Old Wadena Park Campground  - OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEK-END

OLD WADENA CAMPGROUND TO REOPEN 
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

Wadena County has been working diligently to restore the campground area at Old Wadena Park in time for Memorial Day weekend, including the use of the new pavilion.   There is much to be done in other areas of the park but the campground itself will be ready and open for campers by the last weekend in May.  It may never “feel” the same for those of us who will remember the way it was, but given time, and with future cleanup and possible improvements, perhaps it will be an even better place for our community to share.

Wadena County Parks Department would like to thank the Todd-Wadena Sentence to Serve Crew and their Crew Leader, Lee Miron, for all the hard work they did in the majority of the tree removal and brush/debris piling.  Thank you to the Wadena County Highway Department for their work in relocating those brush piles, along with unburned slash piles, from the area in and near the campground.  Thank you to JR Construction for their work in rebuilding a beautiful new pavilion and the new stairway to the landing; and thank you to Carr’s Tree Service for their work in grinding the stumps and doing a beautiful job of finishing the grounds.   Thank you to Glenn Motzko, Parks Maintenance, for his role in the project, the many hours of work he has put in, and for the many hours of work he will put it as we go forward.

Finally, thank you to the public for your patience as we have gone through the different, sometimes difficult, stages of this project.  We ask that you continue to respect the fact the road is closed to the park for the safety of the public, and continue to stay out until the signs are removed from the end of the road before Memorial Day weekend.  Campers may happily return to the park on May 26, 2023, and reservations for the park/pavilion may be made following the Memorial Day holiday.

History

Between the mouths of the Leaf and the Partridge Rivers, you will find this history-filled campsite. In 1783, the fur traders built the Crow Wing’s first trading post on the “little round hill”, which means Wadena in the Chippewa language.

A great battle was fought here between the voyagers and the Sioux Indians over the prized hunting ground; and, while history records say the voyagers won this battle, it was also noted that it was 9 years before the traders returned to the Crow Wing River country. This is also the first townsite for the City of Wadena, and also where the Red River Ox Cart trail crosses the Crow Wing River.

Park Amenities

This is the only park in the County’s park system that may be reserved for a party. It boasts a large open area with plenty of shade for family reunions and weddings, a small shelter, a newly constructed larger pavilion and electricity that can be accessed by request if the park and/or pavilion is reserved. Old Wadena Park Campground reservations can be made by contacting the Wadena County Parks Department by calling 218-631-7604. A reservation form is also on the Parks main webpage.
 
There are numerous trails for walking to enjoy and a foot bridge that crosses over the Leaf River to access the little round hill site.
 
Another interesting draw to the park is the Old Wadena Society’s Bogwalk. Constructed of donated docking sections and secured by metal pilings driven deep into the mire, this offers an interesting and educational opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the wetland while walking through it. The Old Wadena Society’s Rendezvous is hosted at Old Wadena Park the 2nd weekend in August annually.

River Landing

From here it is 1.5 miles downstream to the next available landing.

Camper/RV Usage

Camper and RV friendly in parking area only  -  no hookups provided.