St. Cloud, Minnesota is located on the Mississippi River and is an outdoor lover’s dream. With over 200 parks in the area, you can hike, bike, or swim to fulfill your heart’s content. In addition, the blossoming downtown provides food, drink, and entertainment only steps away from your stay at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn. Let’s explore all that St. Cloud, Minnesota has to offer.
Pack a picnic and head over to the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, which has over 643-acres of outdoor exploration. One of the most popular spots is Quarry 2. After walking about a half mile from the parking lot, you’ll be greeted with a local swimming hole, named “Top 10 Swimming Holes” in the country by the Travel Channel. Also known as “Melrose Deep 7”, thrill-seekers cliff jump from 20 feet high to splash into 116 feet of water, the lowest park in the quarry. For a more leisurely swim, jump into the water from the dock or the shores.
For a night on the town, head back to your stay at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, and have dinner at the on-site restaurant, Green Mill Restaurant & Bar. Voted as the “Best Pizza in Minnesota”, the Green Mill has been making deep dish pizza since 1975. Order the Old School or the Windy City – both have Italian sausage and cheesy mozzarella for thick, impressive slices of gooey deliciousness.
Grab a German-craft focused beer or a flight, at award-winning Beaver Island Brewing Co. As the first brewery back in St. Cloud since 1939, Beaver Island Brewery has a lot to uphold, but it does so with fun, inviting events for the community. From lumberjack-look-alike contests to letting customers pick out beer names (“Resting Grinch Face” was a holiday favorite), the brewery is a hub for St. Cloud. Founded in 2015 and named after Beaver Islands, the inspiration for the beers and décor of the brewery is inspired by Minnesota. “There’s so much history in this room and stories behind everything,” says Hollie Bursch, Taproom Manager, as she points out items from the ceiling to the walls. “We pride ourselves on this room. It might not be a lot, but to us, it’s everything,” Try a Minnesota Classic, a tasty, crisp Vienna Lager that’ll be sure to give you a taste of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Afterwards, take a walk to Pioneer Place on Fifth to catch a live show. Acts like the Fabulous Armadillos, who have members like Paul Diethelm, who has toured with Aerosmith, prefer to play in the 200-seat venue because of the engaged crowd and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy their signature Old Fashioned cocktail in the Veranda Lounge, or go downstairs to the newly opened, Blue Goose Speakeasy and grab Prohibition-inspired cocktails. With tunnels and vaults underground throughout the St. Cloud area, the speakeasy fits the historic vibes of the building and the town.
Ray Herrington, owner of Pioneer Place on Fifth says, “We’re a friendly community. Travelers will enjoy visiting St. Cloud. People just think we’re a far north suburb of Minneapolis – we’re not. We’re independent from that whole scene. We thrive to be as cool, but still want to keep that small town flavor without wrecking it. We’re proud of our community and we hope that people come enjoy it with us.”
Stay at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, with spacious suites overlooking the Mississippi River. Attached to the Rivers Edge Convention Center and Green Mill Restaurant & Bar, and located in the heart of Downtown St. Cloud, exploring restaurants and bars is convenient and easy.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and families – Minnesota is calling, and you must go. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the perfect playground for your next adventure. Experience “Minnesota Nice” for yourself when you book your stay with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Minnesota now.