Complete day trip travel guide to St. Cloud MN
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St. Cloud Minnesota is located one hour northwest of the Twin Cities and is a perfect day trip destination. Especially during COVID-19 when we can’t travel as far, exploring local gems is the best way to keep our travel spirits alive!
Founded in 1851, the city has a lot of history. From farming, to opening colleges, to manufacturing and mining granite in the quarries, it’s a very industrialist city with a proud heritage. I put together this one-day itinerary hitting all of the major highlights of St. Cloud and neighboring St. Joseph’s so you too can maximize your one-day adventure road-trip!
- 8:30am Start your day with delicious pastries from the newly opened Flour & Flower and perhaps treat yourself to some freshly cut flowers! During COVID-19, only 3 people are allowed inside at a time.
- 8:45am Grab some tea/coffee at The Local Blend. Popular with locals and college students, they serve organic coffee beans and make a delicious tea latte!
- 9:15am Arrive to the Quarry Park & Nature Preserve. Bring $5 cash per car to pay for parking. Opened at 50% capacity right now, make sure you arrive early so you’re not turned away. Hike around the quarries, which are now filled with crystal clear water. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring your swimsuit and you can jump in and swim! Bring bug spray since it’s very buggy and try to leave early because it starts getting busy around 1030/11am.
Afternoon
- 12pm Grab burritos to replenish after hiking from local burrito shop Bravo Burritos. The food is delicious! If you don’t want to eat inside yet, take your food to nearby Knights of Columbus Park for a picnic alongside the river.
- 1:00pm For dessert, check out Mr. Twisty for the famous cones with eyes! There is plenty of outdoor seating and there are smiley face markers on the ground so people keep a safe distance in line.
- 1:30pm For a relaxing start to your afternoon, check out Milk & Honey ciders. We enjoyed a few different varieties – my favorite was the pineapple coconut cider! It was really relaxing sitting under the tent alongside the apple trees sipping cider.
- 3:00pm Check out Munsinger Gardens – they are beautifully maintained floral and plant gardens and so fun to walk around and take pictures.
- 4:00pm Drive back across the river to downtown St Cloud – there are many parking lots and street parking. We parked in a lot at 5th Ave S and 1st St S across from the bus station. From there, explore the shops and restaurants downtown. Most were closed when we were there on a Sunday but Copper Pony looked like a really fun home goods store! You can also walk along the Mississippi River for some great views.
Evening
- 5pm: End your day with a dinner downtown if you’ve worked your appetite back up! On our list to check out next time are Olde Brick House and Kohinoor Bar and Grill!
And there you have a perfect day excursion to St. Cloud! Did I miss any of your favorite spots? Note in the comments below! For more Minnesota day trip ideas, check out my 8 Summer Day Trips across Minnesota article!
[…] Milk & Honey is located just outside of St. Cloud and sits within the orchard! Their ciders tend to be drier and more aromatic and we enjoyed every flavor we sampled. Combine a visit here with a longer day trip to St. Cloud – check out my guide here! […]