Glendalough State Park

Glendalough State Park
Minnesota State Park
The former resort of Cowles Media Company is now a public park.
Named for: Glendalough
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Otter Tail
Location	Battle Lake
- elevation	1,329 ft (405 m) [1]
- coordinates	46°20′0″N 95°40′0″W / 46.33333°N 95.66667°W / 46.33333; -95.66667
Area	1,931 acres (781.4 ha)
Founded	1992
Management	Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Location of Glendalough State Park in Minnesota

Glendalough State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, in Otter Tail County near Battle Lake close to Minnesota State Highway 78. It is named after Glendalough in Ireland. The park was once used as a resort and game farm by the owners of Cowles Media Company, owner of what is today the Star Tribune newspaper. The park contains 1,931 acres (7.81 km²) on land and 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) on the water. Cowles Media Company transferred title to Glendalough to the Nature Conservancy in 1990, and the Nature Conservancy transferred title to the State of Minnesota in 1992. Glendalough was officially declared a state park with a celebration on Earth Day, April 22, 1992.^[2]

History

In 1903, Ezra G. Valentine developed that land into a summer retreat called Valentine's Camp. In 1905 the park was left to Valentine's children, John Alden and Miss Blanche, who later sold the land to Fred A. Everts. Everts sold the Valentine camp to F.E. Murphy who owned and operated the Minneapolis Tribune. Murphy renamed the land Glendalough, after a monastery in Ireland. With the depression in the 1930's and land becoming available for purchase, Murphy expanded the camp and started a game farm. In 1941, Glendalough, along with the Minneapolis Tribune, was purchased by Cowles Media Company, which was partially owned by John Cowles, Sr.^[3] Glendalough Game Farm hosted important individuals such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Richard Nixon and Vice President Walter Mondale during its time. In 1990, the land was donated to The Nature Conservancy by Cowles Media Company, and in 1992 the title was transferred to the State of Minnesota. Glendalough State Park celebrated its creation on Earth Day, April 22, 1992.^[4]

2004 and 2005 blowdown

In August 2004, a severe thunderstorm with straight-line winds came through the area, causing severe damage to the landscape. As a result of this devastating incident, the park was closed to the public for a week to clean up debris left by the storm. Less than ten months later, in 2005, Glendalough State Park was hit by another thunderstorm resulting in damage. Following the 2005 storm, the state park was able to remain open with aid from the staff and volunteers of the park. The staff and volunteers used signs and notices warning park visitors of hazards of down trees throughout the park.

Recreation

Glendalough State Park has many forms of recreation facilities that are provided to park visitors,including fishing, camping, hiking, birding, picture taking, boating, kayaking and canoeing. The park has a Historic Lodge where former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, and former Vice President Walter Mondale stayed when they visited Glendalough State Park. While camping at Glendalough State Park, it is highly advised that any food that you have be stored into a food locker that the park provides with the site. The park discourage visitors from storing their food in the tents because the wildlife can easily tear open the tents and get to the food.

Lodging

Glendalough State Park has the historic Glendalough Lodge at the park. The lodge is rented out to parties for tours or family gatherings for enjoyment of Annie Battle Lake. The state park also has conference centers near Glendalough Lodge for conferences or family reunions.

Camping

At Glendalough State Park, there are three sites designated for camping. The west shore of Annie Battle Lake, between south Annie Battle Lake and North of Molly Stark Lake and on the Southeast corner of Annie Battle Lake.

Picnicking and swimming

Glendalough offers picnicking and swimming areas, often with solitude.

Cart-in site

The campsite along the west side of Annie Battle Lake is designated as a cart-in campground. The state park wants the park visitors to have a primitive setting while camping. This location has four cabins; two electric cabins and two primitive cabins. One of the cabins is designated as handicapped accessible for the park visitors who need these accommodations. Located at this campsite is a modern restroom facility with showers and plumbing for the visitors who want a semi primitive and modern society living.

Group camp

There are two group camps in the state park: Annie Battle Lake and Molly Stark Lake. The group sites are designated for more than seven people for a regular site. These sites are useful for family gatherings, and visitors may enjoy the setting while fishing, canoeing or swimming.

Canoe-in campground

The Canoe-in campground is one of the primitive settings that Glendalough State Park has to offer. To access this location, park visitors have one of two options. the may either walk to the site and enjoy the land and the wildlife, or take a canoe and paddle Annie Battle Lake. Annie Battle Lake is not designated as a motor access lake so travel on the lake is quiet and peaceful.

Rustic camping

Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the facility at the main campground shuts down for the season for a more rustic style ofliving.

Biology and ecology

Plant life

Glendalough State Park has a few restored acres of land designated as prairie restoration. Within this restoration land, prairie plants such as Big Bluestem, Pasque Flower, Pussy toe may be found.

Wildlife

Wildlife at Glendalough State Park consists of Redwing Black Birds, white-tailed deer, turtles, raccoons and snakes. It is strongly advised at most parks, state parks or national parks, that visitors see wildlife for enjoyment but remember that the animals are wild and not to approach them.

References

Further reading

• Glendalough State Park pamphlet handout 2008
• Otter Tail County Recorder's Office

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Glendalough State Park.

• Glendalough State Park

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