The Natalie Webb Family Aquatic Center, located on the east side of North Park, is one of the best summer amenities in all of Dodge County. Opened in 2008 and named in honor of a beloved community member, the facility features zero-depth entry, a toddler play area, a big water slide, two diving boards, lounge chairs, and a full concession stand open noon to 6 PM.

Swim diapers are required for children not yet toilet trained (available for purchase at the pool). The water slide pauses ten minutes before each hour for safety breaks. Open swim is available throughout the summer season — and Dodger Days weekend brings a special free swim day on Saturday, June 20!

For swimming lessons, Red Cross classes for ages 4 and older run Monday–Thursday throughout the summer (see below). Questions? Call the pool manager at (507) 633-6300.

The City of Dodge Center offers American Red Cross swimming lessons through the Natalie Webb Aquatic Center for children ages 4 and up. Classes run 45 minutes (30–45 minutes for preschool-age swimmers) Monday through Thursday, with Friday makeup days available if weather cancels a session.

Parents are welcome to watch poolside — you are not required to enter the water with your child. Contact the pool manager at (507) 633-6300 for the June session schedule and registration details. Enrollment fills up fast, so reach out early in the season.

The Dodge Center Public Library is a community anchor for families, and its ongoing Storytime program brings books, music, and crafts to young kids throughout the summer. Free and open to the public, Storytime is a regular staple at the library — perfect for parents and grandparents looking for something fun and enriching during the week.

The library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 AM–5 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday 10 AM–7 PM. Check their events page or call ahead to confirm the June Storytime schedule, as summer programming often includes special themes and guest readers.

Along with Storytime, the Dodge Center Public Library typically runs a Summer Reading Program for children and teens beginning in June. This community-wide initiative encourages kids to keep reading through the summer months, often with prizes, challenges, and community events tied to a seasonal theme.

The library has long been recognized as one of the best free resources in town — from kids’ programs to adult materials, interlibrary loan access, and public computers. Stop in, check the bulletin board, and sign your kids up when the summer program launches. Contact the library at (507) 374-9840 or visit their website for the 2026 program details.

Dodge Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course with a well-regarded grill and a community dining room that overlooks the 18th hole. The Grill opens daily at 7 AM and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — the jalapeño burger gets rave reviews from locals. June is prime playing season, with long daylight hours and the course in excellent shape.

Memberships are available, but the course is open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, and tee times can be booked by calling the club directly. Located just west of town on County Road 34, it’s also the neighbor of Creek Park — so you can plan a full outdoor day.

The Dodge Center City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The June 8 regular meeting is open to the public — residents are encouraged to attend, and the agenda is typically posted in advance on the city website.

Civic participation matters in a small town like Dodge Center. If you have questions about city services, upcoming projects, or local ordinances, this is the place to get informed and have your voice heard. Agendas and minutes are also available online.

North Park is the heart of outdoor recreation in Dodge Center, and June is the ideal month to take full advantage of it. The park features “Cobra Country” — a large wooden castle play structure with multiple slides, bridges, swings, and a toddler area — plus two softball/baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, sand volleyball, and a walking path lined with benches.

The Natalie Webb Family Aquatic Center sits on the east side of the park, and the Dodge Center Veterans Memorial is located within the grounds. North Park is also the main venue for Dodger Days weekend, hosting the craft market, beer garden, concerts, foam parties, and more throughout June 19–21. Pack a picnic, bring the kids, and spend a summer afternoon in the heart of town.

For a quieter outdoor experience, Creek Park offers a rustic escape just outside of town. The park features a wooded walking trail, a picnic shelter, bathrooms, and two overnight RV camping spots — making it a solid option for anyone looking to spend a night under the stars in Dodge County.

It’s a “bring your own” experience — there’s no electricity or running water — which is exactly the appeal for campers who want something peaceful and simple. The trails are well-suited for families with younger kids getting their first taste of hiking. A short drive from the country club puts you within easy reach of a post-hike meal.

Dodger Days kicks off on Friday, June 19 with a packed evening of community fun. The festivities begin at 4:00 PM with the start of the citywide garage sales and the launch of the Dodge Center Chamber Medallion Hunt — clues drop on the Chamber and Dodger Days Facebook pages every 6 hours through Sunday at 10 AM, unless someone finds the medallion first.

