Riverwood Park
Rate this placeNearby: Dakota Hills Park Spiral Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Riverwood Park is a nature preserve located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, bird watchers, and photographers. The park features several trails that wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands, providing visitors with opportunities to observe deer, beavers, birds, and other animals in their natural habitats. One of the most popular trails is the North Country Trail, which runs through the park and connects to other trails in the area.
In addition to its natural beauty, Riverwood Park also offers several points of interest for visitors. One of the most notable is the historic Phelps Mill, a restored flour mill from the early 1900s that is now a museum and cultural center. Other attractions include the river overlook, the wildlife viewing platform, and the picnic areas.
Interesting facts about Riverwood Park include its designation as a National Recreation Trail and its inclusion in the North Country Trail, which spans over 4,600 miles across seven states. The park also has a rich history, having been used by Native American tribes for centuries and later by European settlers for farming and logging.
The best time of year to visit Riverwood Park depends on personal preferences and interests. Spring and summer are popular for hiking and wildlife viewing, while fall offers stunning foliage and bird migrations. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. However, visitors should be aware that some trails may be closed during certain seasons due to weather or maintenance.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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