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Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 282 Google reviews · Running trail in Waite Park, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiker-friendly park featuring a lake for swimming, cliffs to jump off and walking trails.
What runners say about Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area
“Water is clean and trails are well groomed.”
“Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is easily one of the most stunning and unique outdoor destinations in the entire state—it truly captures why the St.”
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is easily one of the most stunning and unique outdoor destinations in the entire state—it truly captures why the St. Cloud area is called the "Granite City.
The swimming area is great. Good for families. There is another quarry for adults. Tgis one has a dock to jump off and a 12 foot cliff. Beach is nice and public bathrooms. Food is welcome. No alcohol. Water is clean and trails are well groomed. There is a small fee to enter. $16 for an annual pass.
The quarries are a nice view, get pretty crouded during summer and the regulars are very friendly. Nice place to hangout, cliff jump, hike, swim. I flew over the quarries in July so got to see the overhead view and not public quarries. A lot of high school-college students hang around during summer.
Great views, awesome places to swim, dive, fish, or just get a tan! The trails are made of tiny (and sharp) rocks of granite so be sure to grab either a pair of running/walking shoes, flip flops, sandals, or a pair of water shoes so you don't step on a ton of sharp rocks!
Trail conditions & character
“Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is easily one of the most stunning and unique outdoor destinations in the entire state—it truly captures why the St.”
“There is a bathroom, and there are also small spots for barbecuing.”
Plan your run at Quarry Park Scientific and Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Phone+1 651-259-5800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Waite Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
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Scenic wildlife spot for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming & rock-climbing.
Rivers Edge Park
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Northway Park
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Beaver Islands Regional Trail
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