Tourism
With its array of sports and recreation, museums, outdoor spaces and cultural outlets, the St. Cloud area is alive with activities for all ages and interests. Recognized as “Granite Country U.S.A,” the region is a popular tourist destination, causing visitors to return time and time again.
SPORTS & RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITES
Located on the Mississippi and Sauk rivers, visitors and residents are able to enjoy their fill of water sport activities. Public and private groups provide canoe and kayak rental and guided trips, depending on your preference.
Anglers looking for a challenge are pleased to learn that this part of the Mississippi River is recognized as one of the top 10 spots in the country for small-mouth bass fishing.
For those who prefer paddles to fishing rods, both the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers are part of the River Water Trail system, designating some of the best rivers for canoeing and kayaking in the country. Indeed, the last few miles of the Sauk River provide excellent white water paddling just before it empties into the Mississippi River. If camping after a day of paddling appeals to you, campgrounds can be found along central Minnesota’s river system about every eight miles—many of which are easily accessible and free of charge.
If spectator sports are more your style, the presence of St. Cloud State University, the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University provide the area with exciting athletic competition. NCAA Division II Husky athletics include virtually every sport. Both men’s and women’s hockey teams compete at the NCAA Division I level. St. Cloud is also home to the St. Cloud River Bats, a summer collegiate baseball team that is part of the Northwoods League. The team boasts three Northwoods League titles and annually attracts more than 62,000 fans to Joe Faber Field during the season.
Miles of trails and pathways wind through the St. Cloud area, welcoming walkers/joggers, in-line skaters, bikers and snowmobilers who enjoy the outdoors. Eastman (which circles Lake George), Heritage, Whitney Memorial, Wetlands and Beaver Islands trails are listed among the most popular. And, of course, one cannot forget the Lake Wobegon Trail, a 46-mile bituminous surfaced multi-use pathway. Opened in September 1998, the Lake Wobegon Trail runs along the MN/DOT rail corridor formerly owned by the Burlington Northern Railroad Company.
The communities of the area are spotted with well-maintained city, county and state parks offering an assortment of recreational opportunities for visitors. Approximately 1,500 acres of land in the St. Cloud area are solely used for parks, with an additional 100 parcels available for future parkland development.
City parks are filled with such amenities as baseball/softball and athletic fields; playground equipment; picnic facilities; and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. County and state parks feature all of the above, plus trails, fishing, boating, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, snowmobiling, interpretive programming and nature centers—among other offerings.
Add to the list more than 60 golf courses, major recreational facilities, such as the Municipal Athletic Complex, the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA and Whitney Senior Center, and you have a wide range of programming for youth through seniors.
ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL AGES
History buffs revel in the offerings of the Stearns History Museum, recognized as one of the finest history museums in Minnesota. Designated as the only nationally accredited museum in greater Minnesota, the museum welcomes patrons to peruse through two floors of exhibit space that offer a glimpse into the county’s rich heritage. The museum also houses a research library, a mini-theater, the museum store and educational programming.
Nearly 4,000 artifacts dating back to 1857 line the walls of the Haehn Museum at the Art and Heritage Place at St. Benedict’s Monastery. Open to the public, the museum’s exhibit hall features the cultural, social and religious influence of the Benedictine sisters in local, state, national and international ministries. The Art and Heritage Place also houses the Artisan Studios and the Whitby Gift Shop and Gallery where local artists sell their wares and visitors can enjoy a periodic series of art shows.
Nature enthusiasts delight in the beauty of the Munsinger and Clemens gardens and the living museum of plants at Saint John’s Arboretum. Comprising of 2,700 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savanna and the woodland surrounding St. John’s University, the arboretum invites students and the public to take part in educational programming focusing on the importance of this natural restoration project.
Animal lovers, make sure to visit Hemker Park and Zoo in nearby Freeport. Spanning 14 acres, the zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, including 32 different species of waterfowl. Take a trip through the African Safari area, view primates and aquatic animals, visit the seasonal butterfly house or participate in educational tours.
CULTURAL & ENTERTAINMENT CHANNELS
The cultural vitality of the St. Cloud area is rich and growing. The Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center (www.paramountarts.org) is the artistic heart of St. Cloud. The restored 1921 Paramount Theatre serves as a stage for rent by numerous community groups to perform, as well as a location to attend professional performances by touring musicians and theatrical groups.
The Visual Arts Center (VAC), located in the lower level of the Paramount, offers visual arts classes for beginning and experienced artists in the community, and professional development opportunities for artists, educators and businesses. The Paramount is also home to a number of resident arts organizations.
A few blocks away, Pioneer Place on Fifth (www.ppfive.com) brings professional theater, original plays and a concert series to central Minnesota each year. Be sure to arrive early and enjoy a glass of wine at the Veranda Lounge before the performance begins.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy the sounds of the Minnesota Center Chorale, the Great River Chorale, the St. Cloud Municipal Band and the Paramount Jazz Orchestra. The 103,000-square-foot St. Cloud Civic Center, currently undergoing a significant expansion, hosts trade shows, conventions, social/entertainment events and more.
The College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University are teeming with arts and cultural programming. Between the two schools, you can find the 173,000-square-foot Benedicta Arts Center (BAC), the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, the Literary Arts Institute, Saint John’s Pottery and a fine arts series. Likewise, St. Cloud State University offers the Kiehle Visual Arts Center, the Performing Arts Center and a wealth of arts-related offerings.
Thanks to the programs, services and all-around advocacy of such entities as the St. Cloud Arts Commission, United Arts of Central Minnesota and Visual Arts Minnesota, the cultural and entertainment community in the region is vibrant and growing.
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