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Southside Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 181 Google reviews · Running trail in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Southside Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Small park along the Mississippi River offering 2 fishing piers & a paved trail with water views.
What runners say about Southside Park
“Clean, with accessible restrooms in good condition.”
“A truly beautiful lookout over Sauk River.”
A great little park on the Mississippi River in Sartell. Paved trails for walking and biking. A canoe and kayak access with some rock fishing piers jutting about 20 feet into the current (when there is no drought 😔). Plus the old bridge buttress with the trail along the shore is awesome.
Great view of the river. I dropped my phone and was running around looking for it. I came across 2 young boys on their bikes who found my phone, they even called my mom to try and track me down. Their parents should be mighty proud, I wish I would have had cash to give them. Faith in humanity restored.
A great sledding hill for younger ages. It also has a bike path along with a covered wagon theme playground for younger and older children. The playground area resides next to the Mississippi River. There is tree coverage closer to the river and limited coverage by the playground.
This park is absolutely gorgeous. I took a walk there yesterday with my dog. We had very easy access to the river banks (river is low so we were able to go out and walk to the edges of it) The scenery is peaceful and vast. Clean walkways. Felt very safe. Bathrooms available. Paved trail.
Trail conditions & character
“There are lots of shade trees, soft grass, and the view is pretty stellar!”
“The river walk is paved smooth and children playing on scooters could sail down the path without any trouble.”
“Nice backdrop with the river behind, public bathrooms, open air venue.”
Plan your run at Southside Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteci.sauk-rapids.mn.us
- Phone+1 320-258-5300
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Sauk Rapids
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lions Park
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Sauk Rapids Municipal Park
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Wilson Park
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Hester Park
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Park featuring a playground and picnic tables, plus areas for walking and sledding.
Sauk River Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 173 reviews
Park with dog-friendly hiking and biking trails, some of which offer views of the Sauk River.