Stearns County showcases nature on very different scales: Mississippi River County Park covers 230 acres along a 1.3-mile stretch of the Mississippi River. Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum spans more than 2,500 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savanna and woodland surrounding Saint John’s Abbey and Saint John’s University. This brings a specific stretch of river together with a diverse, expansive landscape. Trails, historic architecture, and places devoted to art and food crafts offer further ways to explore.

Landscapes, Gardens and Trails

At Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, trails wind through wooded areas, open prairie, wetlands and areas of exposed bedrock. Mountain biking trails also cross exposed rock. The historic Liberty Derrick offers another perspective on the area’s landscape history: the exhibit recalls Minnesota’s granite quarrying industry. Nature trails and a tangible reminder of quarrying come together around a shared theme here.

Munsinger Gardens is characterized by winding paths, while the paths in Clemens Gardens are paved with brick. In summer, Munsinger Gardens also hosts concerts near the gazebo on the Mississippi: every other Sunday at 3 p.m. starting in mid-June. Since dates can vary from year to year, check the current calendar if a concert is to be a highlight of your visit.

Trail lengths also help with planning an outing. The Dairyland Trail runs 10 miles from Elrosa to 315th Avenue in New Munich. The Lake Wobegon Trail, by contrast, is a 62-mile paved rail trail through woodlands, along lakes and through smaller communities. It is open to bicycles, roller skates, snowmobiles without studs, and hikers; local restrictions may apply to snowmobiles. More than 15 miles of Abbey Arboretum trails also run around Saint John’s Abbey and Saint John’s University.

In winter, cross-country ski trails are available at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Warner Lake County Park, Mississippi River County Park and Kraemer Lake - Wildwood County Park. Their use depends on snow conditions. These park trails add a seasonal way to explore the landscape alongside the longer paths and trails.

Art, History and Craftsmanship

The Paramount Center for the Arts in Saint Cloud combines history with a varied arts program. Its renovated historic 800-seat theater was built in 1921 and hosts both professional performances and performances by community groups. The Visual Arts Studios in the building offer classes in pottery, drawing, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, glasswork, woodworking, fiber arts and jewelry making, among other subjects. The class schedule may change.

The Stearns History Museum is dedicated to the county’s diverse history and presents exhibits, programs and activities. The museum is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Research Center is accessible by appointment on Tuesdays. Check opening hours before your visit, especially if you plan to use the Research Center.

Another historical landmark is the quadrangle of Saint John’s Abbey: the first brick buildings and the church were incorporated into its construction; it was completed in 1886. At Saint John’s Pottery, you can visit the gallery, buy ceramics and take guided studio tours. The gallery welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seasonal kiln firings can affect tour availability, so it’s a good idea to check visiting hours in advance.

Cheese and Maple Syrup

Redhead Creamery offers year-round tours of cheese-making at the family-run Jer-Lindy Farm. After the tour, visitors can stop by the on-site cheese shop for lunch and shopping. If you need tour details for a specific visit, check them in advance. Wildwood Ranch, a family-run modern maple syrup operation that has been in business for more than 40 years, is located in Kraemer Lake - Wildwood County Park. Tour times there vary by season—a different schedule from the year-round cheese tours.

An animal encounter can also be part of your visit: Hemker Park & Zoo offers giraffe feedings. Availability and scheduling for this experience may change; check the latest information before making it a firm part of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Paynesville, Sauk Centre, Albany, Waite Park, Sartell, Saint Augusta, Polk County, Otter Tail County.

For the main travel overview: Minnesota.