Maplewood was settled in the mid-1850s after a battle with the Dakota who were on the land prior. Three families from St. Paul had tried for years prior to claim the land they had bought from the federal government for two dollars per acre, but keep getting rebuffed. Once the Dakota were defeated by the Ojibwa at Battle Creek in 1853, the settlers started building cabins and put down their roots. They began to build a bustling city, starting with a stagecoach for transportation. It ran from 1856 until 1870 when the first railroad from St. Paul to Duluth was completed. That became the main form of transportation and really opened up the area. In 1887, a town was formed at the Lake Phalen Junction, named Gladstone after William Gladstone. The effort was spearheaded by William and Mary Dawson who proclaimed that it would ‘rival St. Paul’. William Dawson moved his business, St. Paul Plow Works, to the northeast corner of the railroad junction, which became a hub in the city. Gladstone prospered for several years with business booming to the tune of a thousand workers. For a town of 150, that’s pretty impressive. They had a hotel, at least two saloons, a post office, and a brothel. However, things took a turn for the worse, starting with the Plow Works being destroyed by a fire in 1892. Dawson had to file for bankruptcy and Gladstone was never the same after that. The area that was to become Maplewood was split in two areas called New Canada Township and McLean Township in addition to Gladstone. There were several upheavals throughout the three towns and in 1887, the citizens of the northeast corner of New Canada withdrew from New Canada and incorporated as the village of North St. Paul. New Canada Township had a growth spurt after the second World War and there was a tension between the new residents who were willing to pay for more services and the old residents who wanted to keep taxes low. When they couldn’t come to an agreement, the old residents walked away and started their own township in 1953. They had over 14,000 residents and business was bustling. After a few more twists and turns in which they had to fight to keep 3M in their township, they voted to incorporate as a village on February 26, 1957. After the breakaway, they chose a new name, Maplewood, and traced a maple leaf for their logo. The city began to grow and by 1990, the population was nearly 31,000 people. They had to build a city hall, which took 15 years from conception to fruition and was finally erected in 1965. Truck farming and dairy farming were two booming businesses that slowly phased out due to increased property taxes. Farmers saw the writing on the wall and started selling their property in order for high and stores to be built. Following this shift, Highway 36 was built in 1955; I-94, I-694, and Maplewood Mall were all constructed in the early 1970s. That propelled Maplewood into a new era, one that left agriculture behind. The village officially became a city in 1982 and continued to grow apace. A new city hall was built in 1985, just twenty years after the former one was built, and it was a sign of how fast the city was growing.

Maplewood is serious about its environmental policies. They were one of the first cities in Minnesota to implement the idea of a rain garden and have won several awards for their efforts in protecting the environment. They make no bones about how important this issue is to them and to that end, they have programs and ordinances in place. The first is the Living Streets Policy that they started in 2013. It’s a program that was initiated by Minnesota GreenStep Cities and several Minnesotan cities have taken up the challenge. The basic premise is that cities should have walkable and sustainable streets. It’s for the betterment of the community to have streets that encourage them to get out and get physical. They have 6 points of best practices, and this guide in how to meet those best practices. The ordinances include a tree ordinance, a poultry ordinance, and regulations on recycling, trash hauling, rainwater gardens, and yard waste and composting. They also have an Environmental & Natural Resources Commission that meets each month in order to help out the City Council set the environmental policy for the city. Here is their Sustainable guidelines as part of their 2040 plan: Maplewood Sustainable Policy

Many of the cities around the Twin Cities metro area have their crime data published on the Community Crime Map. This is a great resource for looking at what is going on in various cities. Another great resource is to check with the city's local police department. The have a lot of data available for public use. Community Crime Map
Minneapolis publishes to the Community Crime Map, but also has a couple specific resources that are not on there:
Check out the Minneapolis Police Department website: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/statistics/index.htm
The Shots Fired Map is unique to Minneapolis. They installed a system of microphones that can detect locations of shots fired based on triangulation of the sounds from the microphones.
Edina does not publish to the Community Crime Map (as of 2019) so here is a link to their site: https://www.edinamn.gov/326/Crime-Data-Map

Applewood Park - (822 Sterling St.,, ) Applewood Park is a small neighborhood park that is ideal for a quiet walk in the park. There is a children's play area for the younger set and a pond that when frozen is fun to skate on. There is an open-air picnic shelter if you want to put your feet up and have a rest. There is a system of trails that loops internally as well as connects the park to outside venues, such as the neighborhood preserve.
