The Ten Best Things About Summer In St. Cloud, Minnesota

Here are the ten things I am looking forward to the most this summer in St. Cloud (in no particular order).

#1 SUMMERTIME BY GEORGE

The lineup for Summertime By George's 2025 season was recently announced and, as usual, it features a great mix of artists. There aren't many free events like this, period, let alone such robust events with music and things for the whole family to do.

#2. HIKING AND SWIMMING AT THE QUARRIES 

We love going to Quarry Park to hike because of its 'choose-your-own-adventure' vibe. From a quick, casual walk to a challenging, long hike you can find it all at the Quarries... complete with a place to take a dip when you are done!

#3. CONCERTS AT THE LEDGE AMPHITHEATER 

Yes, technically this is in Waite Park but MAN are we blessed to have this venue in our backyard! From Weird Al to Darius Rucker, the 2025 calendar looks amazing!

#4. FOURTH OF JULY AT WILSON PARK 

Like most locals I have my own secret spot* to check out the fireworks, which are always top notch in St. Cloud. In some cities we have to pack in to one area to get a good view of the fireworks, but not here!

* Okay, my secret spot is the tech college

#5. STROLLING THROUGH MUNSINGER/CLEMENS GARDENS 

We are just so fortunate to have this amazing garden in our backyard. Combined with its location next to the river and fishing dam, my two sons love running around and literally taking a moment to smell the roses.

#6 GRANITE CITY DAYS PARADE 

Grab a lawn chair and let the party come to you! The Granite City Days parade is among my favorite parades of the summer... but it is hard to pick just one! The 2025 parade is schedule for June 26th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m..

#7 BENTON COUNTY FAIR 

Another free event for the family, the Benton County Fair has one of the biggest circles around it on the calendar at our house! We LOVE the people watching and the kids look forward to the big monster truck show every summer! This year's fair will run from July 29th through August 3rd. 

#8 GOING TO A ST CLOUD ROX GAME 

For adults there is the good baseball and cheap beer, for the kids there is fun entertainment between innings on the field and a bounce house. What more could you ask for? Joe Faber Field is a wonderful place to watch a game for baseball fans of all ages. This year's home opener is set for May 28th against the Badlands Big Sticks.

#9 THE SPLASH PADS! 

From Lake George to Westwood, the St. Cloud area is home to a TON of splash pads, the perfect way to cool you off after a long day! My kids prefer the Westwood splash pad because it is typically less-crowded than the others.

#10 DISC GOLF 

The St. Cloud area is home to a lot of amazing disc golf courses that vary in difficulty. My favorite is the one in Sartell, but Waite Park, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and St. Joe all have fantastic courses as well.