Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from St. Cloud, MN
St. Cloud sits on the Mississippi River with access to the St. Cloud State University, the Munsinger Gardens, and the Whitney Memorial.
The Munsinger Gardens and the St. Cloud State campus offer nature and education.
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or browse all12 destinations near St. Cloud
Jacob Everear
Frazee, MN 56544
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 2 hrs 8 min from St. Cloud · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rusty the Dragon
Ogilvie, MN 56358
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 49 min from St. Cloud · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Redwood Water Falls
MN 56283, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 2 hrs 1 min from St. Cloud · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Museum of Illusions - Mall of America
Bloomington, MN 55425
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Arts & Culture destination · highly rated (4.8 by 3.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 15 min from St. Cloud · fits $10 - $30 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Ironton, MN 56455
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 21 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mille Lacs Lake Mermaid
MN 56431, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.8 stars) · 1 hr 20 min from St. Cloud · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Sibley Park
Mankato, MN 56001
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.4k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 14 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Minnehaha Falls
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 6.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 17 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
St Paul, MN 55103
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 18.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 15 min from St. Cloud · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Como Regional Park
St Paul, MN 55118
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 13.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 13 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mill Ruins Park
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 8 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 7.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 5 min from St. Cloud · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from St. Cloud, MN?
The best day trips from St. Cloud include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from St. Cloud?
Most great day trips from St. Cloud are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near St. Cloud?
Many of the best day trips near St. Cloud are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from St. Cloud?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near St. Cloud, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near St. Cloud?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of St. Cloud make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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