Saimaa Central Park is a gateway to the nature of Lake Saimaa conveniently close to the centre of Mikkeli. The stunning park area is full of life. Here visitors can enjoy the idyllic Kenkävero with its restaurants and shops, the beautiful flowerbeds and model gardens of the Mikkelipuisto park and Urpola Nature Centre with its nature trail. In Mikkelipuisto there is also restaurant Greeneri that offers daily changing buffet-lunch.
Mikkelipuisto is a fantastic place to spend an entire summer day. With various outdoor play and picnic areas, campfire sites, and the Kaihu beach and diving tower and there's plenty to do for the entire family. The nearby Kaihu frisbeegolf track offers a change to enjoy the lakeside scenery while playing a game or two.
In Mikkelipuisto visitors can also find Sauna Restaurant Kaihu where one can enjoy an authentic Savonian sauna experience all through the year. If the heat in the sauna gets to be a bit too much, one can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or dive into the clear waters of the lake right next to the restaurant. In winter there is also ice hole swimming available for the most daring guests. Afterwards it's nice to relax in front of a cosy fireplace while enjoying a drink at the restaurant's lounge bar.
From Mikkelipuisto visitors to Saimaa Central Park can head to the Kaihu Nature Trail, which runs along a narrow ridge in the middle of the lake. From the Kaihu trail there is connection to the Urpola Nature Trail, which is a scenic trail alongside the Urpola River. On the trail there is the Urpola Nature centre, which is open during summer. Other sights include an old mill building and a campfire site where it is possible to stop for rest. The campfire site is also an excellent place to enjoy a packed lunch or roast some sausages over an open flame. Firewood for the campfire is available from the Urpola Nature Centre during opening hours. The path is also accessible outside of summer, but travellers wishing to use the campfire spot must bring their own firewood.
Come and enjoy the lovely lake nature in the heart of Mikkeli!