Friends of Maplewood
Taking Pride in our park
Friends groups play an important role in planning, developing, maintaining and advocating for Minnesota's parks and trails. Meet the Friends of Maplewood State Park, a group that helps plan and raise money for projects at the park.
Q: What does the Friends of Maplewood State Park do?
We help with projects that the DNR can't do because of funding problems.
Q: What projects have you worked on recently?
We moved a building from Glacial Lakes State Park to be remodeled for a warming house and meeting room in Maplewood. It should be ready this fall. We just bought a 12 x 16 red cedar log cabin to be used as a camping cabin in the main campground. We placed park benches at all of the vistas in the park. We also help with trail work (brushing the trails). We're also working on a picnic shelter at Lida Beach for next summer.
Q: Do you have any special events planned?
Our main fundraiser is Leaf Days, held on the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. The fall colors are at their peak, and it's just a gorgeous time to be out in the park! We also sponsor a candlelight ski outing in February and a Gourmet Dinner. These fundraisers are our main source of income for our projects.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your friends group?
We have a great relationship with the park. Bob Hanson, the park manager, and his assistant manager are both members of the Friends of Maplewood. We have about 200 people in our group, 20 of whom are horse people. We like that because the park is a great place for horseback riding.
If you would like to join or form a friends group, please contact the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota at 1-800-944-0707.