The Quarry Park and Nature Preserve has been with the Sterns County Parks System for 22 years. With over 680 acres it is the best park in the county for adventure seekers, lovers of nature, and history nerds.
As you have probably figured out the park use to be a place to mine granite. At one time there were over 100 granite quarries in the area, and that is how St. Cloud became known as the granite city. There are even gray and pink rocks named St. Cloud Granite.
Activities:
- Hiking Trails
- Scenic Overlooks
- Picnic Areas
- Designated Swimming Quarries
- Mountain Bike Paths
- Rock Climbing
- Trout Fishing
- Scuba Diving
- Cross Country Ski Trails
How to Get to Quarry Park and Nature Preserve?
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
1802 County Road 137
Waite Park, MN 56387
A short drive off of Highway 94, makes this an easy way to stretch the legs when traveling north.
The park is open year round from 8AM to 30 minutes after sunset. After a snowfall of 4 or more inches the park stays open until 10PM for Cross Country Skiing.
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle
In Loving Memory:
Writing this blog made me think of my grandpa who has been living with the angels for the past 13 years. I remembered he use to work at a granite company back in the day until he was injured when a pulley that lifted the granite had malfunctioned and caused it to fall on him, everything turned out fine but it ended his career. My mom is fortunate enough to have a piece of granite that he carved for her.
We enjoyed this day with you, and enjoyed reading about it all here. And it was nice to read about your grandpa!