Maplewood State Park is located near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. The park preserves a pre-contact habitation site that was occupied in two different periods (650–900 CE and 1450–1650 CE) in a forest/prairie transition zone. Located in the Leaf Mountains, Maplewood encompasses 9,250 acres (3,740 ha) in Otter Tail County and is known for its hardwood trees including sugar maple, basswood, American elm, and oak, which together provide a display of fall colors each year.
Birds at Maplewood State Park (SP) in Minnesota. Published by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR).
Maplewood SP
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00229#homepage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maplewood_State_Park
Maplewood State Park is located near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. The park preserves a pre-contact habitation site that was occupied in two different periods (650–900 CE and 1450–1650 CE) in a forest/prairie transition zone. Located in the Leaf Mountains, Maplewood encompasses 9,250 acres (3,740 ha) in Otter Tail County and is known for its hardwood trees including sugar maple, basswood, American elm, and oak, which together provide a display of fall colors each year.
MAP AND GUIDE:
MAPLEWOOD
STATE PARK
39721 PARK ENTRANCE ROAD
PELICAN RAPIDS, MN 56572
OTTERTAIL COUNTY
218-863-8383
VISITOR TIPS
• The park is known for its wonderful fall
colors. Look for special park events and
festivals each autumn.
• The park offers 20 miles of horseback
trails with excellent vistas and a wide
variety of landscapes. Horseback riders
ages 16 and over, be sure to get your
horse pass from the park office.
• Hikers, bring a park map and compass
when hiking the trails.
• In an emergency call 911.
ABOUT THE PARK
SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY...
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.
A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS
AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV.
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.
PARK OPEN
8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
VEHICLE PERMITS
Permits required; purchase at recreation area office
or entrance kiosk.
PETS WELCOME
Keep on leash; pick up after; attend at all times;
not allowed in buildings or beaches.
Find incredible views at Hallaway Hill.
−
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
Hallaway Hill Trail
0.5-mile one-way
Hilly • Mowed grass
Hike up to a lovely overlook on South Lida Lake and the Maple-Leaf Hills. Savor the scenic view at the top as you catch
your breath! Wildflowers cover the hill in spring and the fall colors are fantastic.
Grass Lake Trail
Rolling hills • Mowed grass
Discover interpretive signs tucked along this trail as you experience rolling hills and lakeshore views.
ONLY HAVE AN HOUR?
Cataract Lake Trail
Mostly flat • Mowed grass
Circle this small lake alongside the North Country Trail within the park. Watch for wildlife near the water.
• Hike up Hallaway Hill for impressive
overlooks that are not to be missed.
Find the start of this 1/2 mile, one-way
hike at the picnic area.
Woodland Trail
Some hills • Mowed grass
Enjoy the shade of diverse tree species along your walk.
• Take a scenic 5-mile drive through the
park. Experience shady hollows,
wooded knolls, and spectacular prairie
restoration. Brochures for this Prairie
Restoration Auto Tour can be found at
the park office.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Josh Hanson
(Veterans) Memorial Picnic Shelter,
then take a stroll along the beach at
South Lida Lake.
LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING
YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/MAPLEWOOD
MORE TO EXPLORE
1.2-mile loop
1-mile loop
0.75-mile loop
WATER RECREATION
• Wildlife observation and bird-watching opportunities
abound. Over 150 bird species have been recorded.
• With 8 major lakes and many ponds, water lovers have
plenty of places to fish, boat, canoe and simply relax.
• Search for a geocache. You can check out a GPS unit
from the park office.
• Get on a lake when you rent a boat, canoe or kayak
from the park office.
• There is plenty to see with nearly 30 miles of hiking
trails for trips large or small.
• A wide variety of fishing opportunities are available.
Fish from your boat or try the fishing pier on Beers
Lake.
• Bring your mountain bike. Nine miles of trail along
gravel township roads and trail tread-ways give you a
variety of views.
• Come back in winter for groomed ski trail
and snowmobile trails.
• Cool off at a sandy swimming beach along the shore of
Lake Lida and near the Memorial Picnic Shelter.
CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS
10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in
campground during quiet hours.
FIREWOOD
Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who
sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood
in the park.
BE OUR GUEST
Stay awhile at numerous drive-in campsites (electric,
non-electric), the horse camp, the group camp, or
backpack-in campsites. Or, treat yourself to a night at
the cabin.
Visit mndnr.gov/reservations to reserve your site.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FISHING
REGULATIONS? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/FISHMN
MORE INFORMATION
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Information Center
500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This information may be available in alternative format upon request.
