A growing community rich with cultural events, recreation and educational activities, St. Cloud, Minnesota is located 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll in flower gardens or to take in the rich history of the area, St. Cloud offers plenty of activities for senior citizens to explore.
Explore two floors of exhibits that capture the natural and cultural history of St. Cloud and the Central Minnesota. There is also a research center onsite that features a comprehensive collection of maps, newspapers, genealogical files and photographs. Guided tours are available for visitors as well. The museum also features a kid-friendly area for seniors who want to bring their grandchildren.
Stearns History Museum
253 33rd Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-253-8424
stearns-museum.org
Take in the history of St. Cloud by taking part in one of three self-guided walking tours. The tours take you through more than 40 historic sites located in downtown St. Cloud. The City of St. Cloud website features a link to download video and audio recordings to a digital media player for you to listen to during the tour.
St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Commission
400 Second Street South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-255-7218
ci.stcloud.mn.us
Munsinger Gardens are located along the Mississippi River among Scotch and Norway Pines, providing welcome shade on hot summer days. The garden features an array of flowers, hostas, ferns and other shade loving plants. Other attractions include a lily pond, rock garden as well as an outdoor room that is well suited for special events. A pair of peacocks call Munsinger Gardens home during the spring summer months.
Munsinger Gardens
Kilian Boulevard Southeast
St. Cloud, MN 56304
320-255-7238
munsingerclemens.com
A formal garden, the Clemens Gardens is located adjacent to Munsinger Gardens. The garden features flowers of all colors and scents and a resting area to take in the sites, scents and sounds of the garden. Granite outlined brick paths allow you to get a close look at the flowers. The garden also features over 70 varieties and as many as 1,100 roses and a large water fountain called “The Renaissance Fountain with Cranes.” There are events hosted at Clemens Gardens throughout the year.
Clemens Gardens
Kilian Boulevard SE
St. Cloud, MN 56304
320-255-7238
munsingerclemens.com
Develop a greater understanding of the role granite has played in the history of Central Minnesota. The area features prairie, wetlands, forests, fishing ponds and several hiking trails. An observation deck offers views of water-filled quarries and ponds lined by quarried rock.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
1802 County Road 137
Waite Park, MN 56387
320-255-6172
co.stearns.mn.us
Activities to enrich your mind and life are on tap at the Whitney Senior Center. The center offers a variety of courses covering topics from computers to fitness. A few of the onsite activities offered by the Whitney Senior Center include knitting, card games, dancing, exercise classes, gardening and painting.
Whitney Senior Center
1527 Northway Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-255-7245
whitneyseniorcenter.org
Comprised primarily of musicians from the St. Cloud area, the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra performs several times throughout the year. The orchestra also partners with other music groups in the area to host and perform outdoor concerts and events.
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra
14 7th Avenue N.
St. Cloud, MN 56302
320-252-7276
stcloudsymphony.com
If you love art, St. Cloud features several art crawls throughout the year. The events are sponsored by the Downtown Council and provide you with a unique opportunity to meet artists, authors, view artwork and take in some free music. Hands-on-art activities are also available for you to put your creativity to the test.
St. Cloud Art Crawl
Various Locations
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-252-3242
artcrawlstcloud.com
