The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Minnesota Park On The Map
By Trent Jonas|Published July 04, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
There’s a fascinating Minnesota archaeological site in a Wadena County park that sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill riverfront park. Come see what makes Old Wadena Park so special.
At first glance, Old Wadena Park looks a lot like any other riverfront county park in Minnesota, with a picnic shelter, a campground, and hiking trails.
The shelter is new - it was rebuilt, and the park underwent considerable restoration, after an EF-2 tornado tore through it over Memorial Day weekend 2022.
What you don’t see at first is the rich cultural and archaeological history of this land.
Its also situated along the former “Woods” route of the Red River Oxcart Trails, which Voyageurs used to carry furs overland to Lake Winnipeg and on to Hudson Bay.
There’s even some more modern history to discover in Old Wadena - the Crow Wing River Canoe Trail was the first Resource Conservation and Development project in the United States. So, bring your canoe or kayak when you visit the park to enjoy this historic water trail!
Follow along with YouTuber Where the Cat Goes as she explores more of Old Wadena:
Be sure to pay a visit to the Wadena County Historical Society and Museum - in present-day Wadena - to learn more about Old Wadena, as well as the greater region, its history, and the people who have lived here.
You’ll find more information, including museum hours, on the historical society’s website.
While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the 1,400 foot pier at nearby Dower Lake Recreation Area – it’s the longest pier in the state of Minnesota. And, as always, before you head out on the trail, make sure you’re prepared with everything you need for a day hike. For more information about Old Wadena Park, visit the park’s page on the Wadena County website.
Have you visited Old Wadena? Had you even heard of Old Wadena before? Let us know in the comments!
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