MAP AND GUIDE:
MAPLEWOOD
STATE PARK
39721 PARK ENTRANCE ROAD
PELICAN RAPIDS, MN 56572
OTTERTAIL COUNTY
218-863-8383
VISITOR TIPS
• The road leading to Hallaway Hill
overlook from the park office may not
be accessible by vehicle due to high
snow levels. Hike or snowshoe 2.5
miles (one way) from the trail center to
visit the overlook.
• Keep ski trails in great shape. Hiking,
snowshoeing, and dogs are not allowed
on ski trails.
• Snowshoers may go off trail.
• Trails are occasionally slippery; ice
cleats are recommended for hikers.
• In an emergency call 911.
ONLY HAVE AN HOUR?
• Warm up at the Trail Center.
• Bring your skis and take a spin on the
groomed ski trails.
• Take your snowmobile for a ride on 21
miles of groomed trails.
• Rent snowshoes from the park office
and explore a snowshoe trail.
• Try winter fishing on one of the many
park lakes. Call or stop by the park
office for fishing conditions.
LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING
YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/MAPLEWOOD
ABOUT THE PARK
SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY...
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.
A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS
AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV.
Changes in elevation, numerous lakes and ponds, and a
mix of forest and prairie offer you a spectacular setting for
skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hiking, camping and more
during your stay.
PARK OPEN
8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
VEHICLE PERMITS
Permits required; purchase at recreation area office
or entrance kiosk.
PETS WELCOME
Keep on leash; pick up after; attend at all times;
not allowed in buildings or on ski trails.
Enjoy views of snow-covered hilltops.
−
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
Cataract Lake Trail
1.25-mile loop
Ski Trail • Moderate hills • Easy
Circle Cataract Lake and enjoy the view of forests, wetlands and prairies on this beginner-friendly trail loop. Access the
trail from the trail center parking area.
Hallaway Hill Trail
2.5-mile
Snowshoeing and hiking Trail • Steep terrain
Hike or snowshoe up Hallaway Hill from the trail center for an unforgettable views of Lake Lida and the rolling hills
throughout the surrounding landscape.
Woodland Trail
Snowshoeing and hiking Trail • Moderate hills
Searching for solitude? Hike or snowshoe the densely forested trail for views of diverse tree species.
0.75-mile loop
Grass Lake Ski Loop
4.75-mile loop
Ski Trail • Moderate hills • Steep terrain • More difficult
Circle Cataract Lake, then head south to the Knoll Loop campground before traveling north between Beers Lake and
Grass Lake. This trail has some hills and is recommended for experienced skiers.
Cow Lake Loop
4.25-mile loop
Ski Trail (ungroomed) • Hilly • Steep terrain • Most difficult
Carve out your own trail by heading south to the Cow Lake trail loop to experience some of the most difficult trails in the
park. This backcountry trail is accessible by the Beers Lake water access.
CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS
10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in
campground during quiet hours.
FIREWOOD
Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who
sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood
in the park.
BE OUR GUEST
Stay awhile at numerous drive-in campsites (electric,
non-electric), group camp, or backpack-in campsites.
Or, treat yourself to a night at the cabin.
Visit mndnr.gov/reservations to reserve your site.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FISHING
REGULATIONS? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/FISHMN
MORE INFORMATION
• Join the candle-light ski event in late February.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Information Center
500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks
• Reserve one of three year-round camper cabins for a rustic get-away with family or friends.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Wildlife observation and bird-watching opportunities abound. Over 150 bird species have been recorded.
This information may be available in alternative format upon request.
MORE TO EXPLORE
• There are three access points for snowmobilers to enter the park using the Grant-In-Aid snowmobile trails network.
• Feel free to take your snowshoes off-trail to explore new areas.
• As the winter season comes to a close, attend the maple syruping events in early spring (March-April).
