Rex Macbeth River Trail

    Photo by Don Lipps - Rex Macbeth River Trail - North Mankato, MN
    Photo by Don Lipps - Rex Macbeth River Trail - North Mankato, MN
    Rex Macbeth River Trail — Intersection of US 169 and Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato
    507-625-4141 |
    
    Photo by Don Lipps - Rex Macbeth memorial plaque - North Mankato, MN
    Photo by Don Lipps – Rex Macbeth memorial plaque – North Mankato, MN

    The Rex Macbeth River Trail runs along the west side of the Minnesota River from Riverview Park near the intersections of US 169 and Belgrade Avenue in North Mankato in the south and terminates at Kiwanis Park in the North.

    The trail is named for Rex Macbeth, long-time area resident, businessman and old west historian.

    Riverview Park has a large stone monument and two benches in Macbeth’s honor and memory. The benches are inscribed with two of Macbeth’s poems. One of them is entitled, Treasure of Pleasure.

    Treasure of Pleasure

    By Rex Macbeth

    I often set along at night
    and stare out at the street
    and think of my life,
    the joy and the strife
    of victories and defeat.

    I wonder, was there something else
    I should have done with my life?
    Did life hold in store
    something far more
    than family, job and wife?

    I feel the years fast slipping by,
    life’s road could end tomorrow.
    What would I leave, but a few to grieve
    and show their common sorrow?

    Perhaps the secret I have found,
    I’ll gladly share the treasure,
    just try each day,
    in your own way,
    first give, then get, some pleasure.