June 4, 2009: Medicine Lake East Hike (Plymouth)

Join the hiking group for a hike along the rolling east shore of Medicine Lake and into French Regional Park. Medicine Lake, in the southeastern part of Plymouth, was reportedly named by the Indians after one of their number was drowned there by the capsizing of his canoe in a sudden storm. This name, in their use, means mysterious and was given to the lake because they could not find his body. Antoine LeCounte, a guide and explorer, was the first settler to this area. He arrived in 1848, but did not settle until 1852 and built the first cabin at what is now East Medicine Lake Boulevard. By 1880, Plymouth boasted a population of 1,074, and reaped $667 in annual taxes. Farming became the trade of most settlers. Roads were built across Plymouth, making access to other towns possible. Medicine Lake had become a major tourist attraction and resorts were built around its shores. Medicine Lake is a 936 acre heavily urbanized lake with a maximum depth of 49 feet and a mean depth of 16 feet. Lake water quality is poor due to high nutrient levels, and the lake is classified as an impaired resource by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

If coming by car: Take I-394 west of Minneapolis and exit on Hwy 169. Go north on Hwy 169 and exit at Plymouth Avenue/13th Avenue North. At the end of the long exit ramp, go west (left) on 13th Avenue North, back under Hwy. 169, and turn north (right) at the first intersection, the Frontage Road(County Hwy. 18/Kilmer Lane North.) Continue north on the Frontage Road (County Hwy. 18/Kilmer Lane North) approximately 1/3 mile, to 17th Avenue North, and turn west (left) onto 17th Avenue North. The park is one block west and the street ends in the parking lot for the park. Meet in the parking lot for the park (1740 East Medicine Lake Boulevard).

If coming by public transit: Take Metro Transit route(s): 55. The closest bus service point appears to be along Mendelsohn Avenue North, north of Plymouth Avenue. Applicable Metro Transit Map / Bus Schedule information

Interested hikers are invited to reassemble at a nearby restaurant (Perkins Restaurant, 8806 Highway 55, Golden Valley) after the hike for dinner or dessert.

Map to the Hike starting point: 1740 E Medicine Lake Blvd
Plymouth

Maps On Us map to the hike start point

French Regional Park map

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This webpage was last updated on May 28, 2009.