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.Quick stats:
9,250 acres
104,133 annual visits
20,132 overnight visits
Naturalist:
Wildlife
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
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.
Geology
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.
Landscape
Amid the farmlands that surround the park, Maplewood sits on a series of high
tree-covered hills that provide visitors with striking vistas of small, clear
lakes nestled in deep valleys. The park is located in a transition area between
the western prairies and the eastern forests and contains plants and animals
found in both landscapes. The park is known for its hardwood trees including
sugar maple, basswood, American elm and oak. These same trees provide a stunning
display of fall colors each year. In addition, red cedar and tamarack are found
in the park. Wildflower lovers will find flowers and grasses representative of
both the prairies and forests. Spring through fall, the park is "dressed" with
displays of trillium, hepatica, bloodroot, yellow lady's slipper, wild onion,
prairie rose, and showy milkweed.
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