10 Fun Things To Do Near St. Cloud, Minnesota (Stearns County)
If you’re looking for a laid-back Midwest getaway,
St. Cloud, Minnesota, in
Stearns County, is a great spot to explore. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning on the river, the afternoon in a museum or garden, and the evening at a cozy brewery or local restaurant.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from the Twin Cities or visiting family in central Minnesota, here are
10 things to do in and around St. Cloud that show off the best of this area.
1. Stroll the Gardens at Munsinger & Clemens Gardens
If you only have time for one thing in St. Cloud, make it the
Munsinger and Clemens Gardens along the Mississippi River.
These side-by-side gardens feel like a quiet escape right in the city:
- Munsinger Gardens sits on a hillside with winding brick paths, tall trees, and flower beds.
- Clemens Gardens is more formal, with fountains, roses, and neat, geometric layouts.
On a summer day, you’ll see people:
- Walking their dogs
- Reading on park benches
- Taking family or engagement photos
It’s a beautiful spot for a slow walk, a picnic, or just sitting by the river watching the water drift by. Parking is free, and it’s very family-friendly.
2. Experience the Mississippi at Riverside Park & Beaver Islands Trail
St. Cloud sits right on the
Mississippi River, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is from
Riverside Park and the nearby
Beaver Islands Trail.
At Riverside Park you can:
- Walk or bike along the river
- Let kids burn energy at the playground
- Have a picnic with river views
- Join in on community events and festivals throughout the year
The
Beaver Islands Trail is a paved path that follows the river for several miles. It’s mostly flat, so it’s great for an easy bike ride, stroller walk, or jog. On a cool fall day, when the leaves turn orange and red, this trail feels like a postcard.
If you enjoy the outdoors but don’t want anything too intense, this is a perfect “just right” option.
3. Explore Downtown St. Cloud & the Historic Paramount Center
Downtown St. Cloud has that classic small-city feel: walkable streets, local shops, and a mix of old brick buildings and newer spots.
A few things to check out:
- Paramount Center for the Arts – A restored historic theater that hosts plays, concerts, comedy shows, and more.
- Art galleries and studios – The Paramount also has studios where local artists work and sell their creations.
- Cafés and restaurants – Grab coffee, craft beer, or a burger made with local ingredients.
If you like live performances, look at the
Paramount’s schedule before your trip. You might catch a touring musician, a community theater play, or a classic movie on the big stage.
Even if you’re not into the arts, walking through downtown for an hour or two gives you a good feel for what St. Cloud is about.
4. Get Outside at Quarry Park & Nature Preserve (Waite Park)
Just a short drive west of St. Cloud in
Waite Park, you’ll find one of the most unique places in Stearns County:
Quarry Park & Nature Preserve.
This former granite quarry area is now a public park with:
- Over 600 acres of land
- Miles of hiking and biking trails
- Clear, deep quarry pools for swimming (in season)
- Scenic overlooks and rocky cliffs
On a hot summer day, locals head to the designated swimming quarry, where the water is cool and surprisingly clear. In fall, the views from the overlooks are stunning. In winter, some trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
It’s a great spot if you want a little adventure without driving hours up north.
5. Learn Local History at Stearns History Museum
Curious about how central Minnesota grew into what it is today? Swing by the
Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exhibits on local Native American history
- Stories of the area’s early settlers and farming communities
- Displays about granite quarries, railroads, and small-town life
The museum is not huge, so you don’t need all day. An hour or two is usually enough.
There’s also a small park and walking trails right outside, plus a retired tank kids love to look at. It’s a nice mix of indoor and outdoor time, especially if you’re traveling with family.
6. Visit St. John’s University & Saint John’s Abbey (Collegeville)
About 15–20 minutes west of St. Cloud, near the town of
Collegeville, you’ll find the peaceful campus of
St. John’s University and the
Saint John’s Abbey.
Highlights include:
- Saint John’s Abbey Church – Known for its striking modern architecture and huge concrete bell banner.
- St. John’s Bible display (when available) – Pages from a hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible project.
- Trails and lakes – Walk around campus, hike through the woods, or sit by the water.
The grounds feel calm and reflective, even if you’re not religious. It’s also especially pretty in the fall, with colorful leaves around the lakes and trails.
7. Enjoy the Lakes & Beaches at Warner Lake or Pleasant Lake
You don’t have to drive all the way to the Brainerd Lakes area to enjoy water time.
Stearns County has plenty of lakes close to St. Cloud.
Two popular options:
- Warner Lake County Park (near Clearwater) – Offers a swimming beach, picnic shelters, fishing spots, and wooded trails.
- Pleasant Lake (near Rockville) – Great for boating, fishing, and quiet lake views.
Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and maybe a fishing pole. It’s an easy way to slow down and enjoy a Minnesota summer afternoon without a long drive.
8. Taste Local Flavors at St. Cloud Breweries & Eateries
If you enjoy trying local food and drink, St. Cloud has a growing scene you’ll want to sample.
Look for:
- Local breweries with taprooms – Many serve IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews made right on site.
- Family-friendly restaurants – Expect Midwest comfort food, burgers, pizza, and hearty breakfasts.
- Cafés and bakeries – Grab a fresh pastry or a strong cup of coffee before you hit the road.
Many spots use local ingredients when they can, and some breweries offer live music or trivia nights. It’s a nice way to end the day after exploring the parks and trails.
If you’re traveling with kids, check for places that have outdoor seating and games; quite a few are very family-friendly.
9. Catch a Game or Event at St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud is also a college town, home to
St. Cloud State University (SCSU). That means you’ll often find:
- Hockey games at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center
- College football, basketball, and other sports during the school year
- Campus events, lectures, and performances open to the public
Hockey in particular is a big deal in Minnesota, and SCSU games can have a fun, energetic atmosphere. If you’re visiting in fall or winter, checking the game schedule can add a lively night out to your trip.
10. Road Trip to Charming Nearby Small Towns
One of the best things about using St. Cloud as a base is how close it is to a bunch of small towns and countryside drives in
Stearns County.
Consider short drives to:
- Sauk Centre – Birthplace of author Sinclair Lewis, with a historic Main Street.
- Rockville – Close to lakes and quiet country roads.
- Avon, Albany, and Freeport – Classic small-town Minnesota with local bars, churches, and friendly faces.
These towns are perfect if you like simple pleasures—like grabbing ice cream, wandering a local park, or driving past fields and barns as the sun sets. The distances are short, usually 20–40 minutes from St. Cloud, so they make easy side trips.
Planning Your Trip to St. Cloud, Minnesota
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for gardens, lake time, and outdoor activities. Winter can be beautiful too, but be ready for snow and cold.
- Getting around: A car makes things much easier, especially for visiting nearby parks and small towns.
- Trip length: A weekend is enough to hit the highlights, but 3–4 days gives you time to slow down and really explore.
St. Cloud isn’t a flashy tourist city, and that’s part of its charm. It’s more about simple pleasures—gardens, rivers, local food, and friendly neighborhoods.
What Would You Add to This St. Cloud Bucket List?
Have you been to
St. Cloud, Minnesota or elsewhere in
Stearns County?
- Which parks, restaurants, or hidden spots did you love?
- Did you swim in the quarries, catch a hockey game, or stroll the gardens?
Share your favorite things to do near St. Cloud in the comments—your tips can help other travelers plan their trip.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to central Minnesota. The more we all share our experiences, the easier it gets for others to discover these special corners of the state.
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