Minnesota’s Maplewood State Park Drive to Become More Streamlined
OutdoorHub 05.17.12
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Division will convert the scenic Park Drive in Maplewood State Park from a two-way traffic road to a one-way road on May 24.
“We expect this to be a seamless transition,” said Don Del Greco, Maplewood State Park manager. “This fulfills a long-term Park Master Plan goal, and more importantly, promotes a simpler, safer and more streamlined traffic flow pattern through this beautiful section of the park.”
Since 1963, this park drive has been a highly-traveled, two-way gravel road. The conversion will provide improved traffic flow, creating a safer trip for visitors to enjoy the forests, multiple lakes and wildlife in the park. Visitors will now enter through the main entrance at the park office and travel to the western access of the park to begin the trip along Park Drive.
Throughout the year, the 4.5-mile scenic drive provides a unique and spectacular window tour through the park, Del Greco said. Visitors find opportunities to observe 150 bird species, 50 mammal species, and a variety of wild flowers and prairie grasses as they wind through the heart of the park. In the fall and spring, thousands of guests tour the park to take in the colors offered by the park’s diversity of hardwood tree species.
“This is a great opportunity for park visitors to explore the many natural resources of Maplewood,” Del Greco said. “In the future, we envision providing improved staging and parking areas along the drive for visitors to stop and enjoy the views of the park valleys and lakes, or to access hiking trails and interpretive walks that highlight the park’s unique geology and landscape.”
Maplewood State Park is located near Pelican Rapids on a series of high tree-covered hills with striking vistas of small, clear lakes nestled in deep valleys. The park is known for its hardwood trees, including sugar maple, basswood and oak, which provide a stunning display of fall colors. Red cedar and tamarack are also found in the park. And spring through fall, wildflower lovers will find colorful displays of blooming flowers and grasses of both the prairies and forests.
For more information on, call Maplewood State Park at 218-863-8383, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maplewood/index.html.
