Maplewood State Park sprawls across 8,127 acres of rolling hills and hardwood forests in Otter Tail County, making it one of Minnesota’s largest state parks. The park sits at the intersection of three distinct ecosystems — eastern hardwood forest, tallgrass prairie, and northern coniferous forest — giving it a landscape diversity that few parks in the state can match.

The park’s centerpiece is its collection of lakes. With more than 20 lakes and ponds scattered throughout, Maplewood offers excellent fishing for bass, northern pike, and panfish. Lida Lake and Beers Lake are local favorites for both shore and boat fishing. A carry-in boat access keeps motorized traffic low, preserving the quiet that draws people here.

Hikers will find over 25 miles of trails winding through maple-basswood forests, across grassy ridgelines, and past glacial kettle lakes. The Hallaway Hill trail rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding lake country — particularly stunning during fall color season in late September and early October, when the park’s namesake maples turn vivid orange and red.

Spring brings wildflower displays along the forest floor, while summer is ideal for swimming, canoeing, and wildlife watching. White-tailed deer, red foxes, and over 170 bird species call the park home.

Whether you’re planning a day hike or a longer stay, Maplewood State Park delivers a genuine slice of western Minnesota’s lake-and-forest country without the crowds of the Boundary Waters or North Shore.

Explore Nearby

• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Minnesota Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota