Unity Trail Project presents: Unity in the Community
The Unity Trail will be a five-mile loop of interpretive stops along existing paved trails in Inver Grove Heights, which includes Inver Hills Community College. Join us for fun, learning, community and art.
- Native Plant Tea Time
Thursday, April 16, 2-3:30 p.m. | College Center 118 (Cultural Center)
Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ, is the owner and founder of the shop Blue Hummingbird Woman. She is a renowned author and plant medicine creator. Come make tea with Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wíŋ and learn about Dakota history.
- Photography Exploration
Tuesday, April 28, Noon-1:30 p.m. | College Center 118 (Cultural Center)
Michael Kurtz, a Minnesota-based photographer, will be leading a walk and talk on photography and nature along the trail.
- Spring Carnival
Wednesday, April 29, Noon-2 p.m. | Campus Mall
Find the Unity Trail table to help make the mosaic art bench that’ll be installed at Inver Hills.
- Mindfulness Walk
Tuesday, May 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m. | College Center 118 (Cultural Center)
Luisana Méndez is Founder & Executive Director of Huellas Latinas and will be leading a mindful walk along the trail.
- Faculty and Staff Bike Ride
TBD mid-May
Join Dakota County Parks and Recreation for a bike ride on part of the trail. Only 12 spots available; more information will be sent to employees.
Seeking poets for the Unity Trail Poetry Contest
Participate in the Unity Trail Poetry Contest at Inver Glen Library by April 25th, 2026. Submit original poems for possible selection as sidewalk poems on the Unity Trail. Poetry themes must include unity between nature and community; celebration of diverse cultures and nationalities; and resilience, joy and positive change.
For poets who live, work or attend school in Inver Grove Heights. There are three categories:
- Children (ages 6–12)
- Teens (ages 13–17)
- Adults (ages 18 and older)
Poems must be received by 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
To submit, bring your poem and the entry form to the Inver Glen Library service desk during regular business hours at 8098 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Paper forms must be dropped-off in-person. They will not be accepted by mail, email or any other format.
For more details, please see the Unity Trail Poetry Entry Form.
About the Unity Trail
From Dakota County Parks and Recreation: The Unity Trail will honor and recognize the contributions of Indigenous, Black and communities of color. It will also emphasize the connection between racial equity, sustainability and environmental conservation. The trail will connect community spaces in Inver Grove Heights to reach new and underrepresented users. The project is a partnership of:
- Dakota County Parks
- Inver Hills Community College
- ISD 199
- City of Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation
- Dakota County Library
This project is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Council. It also has support from the City of Inver Grove Heights, Dakota County, and the Dakota County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.
