Recreational Possibilities
Being a small rural community in no way limits the recreational possibilities for residents of Stephen. The city recreation department maintains an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and outdoor skating rink, and a softball and baseball diamond.
In cooperation with the school district, our summer youth recreation provides instruction and competition with such activities as swimming, T-Ball, softball, baseball, and golf.
Whether you're an avid outdoor sportsman, a golf fan, or just someone who likes to get his feet wet, recreational fun is only minutes from your doorstep.
Swimming enthusiasts can refresh themselves during those hot summer months in our state-of-the-art outdoor swimming pool -- There's something for everyone ranging from open swimming, lessons, aquatic exercise classes, or special events throughout the year.
Riverside Golf Club features nine holes of challenging golf for every member of the family. The grass greens are immaculately maintained and contribute to the fun and challenge of the sport.
Curling, tennis, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting are other recreational opportunities.
Golf
Riverside Golf Course, a U.S.G.A. certified nine-hole municipal golf course, is located at the west end of town. A member of the Minnesota Golf Association, the course is a par 35 with a length of 2,755 total yards.
Complete league competition is scheduled for men and women during the summer months. In addition, the youth are encouraged to participate in conjunction with the summer recreational program and the "no fee" policy for local children throughout the entire golf season.
Riverside Golf Course is open for play from late April through early November and features a newly expanded Pro Shop for its members and guests. Name brand and custom made equipment are sold as well as a full line of golf accessories.
Parks
The City of Stephen has attractive community parks that serve its residents. They include the Railroad Park and the Riverside Park. The parks serve as a site for outdoor activities such as basketball, tennis, picnics, organization and family gatherings . . . the list goes on.
There is also a Lions Club maintained rest stop for travelers located south of town on Highway #75.
The local athletic field serves as the site for baseball, softball and T-Ball games and instruction during the summer youth program.
Swimming
The Stephen Municipal Swimming Pool and bath facility, just completed in the fall of 1997, is fully operational with its first year of use being the spring and summer of 1998. The 82.5 ft. x 45 ft. pool has water depths ranging from 3 - 10 feet complete with a diving board at the deep end. A bath facility and toddler's wading pool complete the facility.
Organized swimming lessons are offered to area children - beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Open swimming is scheduled throughout the week as well as special swimming classes such as water exercise classes, basic and emergency water safety courses, etc. Special events such as "Inflatable Toy Night", "Adult Swimming"' etc. is also a part of the scheduling.
As a culmination to the swimming season for all the children, a "Pop and Watermelon" day is scheduled with water games being held and prizes for the winners.
Fee Schedule
Family Membership.....................................$80.00
Single Membership......................................$40.00
Swimming Lessons......................................$15.00
Younger Beginner Lessons..........................$ 6.50
Water Exercise Class.....................Session $ 1.00
Water Exercise Class......................Season $20.00
All Day (includes night) Swimming..............$ 2.00
Night Time Swimming................................$ 1.00
Adult League Opportunities
Softball......Curling.......Bowling.......Pool........Golf
If league action (summer or winter) is your interest, opportunities in a variety of sports are available. Information for sign up is published in the local newspaper.
Summer Youth Recreation
The Summer Youth Recreation Program offers the following opportunities:
Boys' Midget Baseball..........................Grades 7-8-9
Boys' PeeWee Baseball...........................Grades 5-6
Boys' Small Fry.......................................Grades 3-4
Girls' Softball...........................................Grades 3-9
Mixed Tee Ball.......................................Grades K-2
Mixed Tenny Ball........................................Ages 3-5
Boys and Girls are also involved in other organized activities such as flag football and golf instruction.
The two-week golf program is divided into four age groups for boys and girls: 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. The program includes individual and group instruction on the basics of sport as well as golf etiquette. The two weeks culminate with a junior golf tournament. Prizes are awarded for the champion and runner-up in each age group.
Junior Golf League
Six towns participate in a Junior Golf League for boys and girls with a specific schedule and tee times. Participating towns include Karlstad, Lancaster, Drayton, Stephen, Hallock and Pembina. the three age groups (Boys and Girls) are: 10-11, 12-14, and 15-17. The junior golfers compete for prizes and medals in each scheduled event.
Marshall County Snowtravelers
The newly organized snowmobile club known as the "Marshall County Snowtravelers" has completed its first year of operation. Miles of trails are groomed and maintained by its members. New trails are being planned for future enjoyment.
State and County Parks
Old Mill State Park and Lake Bronson State Park are within a short driving distance from Stephen. Hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and interpretive trails are all part of the outdoor activities enjoyed by its visitors. Winter sports include skiing, sledding, skating and snowmobiling.
Marshall County Park is located 9 miles east of Stephen on the Florian Lake which offers fishing, picnic and camping facilities, paddle boat rental, recreational activities including basketball and volleyball, and acres of area for the walking enthusiasts.