Things To Do
in Sartell
Sartell is a small, family-oriented city on the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota, just south of St. Cloud. It blends suburban neighborhoods, riverfront parks and light industry with easy access to regional cultural and outdoor attractions. The community is known for its parks, river trails and quiet residential streets, making it a practical base for exploring central Minnesota. Visitors often combine a short stay in Sartell with day trips into St.
Cloud and nearby state parks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the banks of the Mississippi River, where the fresh air and scenic views will invigorate your spirit. Stop by a local café for breakfast, indulging in homemade pastries and robust coffee. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of the river as you observe the wildlife that calls this area home.
Spend your afternoon visiting local art galleries and boutiques along the riverfront. Engage with local artists and artisans, perhaps finding a unique piece to take home as a reminder of your trip. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the charming eateries, savoring the flavors of local cuisine.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the river. Attend a live music event at one of the nearby venues, where you can enjoy the talents of local musicians. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant, watching the river glow in the evening light.
Gear up for an adventure in the great outdoors with an early morning hike through Sauk River State Park. The trails offer stunning views and the chance to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the park's scenic overlooks.
After your morning hike, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the park's various trails and discovering hidden gems like streams and meadows. Rejuvenate with a packed lunch while surrounded by nature, and don’t forget to take plenty of photos! The serenity of the park is perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Return to Sartell in the evening and treat yourself to a hearty meal at a local diner. Share stories of your day's adventures with fellow travelers or new friends you meet. Top off the evening by taking a scenic drive to enjoy the sunset views across the horizon.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / single ride | $1.50-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, family-friendly community with good river access
- Close to St. Cloud for expanded dining, shopping and cultural options
- Lots of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round
- Lower costs and less congestion than larger metropolitan areas
- Limited nightlife and fine dining directly in Sartell
- Cold winters can limit outdoor activities and travel
- Public transit options are limited compared with larger cities
Places to Visit in Sartell
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside paths, bridges and open views of the Mississippi make this a great spot for sunrise/sunset and seasonal river shots.
Nearby formal gardens and river viewpoints offer colorful flower beds, sculptural elements and excellent framing for portrait and landscape photography.
Various pull-offs and park overlooks along the river provide wide vistas, wildlife sightings and reflections in calm water.
Trails that follow the Sauk and Mississippi River corridors have wooden bridges, tree tunnels and seasonal foliage ideal for atmospheric nature shots.
Food in Sartell
Sartell Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty combinations such as roasted meats, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy—findable at diners and family restaurants throughout Sartell and nearby St. Cloud.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish like walleye show up on local menus in the region—look for it grilled, pan-fried or as a sandwich at pubs and riverfront eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small, seasonal farmers markets and stands operate in summer and early fall, offering local produce, baked goods and preserves; larger markets in nearby St. Cloud provide more variety.
During festivals and weekend events you’ll find food trucks and community pop-ups near parks and event spaces serving burgers, tacos, barbecue and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally polite, reserved and helpful—use please and thank you, and expect friendly but modest interactions.
Maintain moderate personal space, avoid loud or intrusive behavior in public and wait your turn in lines.
Follow posted rules in parks, remove trash, keep dogs leashed where required, and respect private property along trails.
Safety
Tipping in Sartell
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for satisfactory service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on the tab. Taxi and ride-share drivers often receive small tips; hotel porters and housekeeping can be tipped a few dollars. Tipping for small counter-service purchases is optional.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases or seasonal markets. ATMs are available in town and nearby St. Cloud.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures with thawing rivers and budding trees. Muddy trails and occasional late snow are possible; bring layers and waterproof footwear.
Warm, sometimes humid weather with long daylight hours—excellent for boating, fishing, biking and outdoor events. Expect mosquitoes near water; sunscreen and insect repellent recommended.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make this a prime season for hikes and photography; temperatures can swing day-to-night, so dress in layers.
Cold, snowy and icy conditions are typical; winter sports like snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular. Be prepared for sub-freezing temperatures and limited daylight.
Sartell at Night
Hiking in Sartell
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A regional preserve with trails through limestone quarries, varied terrain and scenic overlooks—good for hiking and photography.
Multi-use trails and river corridor paths provide easy hikes, birdwatching and flat stretches suitable for families and casual walkers.
Within an hour’s drive are several state and county parks offering longer hikes, wetlands and woodland trails for day trips (seasonal access and conditions vary).
Airports
How to reach Sartell by plane.
A small regional airport serving general aviation and limited commercial service; it's closest to Sartell and convenient for regional connections (ground transport via car or shuttle).
The primary international airport for the region, about 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive south depending on traffic—offers extensive domestic and international flights and major rental-car and ground-transport options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of Sartell’s population consists of families with children in suburban neighborhoods and school districts.
Many residents work in light industry, manufacturing, healthcare and services in Sartell and the greater St. Cloud area.
There are established older-adult communities and retirees who appreciate the quieter pace and access to regional healthcare.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a major winter sport at youth, high school and amateur levels across central Minnesota; local rinks host games and leagues.
Fishing for walleye and other freshwater species is popular on the Mississippi and nearby lakes, with boating in summer months.
High school athletics draw strong community support and are important social events in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sartell.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are available but limited compared with larger cities; many diners will adapt dishes (salads, omelettes, veggie burgers) and St. Cloud offers more vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
Options exist but are patchy in small-town Sartell—call ahead to restaurants. Grocery stores carry gluten-free basics and specialty items; St. Cloud has more dedicated vegan/gluten-free eateries.