Located in the Leaf Mountains, Maplewood encompasses 9,250 acres (3,740 ha) in Otter Tail County and is known for its hardwood trees including sugar maple, basswood, American elm, and oak, which together provide a display of fall colors each year.

It became a state park in 1965, and an archeological site within the park, the Maplewood Site, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Jim Fletcher, the author of The Lore Adventure Trilogy, built several small villages with the help of students of the Pelican Rapids High School and other local people.

Several of these villages are placed in Maplewood State Park.

One is accessible by a hiking trail, while another is located inside one of the lakes.