Recreation- by Activity

Bald Eagle Sightings

If you are lucky you can catch sight of Bald Eagles nesting throughout Watonwan County. They are easier to spot from late fall to early spring when there are no leaves on the trees.

Veteran’s Field

Intersection of 7th Ave S. and 3rd St S.
Owned by St. James Youth Baseball Association
507-236-2569 Kevin Jones, Association
Visit them on Facebook

Take me out to the ball game! Enjoy watching these teams from the new grandstand at Veteran’s Field- Express Baseball, St. James A’s Amateur Baseball Team, St. James Saints Baseball Team, Legion Post #33, and VFW Post 1912. Take it all in from the first base viewing deck, or from the stadium-style grandstand. Try a pork chop on a stick or a Dairy Queen treat from the concession stand. For a schedule of events visit the website above.

• 1st Base Viewing Deck
• Stadium seating
• Grandstand
• Handicapped Accessible
• Concession Stand- Try a pork chop on a stick or a Dairy Queen treat!
• Restrooms
• Electronic Score Board
• Sound System
• Batting Cage
• Check the website for schedule of games to watch!

St. James High School

1001 10th Ave N
507-375-5602

There are two baseball fields with bleachers and backstop at the High School. The South field is regulation size with no outfield fence. The North field is youth size with no outfield fence.

• Open to the public if not in use by the school
• Parking
• Bleachers

Photo: Southside Park Complex

Come shoot some hoops and play a game of basketball with friends at one of our great outdoor basketball court locations.

Southside Park Complex

City of St. James
910 4th Ave S
507-375-3241
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9

• Two baskets
• Paved

St. James High School

1001 10th Ave N
507-375-5602

• Four Baskets
• Paved
• Open to the public if not in use by School

Armstrong School

600 Armstrong Blvd. S
507-375-3321

• One Basket
• Paved
• Open to the public if not in use by School

Photo: St. James Area Bike Trail

St. James Area Bike Trail and WatLine Trail

St. James offers four miles of paved trail around beautiful St. James Lake. All season long take in the picturesque views of the lake, and enjoy being surrounded by nature and wildlife. You can use the trail to test your exercise endurance while enjoying the scenery, and even stop for an extra workout at the exercise station along the way. At the connection of St. James Area Bike Trail and the WatLine Trail, there is a gazebo that offers shade, picnic tables, benches, adult monkey bars, and parallel bars. WatLine Trail extends south for five miles along Highway 4, and end at Long Lake Park. The paved trails in St. James are a great activity for all ages, with trail users enjoying the safety and location that they offer.

Expert tip: A good starting point for your adventure is at Memorial Park on Levee Boulevard, where there is ample parking, picnic tables, and other outdoor activities.

Click here for a recreation map of the trails and Memorial Park.

• Restrooms
• Exercise Station
• Gazebos
• Picture perfect views
• Click here for a flora and fauna identification brochure

Hammond Highway Designated Trail

For the biking enthusiast the Hammond Highway offers a great destination ride with scenic views. This wide-shouldered highway extends for 11 miles from St. James to Madelia.

See the Watonwan County Trail System map below for this, and other bike routes in Watonwan County.

• Watonwan County Bike Trails Map

Photo: Tiell Park Campground on St. James Lake

Tiell Park Campground

City of St. James
205 Tiell Drive
507-375-3241
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=115

Nestled between St. James Lake and the Outdoor Pool with beautiful surroundings, Tiell Campground is a campers dream. Enjoy the lakeside view from one of the 21 RV camping sites. If you don’t have a camper, no problem! There are two tent sites available for your use. The campground is in walking distance to our historical Railroad themed museums and is located on the paved 4 mile St. James Area Bike Trail.

• 2 tent spaces
• 21 camper spaces
• Electrical, sewer and water hook up
• Boat access
• Bath house
• Shelter
• Playground
• Free Wi-Fi
• Private concrete pad
• Fire ring
• On St. James Area Bike Trail
• Located near Memorial Park with many recreation activities
• Located near St. James Outdoor Pool
• New in 2017! Kayaks and paddle boards for rent!