Battle Creek Dog Park - (2350 Upper Afton Rd.,, ) Battle Creek Dog Park is on the east side of the Battle Creek Regional Park and it's an off-leash park of 35 fenced-in acres. It has a lot of wide open spaces for the dogs to run in and it's a great way for your canine companion to make furry friends. It is run by the Ramsey County Park & Rec and a group of dedicated volunteers; it is a top-tier dog park that is very popular. There are is a swimming pond if your dog is the water-loving type and two playground areas that are specifically for play. There are trails to walk and there is just so much to explore. There are also benches for you, the human, to rest if you want to watch the dogs at play.
Battle Creek Regional Park - (2300 Upper Afton Rd.,, 651-266-0300) Battle Creek Regional Park is full of lush and verdant flora that is a delight to walk through. It is split into two parts and the west section is the part that is in this neighborhood. There are several trails that allow you to do just that at whatever pace you prefer. There are paved trails, mountain biking trails, and cross-country ski trails. The Battle Creek Recreation Center is on the west side in Battle Creek and has many activities for the whole family. There are also picnic tables and grills throughout the park. There is a shelter that can be rented that has 12 picnic tables in it. You can also rent the pavilion (on the east side) that has 41 picnic tables inside it and 7 picnic tables right outside. It also has two large grills and two kitchens. It has a stage with two outlets on it. Elsewhere in the east side (Maplewood), there is a playground with a twisty slide for the kids to enjoy. There is an off-leash dog park and a water park on the east side as well.
Fish Creek Natural Area - (2465-2475 Carver Ave.,, ) Fish Creek Natural Area is a 70-acre preserve sitting on a bluff of the Mississippi River. The creek itself is not currently accessible from the preserve, but there are plans to create a trail alongside the creek it in the future which will somehow be reachable from the preserve. Speaking of trails, the trail in the preserve itself is asphalt and is a nearly-mile-long loop. It is not plowed in the winter so make sure you have your skis or snowshoes firmly on your feet if you go then. There is so much flora and fauna to be seen year round, including coyotes, raptors, and many kinds of flowers. It's a nice environmental getaway in the middle of your day.
Harvest Park - (2561 N Barclay St.,, ) Harvest Park is a friendly neighborhood park that is roughly 25 acres. If you're athletic, you can partake of the tennis courts, the basketball court, the soccer field (open field) or the ballfield (to play baseball or softball). Their is a playground for the children and there is plenty of space just to walk around in and take in the nature surrounding you.
Keller Regional Park - (2166 Maplewood Dr.,, 651-266-0300) Keller Regional Park is the oldest park in the network of Ramsey County parks. It surrounds Keller Lake and has several water-based activities such as fishing and kayaking. It's a bucolic dreamland with lush greenery that is restorative to the soul as you wander through it. There are several different areas to the park with shelters in each of them. There are tuj lub courts (Hmong sport) and an archery range with 12 lanes in Golfview. There is a network of paved trails for walking/hiking and it's a pleasure just to walk through them. There is a playground in the Golfview section as well for the younger set.
Maplewood Heights Park - (2078 Beam Ave.,, ) Maplewood Heights Park is a friendly neighborhood park that is roughly 25 acres. There's a pond across which you can skip some rocks or just take in the greenery around you. There is a play area for children, an internal trail that provides a great way to walk through nature, and a picnic shelter for relaxation. It also has courts on which you can play tennis, basketball, and other court games.
Wakefield Park - (1590 Frost Ave.,, ) Wakefield Park is currently undergoing some major overhauls because Maplewood wants to make it the focus of their green spaces. They're building a community building that will be a major gathering place for the neighborhood once it's finished. There is a new playground that is fun for the younger set. The park is 41 acres and it includes something for everyone. There is the Babe Ruth ball field, a hockey rink and an ice-skating rink, and a fishing pier. There is also a interconnected trail system if a hike/walk is more your speed. There are also two picnic shelters if you want to sit down and have a bite to eat.

