September 24, 2009: Medicine Lake West Hike (Plymouth)

Join Leonard for a hike along the rolling west shore of Medicine Lake and through French Regional Park. Medicine Lake, in Plymouth's southeastern part, was 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. Clifton E. French was previously the Executive Director of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (1988-1993); Superintendent, Hennepin County Park Reserve District (1962-1984); Director of Recreation and Parks, Edina, MN (1955-1962); and Program Director, University of Minnesota (1953-1955).

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).

The group will reconvene at a nearby restaurant after the hike for dinner or dessert.

Map to hike start point

French Regional Park map

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This webpage was last updated on August 25, 2009.