From freshwater relief to splash pads, the best way to beat the summer heat is with a refreshing cool down in some kind of water. Greater St. Cloud has many beaches, splash pads, and even quarries to take a dip in this summer. All you need is sunscreen, towels, and a floatie – the fun is up to you!
Freshwater Fun
Take advantage of Minnesota’s greatest asset and visit these beautiful beaches around Greater St. Cloud.
Middle Spunk Lake – 426 Stratford St. West, Avon, MN 56310
Located right off of the Wobegon Trail in Avon, MN, Middle Spunk public beach is a family-friendly beach with sandy and grassy areas, picnic tables, and restrooms, and it is only about 25 minutes out of St. Cloud.
Thein Lake – Co Rd 71 & 222nd St, Richmond, MN 56368
Located in the Richmond Lions Community Park on Thein Lake, this beach has many amenities including an adjoining playground area, a shelter for rental, and access to a sand volleyball court.
Cedar Lake – 1736 Abaca Road, Burtrum, MN 56318
Located a little further away (39 miles from St. Cloud) in the Cedar Lake Memorial Campground, this long stretch of beach perfect for youngsters, because water depth is generally lower even as you walk out farther. Day passes are $5 per vehicle.
Schroeder Park – 9201 Ireland Ave NW, Annandale, MN 55302
Schroeder Park in Annandale, located 22 miles southeast of St. Cloud, has fishing, hiking, picnic areas and swimming, plus a volleyball court, restrooms and showers.
Warner Lake – 1485 County Road 143, Clearwater, MN 55320
Warner Lake County Park spans 264 acres, 30 of which are along beautiful Warner Lake in Clearwater. A 20 minute drive from St. Cloud, this park has hiking trails, a picnic area, play areas, a fishing pier, restrooms, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and of course, a swimming beach!
Big Lake Lakeside Park – 101 Lakeshore Drive, Big Lake, MN
Just 30 minutes from St. cloud, Big Lake Lakeside Park has playgrounds, fishing piers, picnic areas, walking paths, and even a skate park, not to mention a beautiful sandy beach! Day passes are $5 per vehicle.
Splash Pads
Quickly becoming the most popular (and fun!) way to keep cool, check out these area splash pads with the kids for a good time.
Lake George/Eastman Park – 1101 7th St S, St. Cloud
Located at Lake George, you can also go for a stroll around the lake and play on the playground equipment.
Riverside Park – 1725 Kilian Blvd, St. Cloud
Package this splash pad up with a day of frisbee golf and a stroll at Munsinger Clemens Gardens.
Westwood Park – 720 Driftwood Dr., St. Cloud
Once you’re done splashing to your heart’s content, make a trip to Mr. Twisty’s for yet another wonderful cooling-down treat.
River’s Edge Park – 1300 Great Oak Dr. Waite Park
This park is packed with amenities too, like an outdoor gym, sports fields, playground equipment and more.
Autumn Ridge Park – 2270 Park View Ln NE, Sauk Rapids
Beat the heat and have some fun at Autumn Ridge Park, with splash pad and a playground – plus a shelter for picnics.
Lions Park – 95 River Ave. N., Sauk Rapisd
This brand new splash pad is adjacent to the all new playground at Lions Park, and is perfect during Rock the Riverside concerts on Thursday nights.
Watab Park – 7 Riverside Ave N, Sartell
Come out and enjoy the splash pad, restrooms, play structures, swings, swinging benches, picnic tables, a softball field, grills, a volleyball court, and trails.
Other Options
Looking for a unique way to stay cool? Try swimming in a Quarry, tubing down a river, or splashing each other with boats!
Quarry Park & Nature Preserve – 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park
Dive into a different kind of fresh water swimming fun at Quarry Park, located right outside St. Cloud. This 683 acre park is home to twenty different retired granite quarries, including quarry #2, which is 116 feet deep and perfect for jumping into, and Quarry #11, which has a sandy beach that is good for kids. You can also go hiking, biking, rock climbing, and even snorkling! Please use caution as there is no lifeguard on duty, at your own risk. Entry fee per vehicle.
Two Rivers Campground and Tubing – 5116 145th St. NW, Royalton
Splash into a new kind of water fun on the water in Royalton. Take the shuttle from the campground up the road, then flow down the banks of the Platte River on a rubber inner tube. Tube rental is $12 and includes the shuttle fee. For those who prefer to stay on the dryer side, canoes and kayaks are also available for rental.
Summerland Family Fun Park – 1050 28th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids
Plan for a whole day of family fun at Summerland, where you can cool off on the water slide and make some waves in the bumper boats. Plus, enjoy mini golf, go karts, batting cages, and more. Bring your friends, bring your family, and have some fun!