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10 Fun Road Trips Near St. Cloud, Minnesota (All Outside Stearns County)
If you live in or around St. Cloud, Minnesota and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can find quiet lakes, quirky museums, small-town bakeries, and some seriously peaceful drives. The best part? Every idea in this list is outside Stearns County, in the surrounding counties of Benton, Douglas, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Todd, and Wright. So if you’ve already explored St. Cloud’s usual spots, these little road trips give you a fresh change of scenery.1. Walk the Riverfront and Rail Yards in Sauk Rapids (Benton County)
Just across the Mississippi from St. Cloud, but already in Benton County, Sauk Rapids makes an easy first stop for a quick road trip. Stroll along the riverfront, watch the water move under the bridge, and explore the small-town downtown area. It’s not flashy, and that’s the charm. If you enjoy photography, the bridges and old rail lines offer some surprisingly cool shots.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 5–10 minutes (depending on where you start)
- Perfect for: quick evening drives, river views, casual walks
- Tip: Pair this with a drive through rural Benton County to really feel that “out of town” vibe.
2. Explore Lake Carlos State Park Near Alexandria (Douglas County)
If you’re craving woods, water, and wide-open space, head northwest to Lake Carlos State Park near Alexandria in Douglas County. This park is a classic Minnesota mix of forest, rolling hills, and clean lakes. In summer, you can swim at the sandy beach, rent a canoe or kayak, or hike the easy trails. In fall, the colors along the hills make the entire drive worth it.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 65–75 miles (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Perfect for: day hikes, family picnics, lake swimming
- Don’t forget: bug spray in summer and a light jacket in spring and fall.
3. Spend a Day on Green Lake in Spicer (Kandiyohi County)
Want that “up north at the cabin” feeling without driving four hours? Head to Spicer on Green Lake in Kandiyohi County. Green Lake is a favorite for boating, fishing, and lakeside lounging. In summer, you’ll find families on the beach, pontoons cruising by, and kids running around with ice cream cones. Even in the shoulder seasons, the lakeside views are peaceful.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 55–65 miles (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Perfect for: a full-day lake escape, boating, fishing, swimming
- Idea: Grab snacks in Willmar or Spicer and set up a little lakeside picnic.
4. Step Back in Time in Litchfield (Meeker County)
For a slower-paced day trip, drive south to Litchfield in Meeker County. This is small-town Minnesota at its finest: historic buildings, local shops, and an easy-going main street. You can walk around the downtown area, pop into antique stores, or simply grab a coffee and people-watch. Nearby lakes and country roads make the drive itself part of the fun.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 45–55 miles (around 1 hour)
- Perfect for: relaxed exploring, small-town photos, coffee dates
- Tip: Take the back roads if you have time. The barns and fields tell their own story.
5. Follow the River at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls (Morrison County)
Head north along the Mississippi to Little Falls in Morrison County, where you’ll find Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. The park offers walking trails along the river, tall trees, and that calm, shady-woods feeling that makes you want to slow down. Nearby Little Falls itself has a cute downtown and a few historic sites that are easy to explore on foot.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 30–40 miles (around 40–45 minutes)
- Perfect for: nature walks, short hikes, simple family outings
- Bonus: Combine the park with a stop in downtown Little Falls for lunch.
6. Chase Lake Views in Glenwood on Lake Minnewaska (Pope County)
Drive west toward Pope County and spend a day in Glenwood on the shores of Lake Minnewaska. The town sits on a hill with beautiful views over the water. Take a walk along the lakefront, find a local spot for lunch, and enjoy the slower pace. On a still day, the reflections on the lake are stunning, especially around sunset.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 60–70 miles (around 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Perfect for: laid-back dates, scenic drives, sunset photos
- Tip: Arrive mid-afternoon and plan to stay through sunset if the sky is clear.
7. Hit the Trails at Sand Dunes State Forest Near Zimmerman (Sherburne County)
Looking for something a little different? Head southeast into Sherburne County and explore the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge area and Sand Dunes State Forest near Zimmerman. This region has a mix of pine forests, sandy soil, and winding backroads. You’ll find hiking and riding trails, plus plenty of places to simply park, walk, and listen to the wind in the trees.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 25–40 miles (30–45 minutes)
- Perfect for: hiking, trail running, quiet nature walks
- Remember: cell service can be spotty in some stretches, so screenshot maps before you go.
8. Wander Through Dairy Country Around Long Prairie (Todd County)
Northwest of St. Cloud, Todd County offers a very different kind of road trip. Head toward Long Prairie and enjoy a drive through rolling farm country, dotted with barns, silos, and wide-open fields. In town, you can grab lunch, walk around, and soak up the small-town feel. The real magic, though, is often on the roads leading there—especially early in the morning or near sunset, when the light hits the fields just right.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 40–55 miles (around 1 hour)
- Perfect for: scenic drives, photography, slow-paced Sunday outings
- Idea: Pack a simple picnic and find a quiet roadside stop (where it’s safe and allowed, of course).
9. Shop and Stroll in Buffalo (Wright County)
To the southeast in Wright County, the town of Buffalo sits right on the shore of Buffalo Lake. It’s a fun day trip from St. Cloud if you like small shops, lake views, and a walkable downtown. Browse local boutiques, grab coffee, and check out the lakefront. On certain weekends, the town hosts markets and events that bring even more life to the streets.- Distance from St. Cloud: about 35–45 miles (around 45 minutes)
- Perfect for: shopping days, casual dates, relaxed walks by the water
- Tip: Keep an eye on local event calendars—flea markets and fairs can make this trip even better.
10. Take the Long, Scenic Loop Through Multiple Counties
Can’t decide on just one road trip from St. Cloud? Turn it into a mini loop that touches a few counties in a single day. Here’s one idea you can tweak:- Start in St. Cloud, head north to Little Falls in Morrison County for a river walk.
- Cut west toward Todd County for farm country views near Long Prairie.
- Drop down toward Pope or Douglas County to catch lake views near Glenwood or Alexandria.
- Finish by swinging back toward home through Meeker or Kandiyohi County, passing lakes and fields as the sun sets.
Tips for Easy Road Trips from St. Cloud
To keep your St. Cloud road trips simple and stress-free, a little planning goes a long way:- Check the weather before you go, especially in spring and fall.
- Screenshot directions in case your signal cuts out on back roads.
- Pack a small bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and sunscreen.
- Fill up on gas in St. Cloud where you know prices and stations.
- Stay flexible—if a side road or lake looks interesting, go explore it.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near St. Cloud
Now it’s your turn. Which of these out-of-county day trips from St. Cloud sounds best to you—lake time in Spicer, a quiet hike near Zimmerman, or small-town exploring in Litchfield or Buffalo? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots near St. Cloud:- Have you tried any of these drives?
- Do you have a hidden gem in Benton, Douglas, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Todd, or Wright County?
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