In the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” some of the most popular bodies of water were dry just a couple generations ago. It’s only since the 1950s that the old granite mines at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve have filled with rain and groundwater, creating some of Minnesota’s best swimming holes.
These days, the distinctive destination in Greater St. Cloud attracts more than 150,000 annual visitors, and many of them love to wade right into the scenic pools – or jump in from the cliffs above! You can fish and scuba dive in some of the parks quarries, too.
As you plan a getaway this summer, keep Minnesota’s “Granite City” in mind. Here’s a closer look at Quarry Park and four more bucket-list attractions in Greater St. Cloud:
Munsinger Clemens Gardens in Greater St. Cloud
It was in the midst of the Great Depression back in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built flower beds and winding brick pathways along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud. Today, those 14 acres of beds along the east bank – plus 7 more acres added in the 1990s – make up Munsinger Clemens Gardens, named by USA Today as one of the country’s Top 10 Botanical Gardens.
Guarded by towering pines planted a century ago, the gardens offer a truly sublime experience and are open daily spring through fall. Adding to the colorful vibe, there’s an enclosure of peacocks showing off their dazzling plumes! Visitors can also taste many colors of delicious treats at Jupiter Moon Ice Cream right on site.
Mississippi River Fishing in Greater St. Cloud
The Mighty Mississippi flows for more than 650 miles through Minnesota. That’s more than 25% of the river’s total length. And out of all that water, the best Mississippi River fishing is in Greater St. Cloud. In fact, the stretch of river flowing into St. Cloud from the north is the top smallmouth bass fishery in the state!
You can fish right off the bank on the pier in St. Cloud below the 10th Street Dam or cast a line on the water in a kayak from Clear Waters Outfitting. They can hook you up with the equipment that you need.
Several other inland lakes in Greater St. Cloud also are prime spots including the deep waters of Lake Watab (northern pike, walleye, trout), The Horseshoe Chain (catfish, muskies) and Lake George (crappies, bluegill, largemouth bass). Stocked with rainbow trout, many of the former granite pits at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve are good fishing holes, too.
Paddling the Beaver Islands in Greater St. Cloud
Right on the Mississippi River on the south side of downtown St. Cloud are the Beaver Islands. There are more than 20 uninhabited islets perfect for a paddling excursion. Pop into Clear Waters Outfitting to rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard and explore the adventurous riverscape.
You can also get a landlubber’s perspective of the river on the Beaver Islands Trail. Five miles of paved pathway follow the water and connect to the St. Cloud Riverwalk where you can find the famed “picture frame” work of art and take a selfie.
After you hike or paddle, be sure to stop by Beaver Island Brewing Co. for flavorful craft beers brewed with Mississippi River water.
Check Out This Outdoor Adventure Itinerary In Greater St. Cloud
Lake Wobegon Regional Trail in Greater St. Cloud
For biking, one of the top spots in Greater St. Cloud is the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail, named after author Garrison Keillor’s famous fictional paradise “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above-average.” You’ll find that this 60-mile asphalt path between Waite Park and Osakis is where all the tailwinds are strong, all the views are good-looking and every ride is above average!
Sights to see along the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail include a two-story lookout tower, Keillor’s birthplace and the longest covered bridge in Minnesota.
For a shorter 5-mile route right along the Mississippi River, the Beaver Islands Trail in downtown St. Cloud is ideal. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve has many miles of biking trails, too, with paths that run through woods and prairie, beside quarries and on a floating bridge over wetlands.
An e-bike is a great option for any of these places, with bike rentals available from Greater St. Cloud outfitters.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in St. Cloud
Cliff jumping is a high point of summer for many visitors at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in the heart of Granite Country USA. The rock walls around Quarry No. 2 (also known as Melrose Deep 7) are as high as 50 feet above the water, while jumpers brave shorter cliffs around Quarry No. 11, where there’s a nice, sandy beach.
With depths exceeding 100 feet in some cases, the quarries cater to underwater recreation, too. There are three designated areas at Quarry Park for scuba diving, with fascinating things to see such as old mining equipment, rock piles and lots of fish. Be sure to get the required permit from the park. It’s free.
With all the rock walls, rock climbing at Quarry Park is another popular activity. There’s a designated climbing wall at Quarry No. 17 and a bouldering area near Quarry No. 20. A free permit is required for rock climbing as well.
More Seasonal Hot Spots To Discover
- Celebrate Spring In Greater St. Cloud
- Outdoor Fall Bucket List In Greater St. Cloud
- Check Out Top Winter Experiences In Greater St. Cloud
We hope to see you in Greater St. Cloud soon!
