The gateway to the Heart of Lakes Trail and Maplewood State Park
The Heart of the Lakes Trail provides an exciting pedestrian connection between the cities of Perham and Pelican Rapids and Maplewood State Park. The trail expands multi-modal transportation and recreation access to vital recreation and employment sites in Otter Tail County, providing economic development, safety, and mobility benefits. The trail provides direct access to several popular lakes including Little McDonald Lake and allow users to experience the breathtaking vistas along the Maplewood Ridge. The Heart of the Lake Trail fills a gap in the state and regional trail system in west central Minnesota.
The trail is open to the general public and is intended for use by walkers, joggers, hikers, bicyclists, dog walkers, inline skating, and other uses mandated by state law. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, motorized vehicles will be prohibited, except for use by maintenance personnel and the Otter Tail County Sheriff for law enforcement activities. During winter months, snowmobiling is permitted along certain segments of the trail corridor.
Chauncey Martin multipurpose building located near the Heart of the Lakes Trail Head
On April 25th, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Chauncey Martin multipurpose building was held and the building is now open to the public.
The project was a collaboration between the City of Pelican Rapids, Pelican Rapids School District, Otter Tail County, and several other organizations.
The building offers a range of amenities serving various interests, including bicyclists, school sporting events, and recreational enthusiasts. It it located at the head of the Heart of the Lakes Trail and allows users to park vehicles and bikes as well as use the bathroom before heading out on the trail.
The facility will be managed by the Pelican Rapids School District and it will be accessible to the public during daylight hours, or from around 7 in the morning until 9 at night.