Free & Cheap Things to Do in St. Cloud

Parks & Nature

Two spectacular free gardens side by side on the banks of the Mississippi River, consistently ranked among the finest public gardens in the entire Midwest. Munsinger Gardens, established in the 1930s, winds along the shaded riverbank with perennial beds, spring tulips, and summer annuals under a canopy of towering elms. Clemens Gardens, added in the 1990s, features six distinct formal garden rooms including a White Garden, a Rose Garden, and an Italian-inspired sunken garden with fountain. Together they span 15 acres and are in full bloom from May through September.

Address: 1515 Riverside Dr SE, St. Cloud, MN 56304

Tip: Peak season is late May through June for spring flowers, mid-July for the rose garden. Gardens are open daily 6am–10pm year-round. Munsinger is more naturalistic and relaxed; Clemens is the formal showpiece. A short riverside walk connects both gardens.

Outdoors

One of the most unusual natural areas in the Midwest — a 682-acre county park where abandoned 19th-century granite quarries have filled with crystal-clear water up to 100 feet deep, creating natural swimming holes unlike anything else in Minnesota. The park features over 20 quarry lakes open for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and even scuba diving, plus 14 miles of trails through forest, prairie, and dramatic exposed granite bedrock. The deep blue-green quarry pools and rocky shorelines give the park a surreal beauty that feels nothing like a typical Midwestern park.

Address: 1802 County Rd 137, Waite Park, MN 56387

Tip: Swimming is allowed at Quarry #18 — the most beautiful and accessible lake in the park. Passes are $5 off-season, $10 Memorial Day through Labor Day. Arrive early on summer weekends as the park fills quickly. Bring snorkeling gear — the water is exceptionally clear.

Parks & Nature

A beautiful free city park wrapped around Lake George in downtown St. Cloud, offering a sandy swimming beach, fishing pier, walking paths, picnic areas, a splash pad for kids, and a bandshell that hosts free concerts in summer. The lake is calm and family-friendly, and paddleboats and canoes are available for a small rental fee in season. The park's central location and zero admission cost make it the go-to spot for St. Cloud residents on warm days, and a great low-key stop for visitors passing through.

Address: 10 4th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301

Tip: Free outdoor concerts happen at the bandshell throughout summer — check the city parks calendar for the schedule. The splash pad is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and is free for kids. Paddleboat rentals available at the lake for a small hourly fee.