Sartell on the Mississippi: Bridge, Trails and Parks

Sartell lies on both banks of the Mississippi River. The city offers several distinct points of reference when choosing where to stay: the river and a historic bridge, a road that is part of the Great River Road Scenic Byway, and parks with amenities for different interests. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sartell, you can start by considering which of these local features matter for your trip. Activities differ among the parks; the splash pad is also seasonal.

River, bridge, and road connections

The Old Sartell Bridge, also known as Sartell Bridge (Bridge 05506), was built in 1914 as a steel Camelback through-truss bridge. It connects the eastern and western parts of Sartell. Its construction date and design make it a distinct historic landmark, especially for travelers interested in engineering and local history. The Upper Mississippi is considered a place for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment in Sartell.

Another point of reference is Riverside Avenue, also known as West River Road. In Sartell, it is part of the Great River Road Scenic Byway. This distinguishes the road from the Old Sartell Bridge: the bridge connects the eastern and western parts of the city, while the avenue is part of the Scenic Byway. The river connection therefore includes both a structure and a road route.

Parks by interest and season

Pinecone Central Park has 1.8 miles of unpaved trails, as well as baseball and softball fields. The trails and ball fields cater to different interests; you can choose the park based on the focus of your stay. The 1.8 miles refers to the unpaved trails and specifies their length.

Watab Creek Park has hiking trails, and a splash pad that is open from June to August. If you’d like to include this seasonal amenity in your plans, the dates offer a clear guide. This gives you a timeframe for the splash pad, while the hiking trails offer a different kind of activity.

Pinecone Regional Park has a roller-skating rink. The inclusive playground at Lions Community Park in Sartell is suitable for all children, including children with physical disabilities; it was completed in 2023. For families who value inclusive play, this suitability offers a specific point of reference. Roller skating and inclusive play are distinct considerations when choosing a park to visit.

Planning for cycling

The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a planned network of cycling facilities that follows the river’s east bank through the City of Sartell. This route is important for understanding the area: Sartell lies on both banks, while the planned MRT follows the east bank. The network’s planned status is also relevant when considering Sartell’s cycling connections.

Discover more destinations: Sauk Centre, Albany, Waite Park, Paynesville, Saint Augusta

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