The Bend in the River Regional Park encompasses more than 3,300 feet of undeveloped Mississippi River shoreline and spans 289 acres. It also features four miles of gravel trails, with three Mississippi River overlooks along the riverfront trail. Here, river views and a precisely measured trail distance can be explored together.
Trails and Landscape
Mayhew Creek Park has about 1.1 miles of recreational trails, and part of the park is designated as a nature preserve. Compared with the four miles of gravel trails at the Bend, the trail distance at Mayhew Creek Park is shorter. The surfaces are also described differently: the Bend has gravel trails, while Mayhew Creek Park has recreational trails. The sledding hill at Mayhew Creek Park also offers a view of the surrounding landscape.
The two parks therefore have different features: at the Bend, the riverfront, overlooks and gravel trails shape the experience; Mayhew Creek Park combines recreational trails with a designated nature preserve and the view from the sledding hill. If you would like to compare trail distances, Mayhew Creek Park’s approximately 1.1 miles can be set against the Bend’s four miles.
Buildings and Local History
The Robinson-Stanton House was built in 1873 from locally quarried granite. The Heritage Building at the Benton County Fairgrounds was built in 1916. The dates offer a brief comparison of the two buildings’ ages; the locally quarried material is another specific detail about the Robinson-Stanton House. In Sauk Rapids, the Robinson House is a rare architectural testament to the early development of the quarrying industry in central Minnesota.
The Benton County Historical Society also offers various ways to explore local history. It holds exhibits, educational programs, community gatherings and special presentations throughout the year. If you would like to attend a particular type of event, check the event schedule in advance. Another way to engage with the county’s history is the History Mystery Tour: a historical mystery hunt held every two weeks in Benton County. A mystery location somewhere in the county is revealed on the same schedule.
Nature Watching and Boat Access
St. George Township Park is reserved for nature watching and nature study. Mayhew Lake Park is used for boat access to Mayhew Lake. These details point to different focuses: nature study at St. George Township Park and boat access at Mayhew Lake Park. The names Mayhew Creek Park and Mayhew Lake Park refer to different places with different offerings: recreational trails and a viewpoint at one, and boat access to the lake at the other.
Play, Winter and the Fair
Norway Drive Park has a designated skatepark area in addition to playground equipment. For winter, two ice rinks are listed in Foley: one near Foley Public School and one in Lion’s Park. Lion’s Park also has a sledding hill. Thus, the rink in Lion’s Park is at a location with an additional sledding hill, while the other rink is near Foley Public School.
For fair visitors, the FFA Petting Zoo offers hands-on learning opportunities and interactive experiences involving agriculture and farm animals. This fair-related activity adds a different theme to the parks and historic sites: encounters with agriculture and farm animals during a visit to the fair.
Discover More Destinations
Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, Dakota, Watonwan County, Lake County, Nicollet County, Cass County, Rice County
For the main travel overview: Minnesota.
