Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Minnesota
Heartland Region
Maplewood State Park
start slideshow
Maplewood State Park Beer Lake Loop © Debra Hoffner
Maplewood State Park Solitude © Debra Hoffner
Maplewood State Park Lets Fish © Debra Hoffner
Maplewood State Park Reflections © Debra Hoffner
Maplewood State Park Colors of fall © Debra Hoffner
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Maplewood State Park © Nancy Bauer
Maplewood State Park © Steven T Unruh
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
MAPLEWOOD STATE PARK
MAPLEWOOD STATE PARK
39721 Park Entrance Road
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota   56572

Phone: 218-863-8383
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
The maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall. Eight major lakes and many ponds offer water lovers places to swim, fish, boat, and simply relax. Lake Lida has a sandy beach and large picnic areas for visitors. Drive along the scenic route to observe the wildlife: the park is host to 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals. The extensive trail system attracts hikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.
Nature of the Area
Human habitation in the area dates back at least 6,000 years. Artifacts found in the park give evidence of both prairie and woodland cultures. Most artifacts, however, indicate that the site was occupied 900 to 1200 years ago and that the residents were primarily hunters during that period. Records of modern habitation began in the mid-1880s when the original land surveys occurred. After the organization of the Lida and Maplewood townships, the area population rose to 1,167 by 1900. The idea of establishing a park in the area goes back to 1923 when it was originally proposed at the legislature. A later study concluded that this hilly, lake-dotted terrain was better suited to recreation than to farming. In 1963 the park became a reality when Maplewood State Park was established by the Minnesota Legislature.

Maplewood lies on a series of hills in the Leaf Hills Landscape Region near the eastern edge of the level Red River Valley. These hills, part of the Alexandria Glacial Moraine, were deposited during the last ice age. Relief is abrupt, with changes of about 300 feet in less than a mile. The highest hills in the park approach 1,600 feet. The Lake Lida basin was probably formed when the last glacier retreated 20,000 years ago and left ice stranded in the valley. The ice melted, exposing the basin and allowed the present lake to form.

The park drive at dawn and dusk is a great time to see deer. Beaver are active in some lakes and raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks can be seen frequently. As a result of the varied landscape in the park, 150 bird species breed here, along with 50 species of mammals, and 25 kinds of reptiles and amphibians. The park also hosts sites for colonial nesting birds. Butterflies, dragonflies, kingbirds, swallows, cuckoos, cerulean warblers, and blue-gray gnatcatchers can be seen in the park..
History of the Area
Human habitation in the area dates back at least 6,000 years. Artifacts found in the park give evidence of both prairie and woodland cultures. Most artifacts, however, indicate that the site was occupied 900 to 1200 years ago and that the residents were primarily hunters during that period. Records of modern habitation began in the mid-1880s when the original land surveys occurred. After the organization of the Lida and Maplewood townships, the area population rose to 1,167 by 1900. The idea of establishing a park in the area goes back to 1923 when it was originally proposed at the legislature. A later study concluded that this hilly, lake-dotted terrain was better suited to recreation than to farming. In 1963 the park became a reality when Maplewood State Park was established by the Minnesota Legislature.




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 9 fun for all by McD from Fargo
park review stars; one to five This park is so beautiful. There is alot to enjoy here and we plan to return many more times. Be careful of the raccoons though, one night a big fat one got into our leeches and ate them all. Wasnt bothered by my flashlight.
August 31 Lake fun, many options! by Steve U. of Fargo, ND.
park review stars; one to five We like to camp and have a runabout boat in the water, this park has many options for a variety of camping styles. The staff is very, very friendly!
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park entrance is located 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.

state route ranger badge
Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

X