“There are no maple trees in Maplewood” A curious statement isn’t it? Welcome to Maplewood Minnesota a city with a surprisingly misleading name.
Maplewood is a vibrant city in Ramsey County a first-ring suburb of the bustling Twin Cities metropolitan area. It’s a place where history and modernity intertwine where the past whispers secrets to the present. Located just ten minutes from downtown Saint Paul Maplewood boasts a unique geography stretching 5.9 miles east to west and 10 miles north to south. Its unusual shape includes a long southern leg almost a mile wide and 7.5 miles long.
The origins of its name remain a mystery. While the name suggests a landscape abundant with maple trees the director of the local historical society confirms that this is not the case. The area when first organized was predominantly prairie and oak savanna. Imagine early settlers gazing upon this expansive landscape and bestowing upon it the name Maplewood. Perhaps it was a hopeful moniker a wish for a future filled with these majestic trees.
Maplewood is more than just its intriguing name. It’s home to the 3M Corporation headquarters and main campus. This multinational technology giant employs thousands of people within Maplewood itself. The Maplewood Mall stands as a center of commercial activity providing residents and visitors alike with ample shopping options. St John’s Hospital serves as a vital healthcare hub for the community and beyond. The city is well-served by a network of major highways including US Highway 61 Minnesota Highway 36 and Interstate Highways 35E 94 694 and 494. These arteries connect Maplewood seamlessly to the wider metropolitan area.
Its population a vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds has steadily grown. In 2020 the census recorded 42088 residents. The city’s economy thrives on a diverse range of industries including education health care manufacturing retail and social services. The Metropolitan Council projects significant job growth in Maplewood reaching a 22% increase by 2030. The city also boasts over 30 parks and an extensive trail system offering abundant recreational opportunities for its residents.
Maplewood a city of contrasts a place where the unexpected meets the familiar a name that hints at a narrative not fully revealed. So next time you hear the name Maplewood remember the story behind the name the story of a city with a rich history a thriving present and a promising future. A future that continues to be written as we stand here today.