Lake Maria State Park is a prime attraction for school and youth groups during the fall, and instructors and leaders are urged to schedule field trips at the park as soon as possible, especially if park staff will be involved in the tour. DNR budget priorities have reduced staff hours and, unfortunately, some requests for guided trips will be denied. However, there are alternatives for schools and groups that do not require a naturalist. They include the following. o The self-guided Zumbrunnen Trail is located next to Maria Lake, in the picnic area. This half-mile trail has 16 identification signs, two overlooks and a 300-foot boardwalk. o The new, self-guided Forest Shadow Trail begins and ends at the park’s interpretive center. It is three-quarters of a mile in length and covers a variety of forest habitat topics. A pamphlet explains the 11 stops on the trail which are keyed to numbered posts. o Two trunks, covering forestry and entomology and containing supplies and lesson plans, are available at the park office. In order to avoid any conflicts, the park manager requests that you notify the the park of a field trip even if park staff will not be conducting the tour. For more information about the self-guided trails and to examine the trunks, call the park office at (763) 878-2325.
