OutdoorMN News - Maplewood State Park hosts picnic and activities July 17

[Rick]

People can help celebrate the 125th anniversary of Minnesota state parks and trails with a summer picnic, old-time lawn games, and more at Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids on Sunday, July 17. Bring a lunch to the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter and join the fun.  

“A picnic is about food and playtime,” said Don DelGreco, Maplewood State Park manager. “We’re offering a variety of activities for all picnickers to enjoy.”

The schedule is as follows:

Games and demonstrations (ongoing between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

• Tug-a-war. This tug-a-war is more a matter of balance than strength, so big or small doesn’t always matter.
• Homemade kites. This kite is super easy to make for young kids, and adults usually make one, too. If the wind is up, see how high you can fly them.
• Giant bubbles. How big can a bubble get? Make a hand-held bubble loop, dip it in the special bubble juice and the breeze will do the rest.
• Potato sack race. Put both feet in a burlap sack and be the first to cross the finish line.
• Bocce is a game of lawn bowling that two or more can play. Come over to the court area and learn how.
• Pie iron cooking. This cooking “show” will feature foods made with a pie iron at a campfire.

MinnAqua activities (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
These activities, which focus on the park’s precious water resources, will be presented by MinnAqua, a statewide education program designed to teach angling recreation and stewardship as well as the ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats. MinnAqua will provide all fishing equipment, including bait. No fishing license is required.

• Run for your Life Cycle, 11 a.m.
• Mussel Mania, 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch break, noon.
• Fishing Regulations/Scavenger Hunt, 12:15.
• Practice Casting. 12:15 p.m.
• Fishing, 12:40 p.m.

Prairie Restoration Story (ongoing 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.).
Stop by to see a slide show and hear about Maplewood’s prairies, restoration efforts and plant identification.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). Those who don’t already have a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit can purchase one online or at the park office.

The park entrance is located 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids on state Highway 108.  For more information on the picnic or other events at Maplewood State Park, call 218-863-8383, or visit the park’s webpage.

Additional picnics planned in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of Minnesota state parks and trails will take place Sunday, July 31, at Itasca State Park; Sunday, Aug. 14, at Glendalough State Park; and Sunday, Aug. 28, at Jay Cooke State Park. Find more information online.

Discuss below - to view set the hook here.