Sands Country Cove Campground

39312 680th Avenue
Butterfield, MN 56120
9 miles from Downtown St. James
507-380-2093 or 507-380-2094
www.Gocampin.net/sandscountrycove

Sands Country Cove Campground-come for the relaxation and peaceful sunsets and sunrises. Enjoy this twelve acre campground with views of beautiful Kansas Lake. Stroll down the walking path to the dock and drop a line or take in the scenic surroundings.

• 1 Cabin (sleeps 4)
• 38 camper sites
• Each site has fire ring and picnic table
• Bath house
• Rustic hiking
• 2 fishing docks
• Convenience store
• Free Wi-Fi
• Paddle boats, kayaks and canoes
• Yard games
• Playgrounds

Eagle Nest Park

507-375-3393

Eagle’s Nest Park is an 80 acre park located approximately 6 miles East of St. James, just North of State Highway 60. The park lies along the South fork of the Watonwan River, in one of the most wooded and scenic areas within Watonwan County. Adjacent to the park is the 18-hole golf course which is open to the public.

• 1.25 miles of hiking trails
• Picnic shelter
• Charcoal grills
• Four electrical service camping sites
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms with showers
• Horseback Riding

Directions: Take State Highway 60 to Watonwan County Road 118 (which is approx. 9 miles west of Madelia or 6 miles east of St. James), proceed north on County Road 118 approximately 1 mile to park entrance (on left). There is brown signage for “Eagle’s Nest Park” on Highway 60.

Voss Park

507-956-2501
63583 360th Street
Butterfield, MN 56120
www.butterfieldmn.com

(Located 10 miles from Downtown St. James)

• 120 camper sites
• Playground
• Shelters
• Bath house
• On Butterfield Lake Trail
• 2 fishing docks
• Boat access

Cross Country Skiing

507-375-3393

For the cross country skiing enthusiast, the best option is Eagle’s Nest Park with its scenic trails that wind through the forest. Enjoy 5 miles of trails at this 80 acre park just 5 minutes from St. James.

Directions: Take State Highway 60 to Watonwan County Road 118 (which is approx. 9 miles west of Madelia or 6 miles east of St. James), proceed north on County Road 118 approximately 1 mile to park entrance (on left). There is brown signage for “Eagle’s Nest Park” on Highway 60.

High School Football Field

On 1st Street South
Between 7th Ave S and 10th Ave S
507-375-5602

• Regulation size football field
• Lights
• Restrooms
• Concessions
• Electronic Scoreboard
• Bleachers on both sides
• High School Track surrounds the field, which is open to the public if not in use by the school.

Photo: St. James Area Bike Trail

Eagle’s Nest Park

507-375-3393

If it’s fresh air and exploring you seek, head just east of St. James for some hiking or trail riding. Eagle’s Nest Park is 80 acres, with multi-use trails that wind through the most beautiful, deep-forested area within Watonwan County. The park lies along the south fork of the Watonwan River.

• 1.25 miles of hiking trails
• Picnic shelter
• Charcoal grills
• Four electrical service camping sites
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms with showers
• Horseback Riding

Directions: Take State Highway 60 to Watonwan County Road 118 (which is approx. 9 miles west of Madelia or 6 miles east of St. James), proceed north on County Road 118 approximately 1 mile to park entrance (on left). There is brown signage for “Eagle’s Nest Park” on Highway 60.

St. James Area Trail & WatLine Trail

St. James offers four miles of paved trail around beautiful St. James Lake. All season long take in the picturesque views of the lake and enjoy being surrounded by nature and wildlife. You can use the trail to test your exercise endurance while enjoying the scenery, and even stop for an extra workout at the exercise station along the way. At the connection of St. James Area Bike Trail and the WatLine Trail, there is a gazebo that offers shade, picnic tables, benches, adult monkey bars, and parallel bars. WatLine Trail extends south for five miles along Highway 4, and end at Long Lake Park. The paved trails in St. James are a great activity for all ages, with trail users enjoying the safety and location that they offer.
Expert tip: A good starting point for your adventure is at Memorial Park on Levee Boulevard, where there is ample parking, picnic tables, and other outdoor activities.

