Glendalough State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glendalough State Park |
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The former resort of Cowles Media Company is now a public park.
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 Glendalough State Park
Location in Minnesota
Glendalough State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Otter Tail, Minnesota, United States |
| Area | 1,931 acres (7.81 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,329 ft (405 m) |
| Established | 1992 |
| Named for | Glendalough |
| Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
Glendalough State Park is a beautiful state park in Minnesota, USA. You can find it in Otter Tail County, close to Battle Lake. This park is named after a famous place in Ireland called Glendalough.
The park used to be a private resort and a game farm. It was owned by the Cowles Media Company, which now owns the Star Tribune newspaper. Glendalough State Park covers about 1,931 acres of land and 1,000 acres of water. In 1990, the Cowles Media Company gave the land to The Nature Conservancy. Then, in 1992, it became a state park, with a big celebration on Earth Day.
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Park History: From Retreat to Public Park
In 1903, a man named Ezra G. Valentine created a summer getaway here. He called it Valentine's Camp. A few years later, his children sold the land to Fred A. Everts.
Later, F.E. Murphy, who owned the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper, bought the camp. He renamed it Glendalough, just like the monastery in Ireland. During the 1930s, Murphy bought more land and started a game farm.
In 1941, the Cowles Media Company bought Glendalough and the Minneapolis Tribune. Important people, like Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, and Vice President Walter Mondale, visited the Glendalough Game Farm.
On Earth Day in 1990, the Cowles Media Company gave the land to The Nature Conservancy. In 1992, it officially became a state park for everyone to enjoy.
Storms of 2004 and 2005
In August 2004, a very strong thunderstorm hit the park. It had powerful straight-line winds that caused a lot of damage to the trees and land. The park had to close for a week to clean up all the fallen trees and debris.
Less than a year later, in 2005, another big thunderstorm struck Glendalough State Park. Even with more damage, the park stayed open thanks to its staff and many volunteers. They put up signs to warn visitors about the dangers of downed trees.
Fun Activities at Glendalough State Park
Glendalough State Park offers many ways to have fun outdoors. You can go fishing, camping, hiking, or birdwatching. It's also a great place for taking pictures, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
The park has a Historic Lodge where famous visitors like former Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, and Vice President Mondale, once stayed. If you go camping, remember to store your food in the special lockers the park provides. This keeps your food safe from wildlife that might try to get into your tent!
Places to Stay
- Glendalough Lodge: The historic Glendalough Lodge can be rented for special events like tours or family gatherings.
- Trail Center: Near the Lodge, you'll find the Trail Center, which is a great starting point for exploring the park.
Camping Adventures
Glendalough State Park has three main camping areas:
- On the west shore of Annie Battle Lake.
- Between south Annie Battle Lake and north of Molly Stark Lake.
- On the southeast corner of Annie Battle Lake.
Cart-in Camping
The campsite along the west side of Annie Battle Lake is a "cart-in" campground. This means you use a cart to carry your gear to your spot, giving you a more natural camping experience. This area has four cabins, including one that is accessible for people with disabilities.
Group Camping
There is one special group campsite in the park. It's located along the creek that flows from Molly Stark Lake to Annie Battle Lake. This site is perfect for larger groups, fitting more than seven people but no more than 45.
Canoe-in Camping
For a truly wild experience, try the canoe-in campsites. These are very basic and have three tent sites and two yurts. Glendalough State Park is one of only three state parks in Minnesota that offers yurts for campers!
Rustic Camping
Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the main campground becomes more "rustic." This means some facilities might be closed for the season, offering a simpler camping style.
Picnicking and Swimming
Glendalough is a wonderful place for picnics and swimming, often with a peaceful feeling. The park has two swimming spots for visitors:
- On the north shore of Annie Battle Lake, close to the historic Lodge and Trail Center.
- On the north shore of Molly Stark Lake, near the Picnic Shelter.
Nature and Wildlife
Glendalough State Park is home to many different plants and animals.
Plant Life
The park has areas where prairie lands have been brought back to life. In these restored areas, you might see beautiful prairie plants like Big Bluestem grass and the Pasque Flower.
Wildlife
You can spot lots of amazing wildlife at Glendalough State Park. Keep an eye out for:
- Birds like red-winged blackbirds, bald eagles, ospreys, Canada geese, wood ducks, pied-billed grebes, barred owls, and blue-winged teals.
- Mammals such as white-tailed deer, red foxes, beavers, and raccoons.
- You might also see turtles and snakes.
