The Best Fall Outing Locations in St. Cloud

In other parts of the country, you may need to travel quite a distance to properly view the changing leaves of fall and enjoy a leisure stroll in the crisp fall air- not so in Minnesota. The St. Cloud area alone harbors some of the best fall walking and biking areas in the state.

River Bluffs Regional Park
River Bluffs Regional Park has much to offer all year round. Picnic areas,  boat launches, and beautiful scenery make this park the perfect destination to take the canoe or kayak and enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi - and maybe get a little fishing done while you're at it. The park also boasts over 12 miles of walking and hiking trails.

Lake George Municipal Complex

Smack dab in the middle of St. Cloud, the Lake George Municipal Complex is located just off Highway 23. There are paved paths around the lake and throughout the park. If you would like to take your family on a short bike ride or walk around the lake, this is the perfect spot. With short paths around the park, it is perfect for families with young children. There is plenty of sprawling green space to take a rest and have a small picnic after your bike ride.

The path around the lake offers a scenic view of the entire lake. Many times, you’ll see families of ducks and swans swimming on the placid surface. If you’re looking for some fresh air and an easy walk, Lake George is the perfect site for your next family outing.


Riverside Park

Riverside Park is just a short walk from the Munsinger/Clemens Gardens located on the southwest side of town. Riverside Park boasts one of the best playgrounds in the area; your kids will love the small rock climbing wall and the open space. Riverside Park is full of large, beautiful trees which, in the next couple of weeks, will be a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows. Many paths run along the river and throughout the park. Riverside Park also has an extensive disc golf course that weaves through patches of trees. As it is every year, it’s sure to be a stunning location this fall. (Don’t forget to come back this winter to go sledding!)






Friedrich Park

Friedrich Park, located at the eastern end of University Drive by St. Cloud State University, just celebrated its official re-opening. The park is the site of the old quarries and was originally opened as a park in the 1930’s. George Friedrich, along with St. Cloud State University, opened up the quarry pits for swimming; he installed diving boards and rafts for the area’s swimmers.



Besides the granite quarries, the land was described as “barren”, but George Friedrich went through the park planting trees which are still there today. With trails weaving through the forest and water-filled quarries, this will be a colorful and beautiful spot to bike or stroll this fall. The previously closed park already boasts signs of an avid mountain biking community. The trails through this park are probably for the more advanced cyclist, but would also make a great destination for hikers of any skill.