Parks and Trails Along the Mississippi

Lake Maria State Park, Montissippi, the Beaver Islands Trail and St. Cloud's riverside gardens on central Minnesota's Wild and Scenic stretch.

The Mississippi River ties central Minnesota together. Between St. Cloud and Anoka, the Minnesota DNR says the river flows through a broad valley with tall bluffs, and this section was designated a Minnesota Wild and Scenic River in 1973. Whether you paddle, hike, bike or just like a good bench with a view, there is a lot to explore close to home.

Paddling the river

The DNR's Mississippi River State Water Trail map for St. Cloud to Elk River covers river miles 931 to 882, a 49-mile stretch. Highlights include:

The Beaver Islands, where paddlers wind through narrow channels just below St. Cloud. The trip from Beaver Island Access to Clearwater is 12.1 river miles.
Montissippi County Park near Monticello, with trailer access, a fishing pier, picnic facilities, toilets and a watercraft campsite.
Ellison Park in Monticello, with trailer access, picnic facilities, drinking water and toilets.

The DNR notes that the Beaver Islands are a mix of public and private ownership, so plan stops with care.

Lake Maria State Park

Lake Maria State Park, at 11411 Clementa Avenue NW in Monticello, protects one of the few remaining stands of the Big Woods, a maple, oak and basswood forest. Explore Minnesota lists 13 miles of hiking trail, 6 miles of horse trail and 16 miles of cross-country ski trail, plus a boardwalk through a marsh. Campers can choose tent sites, camper cabins, or backpack sites on remote lakes and ponds one to two miles from the trailhead. The park is also home to the Blanding's turtle, which the DNR lists as a threatened species in Minnesota.

Montissippi and Monticello's river parks

The City of Monticello lists Montissippi County Park at 154.3 acres, with biking trails, a paved path, camping and river views. In town, Ellison Park and East and West Bridge Parks sit on the water, and Swan Park offers a viewing area for the trumpeter swans the city is known for.

The Beaver Islands Trail

In St. Cloud, the paved Beaver Islands Trail runs just over 5 miles between St. Cloud State University and River Bluffs Regional Park, and it is open year-round for biking, running and walking. It follows an 1882 rail line and connects to the St. Cloud River Walk downtown.

Munsinger and Clemens Gardens

St. Cloud's riverside gardens pair flowers with river views. Munsinger Gardens sits on the banks of the Mississippi with winding paths and a gazebo for summer concerts. Next door, Clemens Gardens features brick walkways and as many as 1,100 roses. The gardens are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

A short drive east of the river, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge covers 30,700 acres of oak savanna, prairie, forest and wetland. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established it in 1965 to restore the wildlife values of the St. Francis River basin, and the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive first opened in 1981.

How David helps

David Olson is a Realtor | Broker with Tri-County Property Finder, working as a team with Twin Cities Property Finder. He grew up in Monticello, has more than 20 years in the business and 3,127 homes sold, and he is a licensed general contractor and fourth-generation builder. Many buyers want to live near these trails and the river. When you sell, David makes sure your listing tells buyers what is nearby, because a short walk to a park or river access is part of what makes a home here worth it.

Seller-first pricing and preparation advice built on what buyers in this market notice
A builder's eye for repairs worth doing before listing, and those that are not
Help gathering disclosures, well and septic paperwork and permit history early
Straight answers from someone who knows these river towns personally

Call David at 952-314-9446 to talk through your plans.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm details for a specific property with the local office that has authority there.

Thinking about selling your home in Wright, Sherburne or Stearns County?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. David will listen, explain your options and guide you through every step, from pricing to closing. Call or text 952-314-9446.
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