Dakota Valley Arts Council

The Caponi Art Park is in a park category of its own, blending the beauty of 60 natural acres with the creativity of multiple mediums of artistic talent. The park offers walking trails to take in the great outdoors, a unique sculpture garden and an outdoor amphitheater, called the Theater in the Woods, where special music events from big band to bluegrass will keep your toes tapping and where the stage comes to life with wonderful theatrical productions.This is a seasonal park as well. The gate is open May through October, every Tuesday through Sunday (it's closed on Mondays).Parking at the Caponi Art ParkYou'll find public parking on the South side of Diffley Road. You should note that if you're coming to a special event, additional parking can be found to the east of the main entrance near the athletic fields. Word to the wise: come early so you can park at the main entrance parking lot.Best and worst time to visit the Caponi Art ParkThe park comes to life when there's a special event happening such as an art festival and during the Theater in the Woods events. So if you enjoy being around people this may be your favorite time to visit. If you're more apt to want peace and solitude for your stroll along the paths, visit during 'off' hours when school field trips are not racing through the park.Admission to the Caponi Art ParkThe admission price to the Caponi Art Park is free. However, donations for programs are gladly accepted to help keep the park operational. There will be events for which there is an admission fee -- you can check the calendar here for more information.Must see/do at the Caponi Art ParkOn your first visit to the Caponi Art Park, take a stroll through the sculptured pathways and the woods. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the beauty of not only the artwork, but the natural landscape as well. Plan another visit when there's a Theater in the Woods event happening. Talented actors and musicians perform throughout the season and there's something for just about everyone, so make sure you put the events on your calendar.Insider tips for visitors at the Caponi Art ParkFirst of all, watch for the signage to the entrance. It's easy to whiz right by it. If you're driving east on Diffley Road, the park entrance will be on your right toward the bottom of the hill. Look for a large rectangular yellow, black and white sign and enter at the yellow metal gate.Leashed dogs are allowed at the park, however, please be kind and clean up after your pooch.The paths are for pedestrians only. Absolutely no bicycles or motorized vehicles (unless it's a wheelchair) are allowed beyond the parking lot. The park offers courtesy golf cart rides as needed to the Theater in the Woods events.Other places to visit near the Caponi Art ParkThere are many big and small treasures to visit near the Caponi Art Park. The Minnesota Zoo is located within just a few short miles and is filled with amazing and exotic animals from around the world – for starters, check out the penguin exhibit. For those who prefer to shop till they drop, The Mall of America as well as the Twin Cities Premium Outlets are well able to fill your shopping bags.Author's bio: Julie Bergh has lived in Minnesota most of her life -- and loves it (except for those really cold winter days that send a shiver down her spine). She loves to laugh and travel locally, nationally and internationally, finding secret location treasures and amazing deals along the way. She loves spending time with her family, reading a good mystery and fooding it up. You can catch her on several blogs as well as women's websites writing about her other passions in life.