About
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.
Trail Segments
Pelican Rapids Segment (7 miles)
7 Mile Trail Segment that runs adjacent to County State Aid Hwy 3 from the City of Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park and joins up with the Maplewood Segment McDonald Lakes of the Heart of the Lakes Trail. This Trail Segment has a trailhead located at the Pelican Rapids School Football Field Concession stand, where trail users will have access to bathroom facilities and a bike repair station.
Maplewood Segment (3.8 miles)
3.8 Mile Trail Segment that winds through the majestic woods, prairies and lakes of Maplewood State Park. Trail corridor runs from Pelican Rapids Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail on County State Aid Hwy 3 through the State Park to the Silent Lakes Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail north of State Trunk Hwy 108.
Silent Lake Segment (8.1 miles)
8.1 Mile Trail Segment that runs through the countryside of Lida and Dora townships and is the connecting piece between the Maplewood Segment and McDonald Lakes Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail. This Trail Segment has a trailhead access point located at the Blackboard Restaurant on County State Aid Hwy 41.
Funding for this project was provided by the Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
McDonald Lake Segment (5.8 miles)
5.8 Mile Trail Segment that runs adjacent to County State Aid Hwy 35 on the North side of the McDonald Lakes Chain of Lakes. Trail corridor runs from Silent Lake Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail on County State Aid Hwy 41 to the Perham Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail along County State Aid Hwy 34. This Trail Segment has two trailhead access points, with one being at the intersection of CSAH 35 and 440th Street and the other being at the intersection of CSAH 35 and the SOO Line Railroad Crossing.
McDonald Lake Segment Map (SooLineRR)
McDonald Lake Segment Map (44th Street)
Perham Segment (6.2 miles)
6.2 Mile Trail Segment that runs adjacent to County State Aid Hwy 34 from the City of Perham to the McDonald Lakes Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail on County State Aid Hwy 35. This Trail Segment has two trailhead access points, with one being at the intersection of CSAH 34 and 420th Ave and the other Memorial Trailhead at the intersection of CSAH 34 and 410th Ave, with the Memorial Trailhead being equipped with a water fountain, bike repair station and cell phone charging station.
Funding for this project was provided by the Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Rules
- No overnight parking at trail parking areas
- No parking or driving on the grass
- No littering
- Be courteous to others.
- Observe directional signs and speed limits where posted.
- No motor vehicles on trails.
- Pets on trails must be leashed at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Bikers must yield to pedestrians.
- Bikers should pass on the left and announce their approach.
- Bikes are allowed on paved trails only.
- Mountain biking on designated trails only.
- Electric bicycles are allowed on paved trails, and must be operated safely at speeds below 20 mph.
- Power-driven mobility devices used by people with disabilities are allowed on trails.
- Review the Parks and Trails Ordinance