From 4–7 PM, the Dodge Center Fire Department hosts their Firemen’s Feed at the Firehall, along with a Foam Party from 4–6 PM. Food trucks open at 7 PM. Then from 7–10 PM, the beer garden tent in the North Park pool parking lot opens featuring The Danglers — a band described as “a bit of Merle Haggard, or some Tom Petty.” Harold’s Club runs the bar. Admission is $5 at the door, or grab a $20 weekend bracelet for access to both concerts. Children 10 and under are free both nights.

Bracelets can be purchased at Sunshine Foods, Triton Community Ed, City Hall, or at the tent entrance each night.

Saturday is the biggest day of Dodger Days and truly the heart of the weekend. Here’s the full lineup:

✅ Venom Softball Tournament all day • ✅ Bean Bag Tournament registration at 9 AM, tournament at 10 AM • ✅ Foam Party (sponsored by the Chamber) 10 AM–Noon • ✅ Food Trucks open at 10 AM • ✅ Hair Braiding/Beading, Face Painting, Selfie Photo Station • ✅ Chalk Art with the Dodge Center Library • ✅ Bingo by Claremont Chamber Gambling at the New Pavilion until Noon • ✅ Olmsted County K-9 Unit Exhibition at 11:30 AM (weather and emergency dependent) • ✅ Open Swim at the Natalie Webb Aquatic Center at Noon (free swim day!) • ✅ Craft & Vendor Market, Noon–5 PM • ✅ Gochnauer Farms Petting Zoo • ✅ Dodge County Sheriff’s Drone Exhibition, 1–3 PM in the Firehall lot (weather dependent).

Saturday evening brings Good For Gary — a top-40 pop and country cover band from the Twin Cities — 8 PM to Midnight in the North Park pool lot tent, presented by MBT Bank. Harold’s Club runs the bar. Admission is $20 or included with the $20 weekend bracelet. FIREWORKS at dusk, provided by McNeilus Steel (weather permitting — makeup dates posted on the Dodger Days Facebook page).

Sunday morning of Dodger Days weekend kicks off with a Fly-In Breakfast at Dodge Center Airport (KTOB) from 7–10 AM. This is a long-running community tradition that draws aviation enthusiasts and pilots from across the region. Whether you fly in or drive out, it’s a great way to start Father’s Day morning with good food and the sight of small aircraft coming and going.

The breakfast has traditionally featured pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, coffee, milk, and orange juice. The event is part of the official Dodger Days schedule — for 2026 details and confirmation, check the Dodger Days Facebook page or contact the city.

Dodger Days wraps up Sunday, June 21 — Father’s Day — with a morning fly-in breakfast at the airport, food trucks opening at 10 AM, and a Tractor and Truck Show from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Then at 2:00 PM, the 1st Annual Dodger Days Parade takes to the streets of Dodge Center.

This is a historic moment for the community — the inaugural Dodger Days Parade is a brand-new tradition starting in 2026. Parade lineup begins at 1:15 PM. The parade route map is available on the city website. Grab a spot along the route early and enjoy the celebration that closes out a full weekend of Dodge Center community pride.

The Venom Softball Tournament also continues on Sunday. It’s a full day from sunrise to parade time.

The second regular City Council meeting of June falls on Monday, June 22. The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall (35 E Main Street). Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted on the city website ahead of time.

Coming off Dodger Days weekend, this meeting may include community updates, park and event post-review, and ongoing city business. A good opportunity for residents to stay connected with local government.

Harold’s Club is the community bar that Dodge Center locals keep coming back to. Nothing fancy — just a friendly bartender, clean space, and solid drinks. Harold’s Club is also the official bar service for the Dodger Days Beer Garden both Friday and Saturday nights, which should tell you something about their standing in the community.

During June, Harold’s is the natural gathering spot after events, after softball games, or at the end of a long summer week. Check their Facebook page for any special June events or expanded hours as the summer season heats up.

Just a short drive from Dodge Center, the county seat of Mantorville hosts an indoor Farmers Market every Saturday at the Mantorville Welcome Center, 407 N Main Street, from 10 AM to 2 PM. You’ll find baked goods, canned goods, crafts, gift items, vintage finds, locally grown produce, and hand-made goods from area vendors.

Mantorville is also one of the best-preserved 19th century limestone towns in Minnesota — worth a stroll through the historic downtown after the market. Check out the Mantorville Theatre Company for summer performances, or grab a bite at the Hubbell House, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Minnesota. New vendors are always welcome at the market; check the Mantorville MN Farmers Market Facebook page for updates.