayment of fees, a misdemeanor punishable as set out in Minn. Stats. § 609.03(3), and authorizes the sheriff's department and designated park employees to enforce the chapter and eject violators.