There are several exceptional day trip possibilities within 70 miles of Downtown Minneapolis, including St. Cloud, MN, the state's tenth largest city. Whether you're hoping to stroll through one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Midwest or bicycle along the well-maintained Beaver Island Trail, you'll quickly fall in love with St. Cloud's small-town charm and big-city amenities. MINNēSTAY has an extensive collection of luxurious Minneapolis vacation rentals, all of which are a short, one-hour drive from St. Cloud, one of our favorite Central Minnesota day trips.
The Top 4 Things to Do in St. Cloud, Mn
We've compiled four of our favorite things to do in St. Cloud based on personal experience and customer feedback. St. Cloud has blooming breweries, top-notch college hockey, beautiful parks, and a wide range of cuisine, making this fine city one of the best Minnesota day trips from the Twin Cities.
- Munsinger Clemens Gardens – You simply won't find a better free botanical garden in the country. Munsinger is such a unique combination of natural beauty, world-class landscaping, and awe-inspiring botany. Stroll along pristine brick walkways past colorful flowers, skillfully shaped shrubberies, and ancient artworks. Don't forget a trusty camera and perhaps a yummy picnic. Munsinger Clemens alone makes St. Cloud one of our favorite Central Minnesota day trips.
- Quarry Park and Nature Preserve – On the west side of St. Cloud – in a small town called Waite Park – you'll find the area's best summer attraction: Quarry Park. Locals and travelers alike visit Quarry Park to hike, cliff dive, dog walk, swim, and tube. The park's natural beauty is only outdone by its versatility; you could spend an entire day exploring all that this nature preserve has to offer.
- Breweries – Minnesota has quickly evolved into one of the best craft beer states over the last ten years. In 2019, St. Cloud welcomed its second craft brewery: Pantown Brewing Company. This small, honest operation rests in the St. Cloud neighborhood of, you guessed it, Pantown. Thanks to favorable reviews, Pantown has risen to become one of the premier breweries in Central Minnesota. In St. Cloud, you'll also find Beaver Island Brewing Co. If you're looking for a little extra adventure, we highly recommend visiting nearby Bad Habit (St. Joseph) and Third Street Brewhouse (Cold Spring).
- Beaver Island Trail – Cycling enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels cannot deny the peaceful allure of the Beaver Island Trail, a five-mile asphalt bike trail that mostly follows the Mississippi River. This out-and-back bike trail is ideal for youngsters looking for an easy ride as well as skilled cyclists aiming to cool off with a beautiful journey.
Unforgettable Minnesota Day Trips
Because MINNēSTAY has vacation rentals located throughout the Twin Cities, you'll always be minutes away from a potential day trip. Some of the most popular Minnesota day trips include Stillwater, Red Wing, Jordan, Taylors Falls, and, of course, St. Cloud. Pro tip: a summertime trip to the Twin Cities is incomplete without a trip to Target Field, Barrel Theory Beer Company, Lake of the Isles, and Matt's Bar. Start planning your visit to the Twin Cities by giving us a call today at 612-216-5511.