Indian Masala - (27 Century Ave. N,, 651-501-7824) Indian Masala is an Indian restaurant that is unassuming on the outside and warmly colorful on the inside. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming. They feature upscale Indian  classics as well as more modern dishes. Their menu is vast so you'll have plenty to choose from, some familiar and some not. The menu includes Baigan Barta, Mughalai Chicken, Goat Gongura, and Kadai Lamb. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the menu. They also have naan, dosa, and appetizers such as Vegetable Samosa, Gobi Manchurian, and Chicken Chinthamani. If you want something sweet to end your meal, try the Mango Kulfi or Gulab Jamoon.
La Delicious Bread - (2158 Rice St.,, 651-797-4620) La Delicious Bread is a French cafe and bakery that is the talk of town with their fantastic pastries and breads. They handmake their breads and pastries every day with loving care. Their staff members are cheerful and friendly, always eager to serve up the perfect bread/pastry to each customer. They also have freshly-brewed coffee that goes perfectly with chocolate eclairs, macarons, and pastry cream puffs. Their dry pastry menu includes butter croissants, apple turnovers, and raisin rolls. They also make an array of banh mi, such as turkey banh mi, veggie banh mi, and chicken banh mi.
Nino's Pizzeria - (2251 Larpenteur E.,, 651-777-8827) Nino's Pizzeria is a locally-owned pizza restaurant that prides themselves on the freshness of the ingredients. In addition, they make the crusts by hand and their sauce is an authentic Italian family recipe. The building is nondescript on the outside; blink and you might miss it. The staff members are friendly and ready to serve up some slices. The owner, Fabio, believes in you having pizza the way you want it so they have a list of toppings from which you can choose, such as sausage, chicken, fresh garlic, artichokes, jalapeno peppers, and more. They also have calzones, salads, and sandwiches.
Taste of India - (1745 Cope Ave.,, 651-773-5477) Taste of India was opened in 1993 with the aim of bringing authentic Indian cuisine to suburban Minnesota. They have dishes from different regions of India and they have a buffet with plenty of your favorites including naan, samosas, and pakoras. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. In addition to the buffet, there is a menu with a vast array of dishes, such as Bhajia, Alu Paratha, Iddly, Beef Madrasi, and Shrimp Masala. They have plenty of vegetarian options, too. For something sweet at the end of your meal, try the Rasmalai or Mango Ice Cream.
Tokyo Sushi - (1935 Beam Ave.,, 651-748-1000) Tokyo Sushi is a Japanese restaurant with an emphasis on sushi and an astonishingly vast array of other dishes as well. The decor is simple and the atmosphere is welcoming. The servers are friendly and willing to explain how everything works for the uninitiated. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet in which you order from a fixed list and they bring the food to you. They also have a regular menu from which you can order many different things. The sushi menu includes Egg Custard Sushi (Tamago), Yellowtail Sashimi (Hamachi), Sushi Pizza (Maki), and Eel Cucumber (Temaki). They have special rolls as well, such as Tokyo Sushi Roll, Pink Lady Roll, Volcano Roll, and Rainbow Roll. They also have donburi, teriyaki, teppanyaki, noodle soup, and kitchen specials.
Unison Restaurant & Banquet - (1800 White Bear Ave.,, 651-493-3733) Unison Restaurant & Banquet is an Asian restaurant with cuisine from different parts of Asia and you'll find several of your favorites on the menu. They also have a full service bar if you want to pair a nice drink with your meal. The experience can be a little overwhelming at first so the friendly staff members are eager to walk you through it, making you feel comfortable and welcomed. There are themed rooms, which lends to the festive atmosphere. The menu includes Fried Chicken Feet, Drunken Noodles, Crispy Pork Belly, Walleye Ginger Soy Sauce, and much more. On the drinks-side, they have plenty of options as well, such as Malbec, Unison Fish Bowl, and Left Hand Nitro.
Vietnam Star Restaurant - (3035 White Bear Ave. N,, 651-779-8623) Vietnam Star Restaurant is located in the the Maplewood Square Shopping Center - RPS Legacy and is focused on delivering authentic Vietnamese cuisine under the tutelage of a chef with 30 years of experience. It has a simple and cozy feel to it with a friendly staff who are also welcoming. They have a varied menu with dishes than range from mild to spicy and everything in between. They have noodles such as Chow Mein, Singapore Noodles, and Vietnamese-style Chow Fun. Their House Specialties include Mongolian Beef, Five Spicy Seafood, Happy Bird Nest, and more. In addition, they have a traditional Vietnamese menu that has different types of pho, hu tieu, and mi. They also have stir-fried dishes and appetizers, too.