Click here for a recreation map of the trails and Memorial Park.

• Restrooms
• Exercise Station
• Gazebos
• Picture perfect views
• Click here for a flora and fauna identification brochure

St. James School District Track

900 2nd Street South
507-375-5602

• Full Seven lane rubberized track
• Eight sprinting lanes
• Open to public if not in use by the School

St. James High School Hall-Walking

1001 10th Ave N
507-375-5602

• 1st and 2nd Floor Hall-Walking on the East side of the building
• Available before and after school

Levee Blvd.
507-375-3241 (City Hall)
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9 

Play a fun game of horseshoes at any of the four lit horseshoe courts. These courts are open to the public and are located in Memorial Park between the north shelter and the skate park.

• Four courts
• Open to the public
• Lighted for evening use
• Bring your own horseshoes

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter season, and there are plenty of options around St. James. Cut a hole and drop a line at any of the following lakes in the St. James area: St. James Lake, Long Lake, Lake Hanska, Wood Lake, or Kansas Lake.

Southside Complex

910 4th Ave S
507-375-3241
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9

Skate for fun or compete in a friendly game of hockey at our outdoor ice rink at Southside Complex. If you get cold, head into the cozy warming house which is conveniently located right on site.

• Outdoor ice rink
• Open to the public
• Restrooms
• Warming House

Photo: Sertoma Playground

Toddler Town

500 3rd Ave S
507-375-4517

This park is a toddler’s dream! Bring your tots to Toddler’s Town for a fun day of outdoor play. This specialty playground offers a safe and family-friendly environment for children ages 0-5. In addition to a performance stage, slides, and climbing equipment, a mock city-street experience allows toddlers to ride their tricycles around and their imaginations will run wild.

City Park Playgrounds

507-375-3241
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=9

Photo: North Shelter in Memorial Park

City of St. James

507-375-3241
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=214

The City of St. James has multiple shelters for rent. Visit their website or call City Hall for more information.
For other event space options, click here.

Photo: Memorial Park Skateboard Park

Memorial Park

Levee Blvd.
507-375-3241 (City Hall)
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9 

Test your skating skills at the outdoor skate park located in Memorial Park. This park is equipped with 1/2 pipe, 1/4 pipe, and a grind rail.

• ½ Pipe
• ¼ Pipe
• Grind Rail
• Ledge
• Suitable to all levels of rollerblading and skateboarding
• Fenced-in area
• Open to the public

Snowmobiling

If horsepower is more your style, check out the 217 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Watonwan County.  The trail is called the Riverside Trail – DNR Trail # 217.

https://dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html

Northside Elementary School

1273 10th Ave N
507-375-3325

• Regulation soccer field
• Parking
• Open to the public if not in use by the school

Photo: Watonwan County Fairgrounds

Watonwan County Fairgrounds

53 11th Street S
St. James Youth Softball Association
PO Box 8, Odin, MN 56160
Andy Swanson 507-236-4628

Two regulation size softball fields

• New bleachers
• Concessions
• Restrooms
• Parking
• Safe play-zone for children with sand boxes, etc.
• Player dugouts
• 8 foot fence around infields
• 25 foot Backstop

St. James High School

10th Ave N
507-375-5602

There is a full softball-size field with backstop and bleachers at the St. James High School.

• Parking
• Backstop
• Bleachers

Northside Elementary School

1273 10th Ave N
507-375-3325

There is one youth softball field at Northside Elementary School.

