Maplewood State Park
Overview
Maplewood State Park was created in 1963 to protect the area’s unique natural and cultural resources. The 9,200-acre park sits between the state’s eastern forests and western prairies. Each autumn, its diverse landscapes share a stunning display of brilliant reds, oranges and gold. A look beneath the rich forests and prairie restoration sites reveals hills left behind during the last ice age. The highest hills in the park approach 1,600 feet. Changes in elevation, numerous lakes and ponds, and a mix of forest and prairie offer you a spectacular setting for canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping and more during your stay.
- Trails
- 10
- Viewpoints
- 17
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 34
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at recreation area office or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- There are currently no active emergency or closure alerts for Maplewood State Park.
- Visitors should always check the Minnesota DNR Current Conditions page before arriving, as seasonal weather changes, fire restrictions, or temporary trail maintenance can occasionally impact park accessibility.
Popular/Nearby Trails
N Country Trail (Hiking)
Hiking (Ironwood Trail)
Hiking (Grass Lake Trail)
Hiking (Cataract Lake Trail)
Hiking (N Country Trail)
Hiking/Horseback (Heart of the Lakes Trail)
Hiking Club
Hiking (Woodland Trail)
Hiking (Hallaway Hill Trail)
Paved (Heart of the Lakes Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Hike-In Campsite
Trailhead / Hiking
0.5 mi
Primitive Group Camp
0.6 mi
Campground
0.7 mi
Hike-In Campsite
Trailhead / Hiking
0.7 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
0.7 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.7 mi
Campground
1.0 mi
Hike-In Campsite
Trailhead / Hiking
1.0 mi
Campground
1.1 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.2 mi
Nature Observation
Wildlife Viewing
1.4 mi
Equestrian Campground
1.5 mi
Campground
1.6 mi
Overlook
1.7 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
2.0 mi
Picnic Area
2.1 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
2.4 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Maplewood State Park?
Maplewood State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Maplewood State Park?
Maplewood State Park was created in 1963 to protect the area’s unique natural and cultural resources. The 9,200-acre park sits between the state’s eastern forests and western prairies. Each autumn, its diverse landscapes share a stunning display of brilliant reds, oranges and gold.
Where is Maplewood State Park located?
Maplewood State Park is located in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Maplewood State Park?
Maplewood State Park has 10 mapped trails covering 45 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Horseback (Heart of the Lakes Trail) at 22.7 miles.
What is there to see at Maplewood State Park?
Places to see at Maplewood State Park include Hike-In Campsite, Nature Observation, Overlook, Swimming Beach, Watercraft Campsite, Carry-In Access and 5 more.
What facilities are available at Maplewood State Park?
Facilities at Maplewood State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at Maplewood State Park?
Yes, Maplewood State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Maplewood State Park?
Yes, Maplewood State Park has 5 campsites marked on its map.
How can I contact Maplewood State Park?
You can contact Maplewood State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Maplewood State Park know?
There are currently no active emergency or closure alerts for Maplewood State Park. Visitors should always check the Minnesota DNR Current Conditions page before arriving, as seasonal weather changes, fire restrictions, or temporary trail maintenance can occasionally impact park accessibility. Standard safety guidelines remain in effect, including observing campground quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, adhering to local campfire regulations
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