Oakdale offers several distinct reasons to visit: learn about nature at the Oakdale Discovery Center, explore local art at the Discovery Center Art Gallery, discover local history at the Eder Schoolhouse, or spend time outdoors on the Gateway State Trail or at Oakdale Bark Park. There is also a seasonal farmers market and the October event Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt. When planning your trip, consider whether nature, culture, outdoor activities, or a specific event date will shape your stay.
Discover nature and plan time outdoors
The Oakdale Discovery Center offers visitors of all ages a place to learn about nature. During the building’s opening hours, the Center lends binoculars for free use in Oakdale Nature Preserve. Lending depends on the building being open, so check before your visit whether the Center is open and the binoculars are available.
Oakdale Bark Park covers 4.6 acres and has a wood-chip walking path, wooded areas, and a pond. The dog park is free to use and does not require a permit. Since rules may change, it’s a good idea to check the current rules before your visit.
The Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile multi-use trail that runs through Oakdale. If you include it in your plans, check the latest route details as they may be updated. The trail and Bark Park offer different kinds of outdoor activities: a multi-use trail through Oakdale on the one hand, and a dog park with a walking path, wooded areas, and a pond on the other.
History and local art
The Eder Schoolhouse is an Oakdale landmark located at 4442 Hadley Avenue. This distinctive one-room schoolhouse was built in 1868 and is managed by the Maplewood Area Historical Society. Its year of construction, school format, and management give the building a clear historical connection.
The Discovery Center Art Gallery exhibits works by local artists throughout the year. The gallery and the Eder Schoolhouse offer different cultural experiences: one focuses on local art, while the other is a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. Travelers choosing Oakdale for its cultural attractions can include both in their plans.
Seasonal events in Oakdale
The Oakdale Farmers Market takes place from June through October on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the west parking lot of Walton Park. Its regular hours make it easy to plan for: the market is a seasonal Wednesday afternoon event. Since seasonal details may change, check the date before your visit.
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt takes place in October on a weekday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Discovery Center. The event includes a search for pumpkins under the starry sky in Oakdale Nature Preserve. After the hunt, there are refreshments, a family-friendly DJ, a bonfire, spooky entertainment, and games. If this evening is the deciding factor for your trip, check the specific event date and seasonal program in advance.
The market and Pumpkin Hunt differ in both season and time of day: the market runs from June through October on Wednesday afternoons, while the Hunt takes place on a weekday evening in October. The art displayed year-round at the Gallery offers a different timeframe. This can help you decide whether to plan your stay around a seasonal event or make local art your focus.
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