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Park History

WHAT IS THE PARK'S STORY:

In 1985, a group organized as the West Douglas County Park & Historical Development Association approached the Board of County Commissioners with the dream of buying a piece of property known as "Hilliards Park". Hilliard and Delores Nelson owned the land between Devils Lake and Little Chippewa Lake for 50 years. They had always allowed people to use the land for summer recreation. As the Nelson's approached retirement, they wished that the "park" could be saved for the future.

Researchers discovered that the property had been used for the first two Douglas County Fairs, in 1923 and 1924. An even older history, circa 1000 AD, was discovered during preparations to build the park entrance road.

A visit to Chippewa Park will tell you why people have been drawn to the place across the years. 2000 feet of shoreline of Little Chippewa Lake and twice that on Devils Lake are probably reason enough. Couple that with the unusual land form, a narrow isthmus 300 feet wide and about 2 feet above the lake level, and you have a perfect place to spend a hot summer day.

Chippewa Park is unique in that it is the only one of our county parks that supports camping. There are 15 developed tent sites and a shower building for campers to use. The fee is $15.00 per night.

The park is 37.25 acres and has very nice facilities for small or large group picnics. It is a popular swimming and fishing spot as well. The Nelson's hopes and the dreams of the West Douglas County Park & Historical Development Association have been realized. Come to Brandon and see!

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

Public Works Parks Division
526 Willow Drive, PO BOX 398
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-762-2999
Fax: 320-762-2998
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