Dean Makey School Forest

The Dean Makey School Forest is a designated Minnesota School Forest. The forest is used for school learning activities, nature observation, athletic activities, and outdoor recreation. Active forest management is being practiced. The trails are well-marked and maintained. A parking area is located across from the Southdale soccer fields. The Dean Makey School Forest is one of the most used school forests in the state. Visitors and the entire community are welcome and encouraged to use and enjoy this outdoor resource!

Info about Our School Forest

Photo Galleries

Our Location

Kindergarten Grove

Video Tours

Come visit the school forest and learn more about the world around you. Take part in an interactive tour using your mobile device. Take a walk and get educated!

Forestview

Learn more about our beautiful school. See what we have to offer at Forestview Middle School.

School forest maps

About Dean Makey

I grew up in Golden Valley, a suburb of Minneapolis. Our neighborhood was somewhat undeveloped back then.

Management Plans

The Dean Makey School Forest has gone through many changes over the years. You can learn more about its history here.

Learn More!

Geocaching

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Locate over 610 geocaches around Brainerd!

Those Involved

Robin Knutson

5th Grade Science

Chris Hanson

7th Grade Science

Dalen Hodge

8th Grade Science

Dean Makey

Retired DNR Forester

Latest News

Single track trails completed.

2+ miles of new singletrack trail have been cleared for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. These narrower trails offer a more intimate forest experience and provide an option for foot traffic during the winter months when the wider trails are groomed for the Nordic Ski crowd.