Visitors can twist and turn on Summerland's 350-foot waterslide, practice their "driving" skills with bumper boats or go-karts, or they can land that perfect putt on mini-golf greens. This theme park on the edge of St. Cloud can accommodate larger groups or birthday parties with special packages and pricing.
Groups can mingle under picnic shelters amid spacious grassy areas that offer a break from the Minnesota sun. Batting cages offer two levels of speed for hitting baseballs or softballs, and either set of cages can be reserved for up to an hour.
Younger children up to age 8 have their own space to play that includes a smaller go-kart track and bumper boats. Children up to age 10 can play in the inflatable jump house. A concession stand serves snacks, including slushies, soft drinks, pizza and hot dogs. The park is open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Summerland Family Fun Park
Minnesota State Hwy. 23
St Cloud, MN 56301
320-251-0940
summerlandfunpark.com
Clemens and Munsinger gardens are two separate gardens that line the Mississippi River and stand as one of the city's most prized attractions. Much of Munsinger's brick paths and other improvements have been around since the 1930s, when government works projects helped piece together part of the 14-acre garden's flowerbeds that sit under scotch and Norway pines.
At seven acres, the five-tiered Clemens garden is the smaller of the two, but the beauty of the European-style garden is no less brilliant. Among its most well-loved features is the Virginia Clemens rose garden, with more than 1,100 rose bushes.
The two gardens offer everything from shade-loving plants, perennials, a lily pond and ferns to a white garden modeled after those from Sissinghurst Castle in England. All flowers and plants are named and marked along the winding paths, which also feature fountains, ponds and, oh, yes, two peacocks that roam the area.
The gardens are a frequent backdrop for weddings and free public concerts in the summer. Wandering the gardens is free, but donations are appreciated. Both gardens are open daily from late spring through fall (opening and closing times vary depending on the weather).
Clemens-Munsinger Gardens
Riverside Drive and 13th Street SE
St. Cloud, MN 56304
320-255-7216
munsingerclemens.com
Two floors of displays at Stearns History Museum detail life in the county over the past 150 years. A full-sized replica of a working granite quarry from the 1930s showcases the value and impact of the granite industry on the Central Minnesota region.
Other exhibit highlights include models of 1850s-era Dakota and Ojibwe Indian summer lodges, photographs and oral history recordings of how the Mississippi River influenced the area's development as well as a multimedia recounting of how Sam Pandolfo started a car manufacturing company, Pan Motor Co., in St. Cloud. A children's area features hands-on displays.
The museum connects to four miles of nature trails in wooded Heritage Park. A research library, small theater and museum store are also on site. The museum is open daily.
Stearns History Museum
235 33rd Ave. South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
866-253-8424
stearns-museum.org
