Can we come up with a name better than Leaf Days?

from Minnesota DNR News Releases

Celebrate Leaf Days at Maplewood State Park (2007-09-11)

Fall colors, fun and food are just three components of Leaf Days at Maplewood State Park that make this an event worth celebrating for the whole family. Leaf Days will be from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 6, 7.

"Anytime is a great time to visit the park, but fall is especially nice here," according to Maplewood State Park Manager Robert Hanson. Visitors can enjoy fall colors as they hike or bike the trails or enjoy a canopy-covered wagon ride through the park.

People who work up an appetite on the trails can bring a picnic lunch or support the park by purchasing food from the park's friends group as part of their fund raising efforts. Friends' group members will be selling barbeque sandwiches, bratwurst and smoked turkey legs in the picnic area. Cookies, soda pop and coffee also will be available.

In addition, "Friends of Maplewood" t-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing items will be for sale. Proceeds from food and gift sales help fund projects in the park.

Hanson encourages visitors to spend the weekend in the park. "Our camper cabins and campground are available for overnight visitors and our showers and modern bathroom facilities will be available through Oct. 7," he said. "When the maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold and red in the fall, our visitors love to hike or ride horseback on our trails. With eight major lakes in the park, viewing fall colors by boat or canoe is a real treat."

For more information, contact the park at (218) 863-8383. Camping reservations can be made online at www.stayatmnparks.com or by calling 1-866-857-2757. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Permits are available at the park office.

Maplewood State Park is located seven miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.

Editor's note: The Friends of Maplewood are having their annual meeting Thursday night, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. (picnic dinner including Ranger Kathy's baked beans) in Ranger Bob's Shed (hang two lefts and the first right) after you leave Ranger Bob's Office. They need not only new members, but also volunteers for the above mentioned weekends. Drive out to enjoy the newly paved roads, check on progress on The Josh Hanson Picnic Shelter and help us celebrate the new Maplewood signs along Interstate 94. Dessert is good too. If you are bringing all your friends and insist on bringing a dish call Ranger Kathy at 863-8383 so we get a balanced diet. Membership for a year is $10. Dinner is free.