Quarry Park

Few swimming destinations in Minnesota carry the kind of layered history and raw visual drama that you'll find at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, tucked into the landscape near St. Cloud. What was once an active granite quarrying operation has been transformed into one of the most distinctive recreational areas in the Upper Midwest — a place where sheer stone walls drop into pools of startlingly clear water, and the industrial past gives way to something genuinely wild and beautiful. Whether you're here to swim, jump, dive, or simply wander the edges and take it all in, Quarry Park rewards curiosity at every turn.

The Setting: Stone, Sky, and Water

The landscape here is defined by contrast. Hulking walls of pale granite rise sharply from the water's edge, their rough-hewn faces still bearing the marks of the quarrymen who carved them out generations ago. Between those cliffs, the quarry pools sit deep and still, their surfaces reflecting the open Minnesota sky. On a clear summer morning, the water takes on an almost surreal blue-green quality — a product of the granite basin and impressive depth below. In autumn, the rugged stone backdrop gets softened by a wash of amber and crimson from surrounding trees, making the park a genuinely striking place to walk even when you're not getting wet. Spring brings wildflowers to the trail edges, and the full seasonal range of this place is part of what makes it worth returning to year after year.

What Swimming Here Feels Like

Sliding into the water at Quarry Park is a full-sensory experience. The quarry water is notably clear — visibility extends well into the depths, giving swimmers a sense of the submerged rock formations below. Expect cold water even in summer, which makes the plunge bracing and refreshing in the best possible way. The site officially supports swimming, cliff jumping, and scuba diving, and each activity takes on a different character here. Cliff jumping draws adventurous visitors to the quarry's elevated ledges, where you can look down at the pool before committing to the drop. Scuba divers come for the underwater granite formations and the unusual experience of diving in a landlocked stone basin — a genuinely rare opportunity in the Midwest. Trails along the quarry edges require moderate care; the terrain is well-maintained but the cliffs are real, and visitors should move with appropriate attention near drop-offs. Basic swimming ability and a comfort with open-water conditions are recommended.

Plan Your Visit

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is an officially sanctioned recreational area, and there is a fee to visit — check the park's official website for current rates and any reservation or permit requirements before you go. Facilities on-site are not confirmed, so arrive self-sufficient: bring water, snacks, and any gear you'll need. There is no camping at the site itself. The park is most popular during the summer months of June through August, when swimming and diving conditions are at their best, though autumn hiking draws its own devoted crowd. The park sits near St. Cloud, Minnesota , which offers dining, lodging, and supplies for your trip. Minneapolis is also within reasonable driving distance for those making a longer weekend of it. Give yourself at least a half day — this is a place that earns a slow, unhurried visit.

Directions to Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, MN Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is easily accessible from nearby towns such as Minneapolis and Waite Park. Follow these step-by-step driving directions to reach the park: Starting from Route 23 in Waite Park (St. Cloud area): Head south on 10th Avenue South . This road is located near the intersection of Route 23 and 10th Avenue in Waite Park. Turn onto 7th Street South / County Road 137: After driving south on 10th Avenue, you will reach a stop sign at the intersection with 7th Street South / County Road 137 . Turn right (west) onto 7th Street South / County Road 137. Continue to Quarry Park and Nature Preserve: Drive approximately 0.7 miles west on 7th Street South / County Road 137. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve will be on your left-hand side . Look for the park entrance signage to guide you. Parking Information: Quarry Park has a designated parking lot near the entrance. The parking lot is spacious and provides easy access to the park’s trailheads and swimming hole areas. Be sure to park in the designated areas and follow any posted parking regulations. Final Approach and Trailheads: After parking, you can access the park’s trails and swimming holes via well-marked paths. Maps and informational signs are available near the parking lot to help you navigate the preserve. The swimming hole is one of the park’s popular attractions, so follow the signs or inquire at the entrance for specific trail directions. Enjoy your visit to Quarry Park and Nature Preserve!

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is an officially sanctioned recreational area, and there is a fee to visit — check the park's official website for current rates and any reservation or permit requirements before you go. Facilities on-site are not confirmed, so arrive self-sufficient: bring water, snacks, and any gear you'll need. There is no camping at the site itself. The park is most popular during the summer months of June through August, when swimming and diving conditions are at their best, though autumn hiking draws its own devoted crowd. The park sits near St. Cloud, Minnesota , which offers dining, lodging, and supplies for your trip. Minneapolis is also within reasonable driving distance for those making a longer weekend of it. Give yourself at least a half day — this is a place that earns a slow, unhurried visit.

A fee is required for entry; check the official park website for current rates and permit information. On-site facilities are not detailed in available data; visitors should plan to be self-sufficient. The park is an official, managed preserve, not a wild or unsupervised location.

Quarry Park reflects Minnesota’s industrial legacy, showcasing the transformation of granite quarries into recreational spaces. The park is a reminder of the region’s contribution to granite production throughout the Midwest.

Follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect wildlife habitats by avoiding littering and disturbing natural areas. Respect park rules to help preserve the site’s ecological and historical integrity.