Quarry Park

With so many pools and beaches closing for the summer 2020 season, finding a nice place to cool off might pose a challenge for some people.

The travel website Orbitz named the 'best beach' in every landlocked state in America, and coming in at #1 for Minnesota -- Quarry Park & Nature Preserve.

What was once the site for one of Central Minnesota's booming granite industry, is now the home to some of the best outdoor adventures around.

There is much to do this Labor Day weekend in Central Minnesota with the The St. Cloud State University football home opener, Country Music Star Trace Adkins performing at Mystic Lake, a day at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Anthony Perry playing his guitar at Pioneer Place and the Great Minnesota Get Together in St. Paul. Read more in The Weekender!

Being new to the St. Cloud area, I went on a search to plan for some outdoor water fun this weekend, and the quarries wins hands-down.

The 100-year old restored, wooden Liberty Derrick will come to life at Quarry Park & Nature Preserve this afternoon at 3 & 5:30 PM -- allowing you the chance to watch a piece of history. These derricks were used to lift huge blocks of granite from the quarry floors to the loading areas. Today a 2-ton block of granite will be hoisted from the quarry floor.

Stearns County is close to opening another swimming quarry. Quarry 11 at the Stearns County Quarry Park & Nature Preserve will provide more gradual slopes, swimming platform, bathrooms and picnic shelter for families.