5-8 Tavern & Grill - (2289 Minnehaha Ave. E,, 651-735-5858) 5-8 Tavern & Grill is a local chain that is renowned for its Juicy Lucy. The first 5-8 Club was opened in 1928, during the Prohibition, in Minneapolis, as a speakeasy. It was called the 58th Street Club and served alcohol illegally in defiance of Prohibition. Today, everything they do is aboveboard. They have been featured on food programs for their Juicy Lucy and have garnered accolades for it as well. The atmosphere is homey and relaxed; the service is friendly. In addition to the Juicy Lucy, the menu includes Deep Fried Cheese Curds, Dragon's Drool (wings), Roadhouse (burger), and Chicken Fajitas. On the drinks side, they have a full slate of potent potables for you to enjoy.
Bleechers Bar & Grill - (2220 White Bear Lake Ave.,, 651-777-7897) Bleechers Bar & Grill is a no-frills local watering hole that offers a place to gather for a beer and a go at karaoke. The atmosphere is casual and the service is friendly. They also have large screen TVs so you can watch a game with your buddies and cheer for the hometown team. Their eats and drinks are cheap and filling. They have specials such as tacos on Tuesdays and fish & chips of Fridays. They also have steak and shrimp, chicken bacon and Swiss (sandwich), and jalapeno poppers (appetizer). It's a great place to go if you just want to unwind with a good stiff drink and some wings.
Crooked Pint Ale House & Event Center - (1734 Aldolphus St.,, 612-252-6500) Crooked Pint Ale House & Event Center is a neighborhood pub that also provides rental space for a variety of events including wedding receptions and post-game celebrations. The staff members are exceptionally friendly and the atmosphere is casual. They also have big-screen televisions so you can go with your friends to grab a pint, some food, and watch your favorite team on the big screen. Their menu is chockful of delicious foods, such as Hog Heaven (sandwich), Tater Tot Hot Dish, The Gigantic Pretzel (shareable), and Veggie Tacos. On the drinks-side, they have dozens of beer, are known for their bourbon, Scotch, and whiskey, and they have wine and cocktails as well.
McCarron's Pub & Grill - (1986 Rice St.,, 651-788-7362) McCarron's Pub & Grill is a neighborhood Irish-theme bar with a casual atmosphere in which everyone is welcomed. The walls are green in honor of the Emerald Isle and the staff members are very friendly. It's a great place to go with a bunch of friends to catch up on all your busy lives. It opened in 2014 and has become a neighborhood favorite ever since. They make their sauces by hand and slow cook their meat for tasty perfection. They have a patio, too, when it's seasonally appropriate. Their menu includes George's Sweet Fire Wrap, McMac (burger), Brisket Dip, and Deep Fried Pickles. They also have seasonal favorites such as Taco Taco Taco and Hot Beef.
Myth Live - (3090 Southlawn Dr.,, 651-779-6984) Myth Live is a popular music venue that has an intimate feel to it. It's close to both Downtown St. Paul and Downtown Minneapolis, and it showcases a wide variety of music, ranging from electronic to hip hop to rock. Some of the concerts they've hosted are with musical acts such as Dropkick Murphys, The Flaming Lips, Julia Michaels, and Fifth Harmony. They have VIP suites as well as a luxury lounge for nights when you're feeling fancy. They have seven bars, a large stage, and other amenities. They are also able to host private parties, corporate events, fashion shows, and more.
The Dog House Bar & Grill - (2029 Woodlynn Ave.,, 651-621-1535) The Dog House Bar & Grill is a lively neighborhood bar that focuses heavily on live music. It's a casual place where you can gather with your friends to eat, drink, watch sports, and listen to live music. You can even cut a rug on the dance floor if you're so inclined. They have Bingo, too, if that's your jams--and meat raffles. There is a patio for outdoor seating when the weather is appropriate. Their menu includes Tot Nachos, Boneless Wing Wrap, Great Dane (burger), and Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie. They also have pizzas with the standard toppings. They have happy hours and power hours every day in which all beers and cocktails are $2 off.

