RECREATIONAL TRAILS

Sauk Rapids has 5 main off road recreational trails used for biking, hiking,

rollerblading and cross country skiing.

Ox Cart Trail is the most popular trail the city has, it is a paved trail that travels along the banks of the Mississippi River and through 4 city's parks and is 2.18 miles long. The trail begins at Southside Park and goes though Lions Park heading North along River Ave and into Municipal Park. The trail continues North and goes through Island View Park ending at Fischer’s Trailer Court where the road connects back up with North Benton Drive and leads to Sartell. This trail roughly follows a portion of the historic Red River Oxcart Trail that was used in pioneer days to move supplies and trade goods between St. Paul to Pembina, North Dakota and into Canada. The convoys of wooden 2-wheeled carts pulled by oxen could be heard coming 5 miles away, long before they were seen. The large wheels on the carts held in place with leather hide material, let out a very loud screeching noise that travelled far, some of these convoys were 200 carts long. This means of transportation and historic lively tradition slowly died away as the railroads expanded their lines.

Mayhew Creek Park Trail is the most recently completed trail in the City. It is located in Mayhew Creek Park North of the High School and is 1.1 miles long. There are two loops, one going around the sledding hill and one around the perimeter of the park. These are crushed aggregate at this time but may be paved in the future.

Prairie Lane Trail and Eastern Star Trail are paved trails that can be used jointly by crossing 18^th St N. Prairie Lane trail winds among four storm water-holding ponds and is beautifully landscaped and has benches and appropriate lighting. Across 18^th St N. the Eastern Star Trail is also paved and winds through a complex wetland that is very unique. The trail ends at Eastern Star Park that provides playground equipment and a small picnic shelter. 

Rotary Trail is a crushed aggregate nature trail originally constructed by the Sauk Rapids Rotary Club. The trail meanders through a wooded wetland complex Northwest of Bob Cross Park to Bob Cross Nature Preserve. This trail has boardwalks and observation outlooks and is quite secluded.

Church Hill Heights Trail was constructed in 2001 within the circle development of Church Hill Heights. 

Garden Brook Trail is another inner development trail that borders a wetland.