• Bleachers
• Parking

Photo: Super 8 Indoor Pool

If you and your family like to swim then St. James is the place to be. Pick from any of these great swimming locations. The Super 8 located on Heckman Court features a heated indoor pool and spa open daily. The City of St. James outdoor pool is located on Tiell Drive featuring a large pool, diving board, 150 ft water slide, and toddler splash pool. St. James High School’s large pool is a great place to swim laps or participate in organized aerobic exercise. There are two public beaches just a short drive from St. James, where you, your friends, and your family can get your toes in the sand and soak up the sun. Just South of St. James is Long Lake Wayside Park, with an easy-to-access beach on a pristine lake. North of St. James is a hidden gem. Cottonwood Trees frame the paved walking path that leads you down to Hanska Lake beach, providing a secluded retreat.

City of St. James Outdoor Pool

111 Tiell Drive (Pool Address)
507-375-3241 (City Hall)
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=114

This seasonal outdoor pool is opens in June and closes end of August. Check the City’s website for current rates and hours of operation. This facility is equipped with a waterslide, diving boards, and a splash pool. The pool can be reserved for parties as well. Lifeguard on duty.

• Shaded lounging areas
• 150 foot Waterslide
• Splash pool for toddlers
• Diving boards
• Lifeguard on Duty
• Locker rooms
• Concessions
• Kayak/Paddle Board/Canoe rental for St. James Lake

Super 8 Pool and Spa

1210 Heckman Court
St. James, MN 56081
507-375-4708
Super 8 Overview

This heated indoor pool and spa facility is open 7:00am to 10:00pm daily. If you are not a guest of the Super 8, you may purchase a punch card for $35.00 that includes 10 punches. Individual pass cost is $5 per person for 2 hours of use.

• ADA Pool Lifts
• Hot Tub
• Five foot deep pool
• Individual shower facilities
• Available for pool party rental

High School Pool

1001 10th Avenue North
507-375-3381
www.stjames.k12.mn.us

This large heated indoor pool is open to the public for lap swimming and water aerobics through Community Education. Call the Community Ed office with questions: 507-375-4517.

• Lap Swimming costs $20 for a 20 punch card. Available Wed/Fri 6:30-7:30am and Monday from 6:15-6:45pm. Pay at the door.
• Water Aerobics class is $40 for a 20 punch card. Available Mon/Wed/Fri 7:00-8:00am and Mon/Wed 5:15-6:15pm. Pay at the door.
• Diving Board
• Locker rooms and shower facilities
• Marked lanes

Long Lake Wayside Park- Swimming Beach

South Long Lake Lane (CR 104) off of Highway 4

Long Lake is located 5 miles south of St. James on Highway 4 on the East side of the road.

• Sand swimming beach
• Restrooms
• NO lifeguard on duty

Lake Hanska- Swimming Beach

Brown County
507-233-6600
https://www.co.brown.mn.us/lake-hanska-park

The entrance to the park is located just off County Road 11 about 1/2 mile North of County Road 6.

• 20 minutes from St. James
• Sand swimming beach
• Restrooms
• NO lifeguard on duty

St. James High School

1001 10th Ave N
507-375-5602

• Eight full size tennis courts with bleachers
• Four of the courts are lighted
• Summer tournament play available
• Open to the public if not in use by the School

Photo: Memorial Park Sand Volleyball Courts

Bump, set, spike! Play some volleyball in St. James. You can play sand volleyball at Memorial Park.

Memorial Park

Levee Blvd.
507-375-3241 (City Hall)
www.ci.stjames.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/9

• Two sand volleyball courts
• Restrooms available
• Located in Memorial Park

Water Sports

City Outdoor Pool
111 Tiell Drive
507-375-3241
http://www.ci.stjames.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=114

Kayaks, Canoes and paddle boards are available to rent at the Outdoor City Pool during pool hours.

St. James lake offers adventure with a splash! No boat? No worries! We have the equipment for you. Rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes or paddle boards and enjoy the scenery the lake has to offer. Equipment rental is available from the outdoor pool during business hours.

St. James Rotary donated two bean bag toss courts which are located next to the Horseshoe Courts.  Bean bags are provided during the summer months for all to enjoy.