Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
A unique natural preserve featuring clear quarry waters, hiking trails, and remnants of mining history. Perfect for swimming, exploring, and wildlife ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer crowds
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique natural preserve featuring clear quarry waters, hiking trails, and remnants of mining history. Perfect for swimming, exploring, and wildlife viewing.
"Truly unique and worth the stop! Offers something for everyone, from swimming to hiking and climbing."
🚗 Parking Pass Required
Don't forget to purchase your parking pass upon arrival. It's essential for accessing the park. 🎟️
🩱 Bring Your Swimsuit!
The quarry waters are a highlight! Pack your swimwear and towel for a refreshing dip. :woman_swimming:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 1,769 reviews
Type
Nature Preserve
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Quarry Waters
Designated Swimming Areas
Dive into the refreshing, clear quarry pits for a unique swimming experience. Perfect for a hot summer day!
Unique Mining History
Throughout the Preserve
Explore the fascinating remnants of past quarry mining operations. A truly unusual and educational aspect of the park.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Various Trails
Wander through diverse natural landscapes, spotting wildlife and enjoying picturesque views. Easy hikes for all ages.
Cliff Jumping & Bouldering
Designated Areas
For the adventurous, test your bravery with cliff jumping or enjoy bouldering opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Enjoy the Water
Parking Pass & Trail Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pass Required
Don't forget to purchase your parking pass upon arrival. It's essential for accessing the park. 🎟️
🩱 Bring Your Swimsuit!
The quarry waters are a highlight! Pack your swimwear and towel for a refreshing dip. +1 :woman_swimming:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails with ease. Comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the diverse terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot days, carry plenty of water for your hikes and outdoor activities. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pass Required
Don't forget to purchase your parking pass upon arrival. It's essential for accessing the park. 🎟️
🩱 Bring Your Swimsuit!
The quarry waters are a highlight! Pack your swimwear and towel for a refreshing dip. +1 :woman_swimming:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the trails with ease. Comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the diverse terrain. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot days, carry plenty of water for your hikes and outdoor activities. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
The natural beauty and unique quarry landscape make for stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Quarry Park for its unique landscape, clear swimming waters, and diverse recreational opportunities. Many highlight the fascinating quarry history and the chance to observe wildlife. While generally positive, some suggest improvements like more resting benches on trails for added comfort during longer walks.
"With a $10 parking pass, we were able to go on an easy day hike. It was great! The swimming area was not too busy and we enjoyed seeing the quarry pits, the giant piles of rock, and seeing the animals- insects, turtles, tadpoles, snails, deer, etc. One recommendation would be to move some rocks to the side of the trails to give people more options for “benches” for sitting. It was a hot day we visited and the walk got kind of long for the younger kids. They would have loved to have had more options of places to sit and rest. We had a great time though, and would recommend it to people who want to go for a easy walk in nature."
Cherita Gartin
"I wasn’t expecting much but this place seemed to offer a lot. The water was green and nice. Scenery was beautiful. Not overcrowded either. If you enjoy jumping off cliffs or diving, you should visit."
Julian Markov
"Highly recommended! Something totally unusual, cool history of quarry mining, with a great use for today! Nice hike through nature, lots of swimming and jumping spots, some climbing or bouldering, there is something for everyone. It is truly unique and worth the stop! If we visit during the summer heat, I wouldn't hesitate to experience swimming."
Patrick Dunlop
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is located in Waite Park, Minnesota, just a short drive from St. Cloud. Many visitors arrive by car, and GPS will guide you to the entrance.
Public transportation options to Quarry Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for a ride-share service.
From St. Cloud, take County Road 75 North to Waite Park. Turn right onto Quarry Road, and the park entrance will be on your left.
Yes, ample parking is available within the park. However, a parking pass is required for all vehicles.
Yes, Quarry Park is accessible year-round. In winter, it offers a beautiful snowy landscape for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a parking pass is required for entry into Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. The fee is typically around $10 per vehicle.
Quarry Park is generally open from dawn to dusk year-round. Specific hours may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the official park website.
Parking passes are usually purchased on-site. There are no advance ticket sales for general park entry.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to check with the park administration for any potential offers.
The parking pass grants you access to the entire Quarry Park and Nature Preserve for the day, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and picnic spots.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Quarry Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, and rock climbing.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in the designated quarry pit areas. The water is known for being clear and refreshing. +1
Absolutely! Quarry Park features easy hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels, with scenic views and opportunities to see wildlife.
Yes, there are areas designated for rock climbing and cliff diving for the more adventurous visitors.
Visitors often spot insects, turtles, tadpoles, snails, and deer. The preserve is a great place for nature observation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Quarry Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, Quarry Park is an excellent spot for picnics. There are designated picnic areas available for visitors.
Information about public grills is not readily available. It's best to assume you should bring your own portable grill if needed.
The nearby cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud offer a variety of dining options, from fast food to local restaurants.
Park regulations regarding alcohol consumption can vary. It's advisable to check the official park rules or local ordinances before bringing alcohol.
📸 📸 Photography
The quarry pits themselves offer unique photographic opportunities, as do the scenic hiking trails and the natural landscape.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in nature preserves. It's essential to check with park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the quarry views.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit