Fun in the valley

January 5, 7:59 PMTwin Cities Area Travel ExaminerJordon Whitney

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The rolling hills and valleys created by the mighty Mississippi River over the centuries in St. Cloud, Minnesota, make the area perfect for snow sledding in the winter!  The Mississippi River runs through eastern St. Cloud toward the Twin Cities and eventually forming the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin before heading south to the Gulf of Mexico, and has formed some of the most beautiful landscape scenery in the state.

The Mississippi River is the subject of photographers through each season of the year, whether photos are taken of the river itself or of some of the stunning buildings that line it.  In some areas there are jagged rock faces and cliffs and in others, like near where it begins in Itasca State Park, it is surrounded by thick foliage.  In St. Cloud, Minnesota, however, the years have transformed the area near the river into rolling hills making it the perfect area for winter fun.

Those who know of Riverside Park in southeastern St. Cloud enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and there is are even some rails and jumps set up for snowboarders this year!  Each section is marked and separated so there are no collisions making it safe and fun for everyone.  The sledding hill is perfect.  There are dividers on each side made of pushed snow to keep sledders from drifting off course.  The hill is steep enough to make it fun for older children, and even us adults, but not too steep so it is still safe for the young kids to fly down by themselves.

If you happen to be in the area this winter, don't forget to bring the sled and some warm clothes.  Spend a couple of hours with the family at Riverside Park and enjoy the fresh winter air.  It is the perfect way to bring a weekend in St. Cloud to an end this time of year.  And if you happen to be reading from a place near St. Cloud, but have never heard of this great sledding destination, make a note of it and bring the kids for some awesome sledding action.  And don't forget, there are cross-country skiing trails as well!

Visit the official City of St. Cloud website for more information about the community.

With Valentine's Day coming around the corner, be sure to check back for some romantic getaways to spend with your significant other.