Birds of Maplewood State Park
❏ Red-eyed Vireo
❏ Blue Jay
❏ American Crow
❏ Horned Lark
❏ Purple Martin
❏ Tree Swallow
❏ Northern Rough-winged Swallow
❏ Bank Swallow
❏ Cliff Swallow
❏ Barn Swallow
❏ Black-capped Chickadee
❏ White-breasted Nuthatch
❏ House Wren
❏ Sedge Wren
❏ Marsh Wren
❏ Golden-crowned Kinglet
❏ Ruby-crowned Kinglet
❏ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
❏ Eastern Bluebird
❏ Veery
❏ Gray-cheeked Thrush
❏ Swainson’s Thrush
❏ Hermit Thrush
❏ American Robin
❏ Gray Catbird
❏ Brown Thrasher
❏ European Starling
❏ Cedar Waxwing
❏ Blue-winged Warbler
❏ Golden-winged Warbler
❏ Tennessee Warbler
❏ Orange-crowned Warbler
❏ Nashville Warbler
❏ Northern Parula
❏ Yellow Warbler
❏ Chestnut-sided Warbler
❏ Magnolia Warbler
❏ Cape May Warbler
❏ Yellow-rumped Warbler
❏ Black-throated Green Warbler
❏ Blackburnian Warbler
❏ Palm Warbler
❏ Blackpoll Warbler
❏ Cerulean Warbler
Sp Su Fa Wi
C
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
C
C
U
U
C
C
U
C
U
U
U
U
C
C
U
U
C
O
U
C
C
C
O
C
C
U
O
C
U
U
C
U
O
C
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
C
C
U
U
U
C
U
C
C
U
U
C
O
U
C
C
O
C
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
C
C
U
U
C
C
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
U
U
C
U
C
C
C
O
C
C
U
O
C
U
U
C
U
C
C
O
C
C
O
U
U
Birds of Maplewood State Park
❏ Black-and-white Warbler
❏ American Redstart
❏ Ovenbird
❏ Northern Waterthrush
❏ Mourning Warbler
❏ Common Yellowthroat
❏ Wilson’s Warbler
❏ Canada Warbler
❏ Scarlet Tanager
❏ American Tree Sparrow
❏ Chipping Sparrow
❏ Clay-colored Sparrow
❏ Field Sparrow
❏ Vesper Sparrow
❏ Savannah Sparrow
❏ Grasshopper Sparrow
❏ Le Conte’s Sparrow
❏ Song Sparrow
❏ Lincoln’s Sparrow
❏ Swamp Sparrow
❏ White-throated Sparrow
❏ Harris’s Sparrow
❏ White-crowned Sparrow
❏ Dark-eyed Junco
❏ Snow Bunting
❏ Rose-breasted Grosbeak
❏ Indigo Bunting
❏ Bobolink
❏ Red-winged Blackbird
❏ Yellow-headed Blackbird
❏ Rusty Blackbird
❏ Brewer’s Blackbird
❏ Common Grackle
❏ Brown-headed Cowbird
❏ Orchard Oriole
❏ Baltimore Oriole
❏ Purple Finch
❏ House Finch
❏ Pine Siskin
❏ American Goldfinch
❏ House Sparrow
April 2006
Sp Su Fa Wi
C
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
C
U
U
U
U
O
C
U
C
C
C
U
C
C
C
C
C
O
U
O
C
C
O
C
U
U
O
C
U
C
C
C
U
C
C
U
U
U
U
C
C
C
C
C
C
O
C
C
O
C
C
U
C
C
C
U
U
C
U
U
U
C
C
C
U
U
U
U
U
C
U
C
C
C
U
C
O
C
C
C
C
O
U
O
C
U
C
U
U
U
C
U
MAPLEWOOD
STATE PARK
✓
BIRD
Checklist
C
U
O
Date:__________________________________________
Weather:_______________________________________
________________________________________________
Observers:_____________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:__________________________________________
________________________________________________
U
U
O
C
U
________________________________________________
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Parks & Recreation
DNR Web Site: www.dnr.state.mn.us
Birding Opportunities at
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park contains rolling, wooded
hills, lakes, marshes and grasslands. The wide
range of habitat provides for an excellent
diversity of birdlife. The Hallaway Hill Trail and
Overlook provide a panoramic view of the park
and an excellent place to observe birds. Water
fowl, gulls and terns congregate on the lakes in
the spring and fall. Common loons are found in
good numbers on the larger lakes. Of special
interest is the presence of red-shouldered hawks
in the woodlands. Twenty-five species of
neotropical migrant warblers have been re
corded in the park and in August 2005, a
Williamsons sapsucker was recorded near the
Lake Lida campground.
Season and Abundance Key
The seasons in the checklist are defined as follows:
Sp (Spring) = March, April, May
Su (Summer) = June, July
Fa (Fall) = August, September, October, November
Wi (Winter) = December, January, February
Abundance codes are defined as follows:
C = Common — present, relatively easy to find
U = Uncommon — observed, may be difficult to find
O = Occasional — may or may not be present in
any year
R = Rare — has occurred at least once, may or
may not be expected to recur
The names and taxonomic arrangement of species follows that of
the Checklist of the Birds of Minnesota (January, 2001), prepared by
the Minnesota Ornithological Records Committee.
This checklist contains the names of all birds that have been documented
in the park by reliable observers. It was constructed by Robert B. Janssen,
Jerry Bonkoski, and the MN DNR-Division of Parks & Recreation using
observations of the above, park staff and other observers, as well as
Minnesota Ornithologist’s Union records and data contained in research
reports. If you are interested in the specific sources used for a particular
park, contact the Parks Division Resource Management Program
Coordinator by telephone at 651-259-5594 or by mail at MN DNR-Parks,
500 Lafayette Road, Box 39, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039.
“Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to pub