Final segment links communities, opens 32 miles of scenic trail

By Louis Hoglund, 

Pelican Rapids Press

Robert Williams

Editor

A new chapter for outdoor recreation in Otter Tail County was celebrated Monday, Aug. 4, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Maplewood Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail. 

The 3.8-mile, ADA-compliant multi-use trail now allows visitors to journey through the scenic landscapes of Maplewood State Park, connecting the communities of Pelican Rapids and Perham across a 32-mile route.

The Maplewood Segment is the final link in a project that started in 2014 as part of a master plan to create a regional trail system. The Heart of the Lakes Trail includes five segments, each named for their location: Pelican Rapids, Maplewood, Silent Lake, McDonald Lakes, and Perham. Construction began on the Perham Segment in 2021, with other segments following in 2022 and 2023. The trail’s completion opens new opportunities for hiking, biking, and accessible outdoor activities.

Local officials, park staff, and supporters gathered at the Maplewood State Park Trail Center for the celebration. Speakers included Senator Jordan Rasmusson, County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, Otter Tail County Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum, MN DNR Parks and Trails District Supervisor Shawn Donais, and Pelican Rapids Mayor Brent Frazier.

Senator Rasmusson thanked everyone involved, highlighting the teamwork behind the project. Commissioner Wayne Johnson echoed that sentiment, saying, “Everyone had to pull the cart in the same direction,” as he praised the combined efforts that brought the trail to completion.

“This project has been years in the making, and we are grateful to the LCCMR for their outstanding support,” said Johnson. “The entire trail reflects the dedication of all our partners who shared a vision and commitment. We couldn’t have accomplished this without each of them, and we thank all of you for making this a reality.”

Funding and Impact

The Maplewood Segment was made possible with $2.5 million in funding from the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The project bid came in at just over $2 million. The new trail is 10 feet wide and fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Shawn Donais of the MN DNR emphasized the economic impact of state parks, noting that while the financial benefits are not always easy to measure, each park visitor brings added value to the local economy.

Denise Laymon, president of the Friends of Maplewood State Park, shared her excitement about the trail’s completion and looked forward to future improvements at the park. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough,” she said, encouraging continued vision and growth for the park.

With the Maplewood Segment now open, the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail offers a new way for residents and visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty. Local leaders hope the trail will boost tourism and provide lasting benefits for Otter Tail County. For more information about the trail and future projects, visitors are encouraged to contact Maplewood State Park or visit the trail website at www.ottertailcounty.gov/location/heart-of-the-lakes-trail/.

A future connection to the trail linking Dent and Vergas is scheduled to be underway as the new trail is constructed alongside and as part of the Highway 35 full-depth reclamation project. The work was scheduled to begin with highway widening in Dent in late July. Email updates on the project are available at www.ottertailcounty.gov/