Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park

Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park. . , Welcome to Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park. The main feature of the park is the historic Pequot Fire Lookout Tower. The 100-foot tower, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits atop a tall hill, providing up to a 20-mile view. You are welcome to climb the tower and experience a breath-taking view of the Pequot Lakes area. The tower is open daily from dawn until dark during the warm season. The tower is closed during the winter for safety reasons. Follow the gravel path and directional signs to the tower, and hike the rest of trails to experience the natural splendor of the area. , The Pequot Fire Lookout Tower has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. , The National Register of Historic Places is the official Federal list of sites, districts, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. National Register properties have significance to their community, state or nation. , The Pequot Fire Lookout Tower is significant to the history of the Minnesota Department of Conservation Division of Forestry as one of the most important towers in the Division's Brainerd Ranger District. The tower protected resources critical to one of the state's most important recreation areas. It also played an instrumental role in protecting timber resources critical to the area's commercial forestry, a significant component of the local economy. The tower was constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. , Hike the park trails to experience the natural splendor of the Pequot Lakes area. A variety of wildflowers bloom through the warm season in the forest of pine, oak, maple, birch and aspen. Autumn brings a spectacular show of leaf color, from the ground and from above. , Paul M. Thiede served 4 terms on the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners. During his last term in 2018, he led the effort and played an instrumental role in the County's acquisition of the fire tower and surrounding property. This project would not have been possible without former Commissioner Thiede's vision and passion to protect this unique piece of history for future generations to enjoy. , A U.S. Air Force veteran and former newspaper owner/editor, he has served on numerous boards, commissions, and with many civic organizations. He is a graduate from the University of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio, with a B.A. in communications. He also served four terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. While serving on the national board of directors of a state legislators' organization, he was named one of the ten Outstanding Legislators in America. His service in the state legislature also included being both an assistant majority leader and assistant minority leader. The bulk of his employment outside the political arena has been in sales and communications. , Paul and his wife Dee spent over 35 years raising their eight children in Jenkins Township of Crow Wing County.