Diversions that won't divert your cash flow

Ease the pinch of high gas prices by taking advantage of freebies close to home.

By JOY POWELL, Star Tribune

Last update: July 29, 2008 - 7:14 PM

Rising gas prices got you down?

Well, don't stay home and brood. Offset that growing dent in your wallet by taking advantage of free entertainment and activities in the southwest metro area.

There's plenty for families hunting for fun close to home.

In Scott County, for example, take a walking tour of old brewery sites and other historic places in Jordan, founded in 1854 in the bluffs of the Minnesota River Valley.

Dakota County, meanwhile, boasts six parks and three regional trails with a host of activities from swimming to archery to horseback riding.

At Lebanon Hills, a sprawling wilderness of nearly 2,000 acres and lakes, use free fishing poles, tackle boxes, and other gear that are available for check out as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fishing in the Neighborhood program.

The equipment supply is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis during designated hours. The location is 860 Cliff Road, Eagan.

In every community and county, there are freebies to be found on government websites.

Tim Mozey, a Dakota County spokesman, suggests that people browse the Dakota County website by using the search function.

"If parents are looking for entertainment or recreational activities, our parks have lots of great opportunities," he said.

"Our libraries have a lot of great resources that can be checked out for free," including audio-books and also movies, which involve a nominal cost, Mozey said.

Maybe grabbing free items is your form of entertainment. People can find freebies, such as paint or cleaning products, or whatever residents have left behind, on the Eco-site's reuse shelf.

The Eco-Site entrance is at 3365 S. Hwy. 149 in Eagan (behind Gopher Resource). It's a joint effort by Dakota County, Gopher Resource and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.

While you check out the reuse shelf, you can also discard hazardous household waste and recycle electronics for free. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.

Mozey said there are free activities and programs available every day.

"Imagine having a book delivered close to home -- free. Surf the Internet free. Go swimming free," he said.

"With gas prices on the rise, everyone wants to save some money."

Joy Powell • 952-882-9017

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