Ashland Productions - (2100 White Bear Ave.,, 651-274-8020) Ashland Productions is a nonprofit theater organization that is committed to bringing theater to young people in order to enrich their world and help them find their best selves. They are collaborative in nature and believe in providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating space in which their young students can learn and thrive. They bring in intergenerational mentoring to bring in different perspectives and to encourage the students to find their own voices. In recent years, they have done a variety of productions, including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shrek, and Heathers. They provide classes, seminars, and summer camps. They also have different programs, such as Ashland Ambassadors, which is a service-based program that is focused on helping the students develop leadership skills through service to the theater community.
Big Red Barn Sale - (2170 County Rd. E,, 651-330-3862) The Big Red Barn Sale is an arts event in May and it's hosted by the Maplewood Area Historical Society at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm. There is, indeed, a big red barn and it's filled with exciting things to see and do. There will be dozens of different vendors displaying their wares. There will be crafters, artisans, sellers focusing on vintage items, and flea market items. There will be a live performance of country music and '50s music. It's a full day's worth of shopping and you can see the historic farm as well. If you need a bite to eat to keep up your strength, there will be picnic food for sale as well as deep-fried tacos.
Larkin Dance Studio - (1400 E Hwy. 36,, 651-770-0764) Larkin Dance Studio was founded in 1950 by Shirley Larkin and is a family-owned dance studio. They offer a variety of dance classes, including hip hop, ballet, contemporary, and tap. They have recreational classes as well as a more stringent schedule for those who wish to compete regionally and nationally. They accept anyone from age three to adult and at any skill level. Because they believe in individualized attention, they limit the classes, usually between 12 - 15 students. They have an annual end-of-the-year recital so every student can show off what they have learned. They have ten competition lines including two adult ones; they win top honors whenever they compete. Their passion for dance shines through whatever they do.
Maplewood YMCA Community Center - (2100 White Bear Ave.,, 651-747-0922) The Maplewood YMCA Community Center has plenty of activities for everyone with the swimming pool taking pride of place. Many people revel in the watery fun, but there are other activities if you prefer to keep your feet on terra firma. There is a gym where you can exercise and sign up for a personal trainer. There are exercise classes as well and so much more. It can also be rented out for personal events such as birthday parties and weddings. They have virtual classes if you can't make it to the actual site. There is pre-school and after-school care as well.
Triple L Dance Company - (2645 White Bear Ave.,, Suite 6., 651-329-8407) Triple L Dance Company was opened by Laura Linder who has had nearly thirty years of dance experience and has been a dance teacher for many years as well. She has had a passion for dance since she was a young girl and has won several awards in competitive dance. She is trained in different disciplines such as lyrical, tap, jazz, and more, and the studio offers classes in several types of dance. They believe in having a low pressure classroom so the students won't be stressed as they learn. They also have a competition team which takes considerably more commitment.

MAY: Big Red Barn Sale - (2170 County Rd. E,) The Big Red Barn Sale is an arts event in May and it's hosted by the Maplewood Area Historical Society at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm. There is, indeed, a big red barn and it's filled with exciting things to see and do. There will be dozens of different vendors displaying their wares. There will be crafters, artisans, sellers focusing on vintage items, and flea market items. There will be a live performance of country music and '50s music. It's a full day's worth of shopping and you can see the historic farm as well. If you need a bite to eat to keep up your strength, there will be picnic food for sale as well as deep-fried tacos.
JUN: Rib Fest - (1344 Frost Ave.,) Rib Fest is an event in June hosted by Borchert's Meat Market and it's a great way for the members of the community to gather and visit with their neighbors. They will be serving pork baby back ribs hot off the grill--and I do mean hot--until supplies run out. The ribs are coated in their original sauce and they are finger-licking good. If you like tasty ribs at a very reasonable price, this is the rib fest for you. All their meat is natural, locally raised, and grassfed.
JUN: Dairy Day Ice Cream Social - (2170 County Rd. E,) Dairy Day Ice Cream Social is an event put on by the Maplewood Area Historical Society in June to celebrate dairy month, which is, yes, June. It's held at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm and if you want to learn about all things dairy, this is the event to attend. There will be exhibits; you can learn to milk a cow; you can also learn how butter is made. There will be lawn games and the opportunity to tour the 1912 farm house to get an idea of what life was like back then. There will be ice cream and picnic food available for purchase. You can meet the special guest, Princess Kay of the Milky Way as well.

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