Lake Maria State Park will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its establishment from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the park’s environmental center. In 1963, legislature approved the use of federal funds to purchase land for 11 state parks, including Lake Maria. While visitors numbered in the low hundreds annually in the early days, more than 70,000 people visit the park each year today. The key person in making the park a reality was Marcus Zum-Brunnen, a well-known resident of the area who lobbied the state legislature for the park from 1925 until its declaration as a park. On June 1, the Friends of Lake Maria will observe the anniversary by serving free cake and beverages to guests. In addition, there will be games and other activities for children and a drawing for prizes, including an annual park pass, books and T-shirts. At noon, a new three-quarter-mile self-guided trail, called the Forest Shadow Trail, will be inaugurated with a hike for adults and a scavenger hunt for children. Park Manager Mark Crawford will lead the walk. Following the walk, a written history of the park will be dedicated with a presentation by Nancy Cassano. The history was researched and written by Ellen M. Perrault. Since June 1 is Open House Day at all Minnesota state parks, there will be no vehicle fee to enter the park. For more information, call the park office at (763) 878-2325. Lake Maria State Park is located approximately seven miles northwest of Monticello and 10 miles northeast of Annandale on Wright County Hwy. 111.
