Wanderlust World Wanderlust World St. Cloud, Minnesota, is about 60 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The city's tourist attractions include the Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens, the Stearns History Museum and Riverside Park. Visitors and residents also can participate in a variety of annual events such as races, outdoor festivals and parades.
The city government of St. Cloud holds a community festival known as Granite City Days each June. The name comes from the presence of large deposits of granite in the St. Cloud area, which have led to the development of several quarries. The festival lasts four days, running from Thursday through Sunday. The event begins with a concert and an art fair, in which 230 artists displayed and sold works in 2010. On Fridays, a local business typically hosts a public party in a local park with live music, children's games and activities, and food concessions. Weekend events include a hot air balloon rally, a 5K race, a wine tasting, a parade, an air show, a fishing derby and a talent show. Attendees also can join a tour of historic homes and sample foods from local restaurants at the Taste of St. Cloud.
Granite City Days
City of St. Cloud
400 Second St. South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-650-3103
granitecitydays.com
Each December, St. Cloud hosts the Winter Nights & Light Parade, an evening event that celebrates the holiday season. The Downtown St. Cloud Council organizes the event, which began in 2004. About 9,000 people attended in 2010. Downtown businesses decorate their storefronts with holiday lights, Christmas trees, menorahs and other seasonal symbols. Stores extend their hours and offer free gifts, sales and activities for children. A parade featuring lighted floats, area high school bands and other groups passes through the downtown area. Vendors sell food and beverages throughout the evening.
Winter Nights & Light Parade
820 W. St. Germain St.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-257-8600
stclouddowntown.com
The Earth Day Run is held each year on the weekend closest to April 22, when Earth Day is celebrated. Races are held on the campus of St. Cloud State University. About 4,000 runners participate each year. Events include a half-marathon, a half-marathon relay, a 5K fun run and a 1K race for children 12 and younger. Health and wellness are the themes of the Earth Day Run, which also has a health expo for adults and a children's fair with games and activities that emphasize the importance of good nutrition and exercise.
Earth Day Run
720 Fourth Ave. South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-308-3325
runearthday.com