Sartell lies on both banks of the Mississippi River. The river provides a clear geographic reference point, alongside a historic bridge, a road that is part of the Great River Road Scenic Byway, and parks with a range of offerings.
Bridge and road connections
The Old Sartell Bridge, also known as the Sartell Bridge (Bridge 05506), was built in 1914 as a steel Camelback through-truss bridge and connects the eastern and western parts of Sartell. Its year of construction and design give the structure a specific historical connection; its role as a link is another point of reference for finding your way around the city. If you are interested in local history or infrastructure, the bridge offers a tangible connection to Sartell. Riverside Avenue, also known as West River Road, is part of the Great River Road Scenic Byway in Sartell. The two road names refer to the same street; its Byway status adds a route connection to its local name. In a through-truss bridge, the roadway runs between the side trusses, whose connected braces form the supporting framework. “Camelback” refers to a particular type of this truss design. Thus, in addition to its year of construction, the name describes the bridge’s technical type.
Parks: trails, sports, and seasonal offerings
Pinecone Central Park has 1.8 miles of unpaved trails as well as baseball and softball fields. The length and surface are specific features of the trail offering; the fields provide a different focus. Watab Creek Park has hiking trails, while Pinecone Regional Park has a roller-skating rink. For planning purposes, activities can therefore be distinguished by park: unpaved trails or field sports, hiking, and roller skating are each associated with a named park.
The splash pad at Watab Creek Park is open from June through August. If this offering matters to your travel plans, its seasonal opening period is a specific point to consider. Sartell’s Lions Community Park also has an inclusive playground suitable for all children, including children with physical disabilities. For families looking for inclusive play options, the playground provides a separate point of interest alongside the seasonal splash pad.
The Mississippi and a planned cycling connection
The Upper Mississippi is considered a place for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment in Sartell. This connects the river with the area’s scenery and recreational opportunities, while also making it a geographic reference point for the city. For cycling, the status of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is important: it is a planned network of cycling facilities intended to follow the river’s east bank through Sartell. The river and park offerings provide specific topics for trip planning; the MRT should be distinguished from these as planned cycling infrastructure.
Discover more destinations: Waite Park, Sauk Centre, Paynesville, Saint Augusta, Albany
For the overview of the wider area: Stearns County.
