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!