Priory

About Priory Preserve

When the bells of St. Paul's Monastery ring out over the Priory Preserve, it's hard to believe that you are in the middle of the city. Maplewood's largest and most diverse preserve, the Priory has wonderful examples of our historic landscape.

Venture out into the open rolling hills dotted with gnarled apple trees and patches of remnant prairie. A small oak savanna sports tall prairie grasses and small bur oaks stretching their craggy limbs. Wander the oak woodlands with its high canopy, calming ferns, and lovely spring wildflowers.

The adventurous will want to seek out the wetlands: wooded wetlands, grassy wetlands, the fern bog, a rich fen, all teeming with unusual insects and chorusing frogs. Volunteers have created an Interpretive Trail Guide for the preserve and Friends of Maplewood Nature have generously paid for publication of the brochure. Stop by Maplewood Nature Center to pick up a copy, or download a printable version of the Interpretive Trail Guide (PDF).

Visiting

Terrain & Trails

The terrain is rolling, there is over 1 mile of mowed trail on the site (Bicycling is prohibited. Pets must be leashed)

Acreage

46-acre natural area

Location

The preserve is located at the southwest corner of Century Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue.

Entrances

Entrances are located on Larpenteur, Idaho, and Montana.

Parking

Street parking is available on Larpenteur.

Facilities

There are no restrooms or drinking water at the preserve.