As the summer heat reaches a peak, it's become the annual tradition for some Twin Cities residents to look north and flock to St. Cloud's Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. On this week's "One Tank Trip", WCCO's Paul Hodowanic takes you to Stearns County.
The park is highlighted by two quarries that visitors can swim in. Ben Anderson is the Stearns County Park Director and he explains the draw.
“Quarry Park has two swimming quarries, one that's 40 feet deep, and one that's 116 feet deep,” says Anderson. “Quarry number 11 is family friendly, has a beach, easier access into the water and a little smaller rock formations for kids and families to jump off of. Whereas quarry two doesn't have real easy access. You pretty much have to jump to get into the water, and has about a 20 to 25 foot jump which most people come here to see.”
For much of the park's history dating back to 1998, it was considered a destination for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline spike in the cool quarries. But in the last few years since opening the second family friendly quarry, Anderson says park attendance has doubled. Between 130,000 and 150,000 come each year overwhelmingly to see the swimming quarries and 50% of visitors come from the seven metro counties.
Sarah Jagow, a first time visitor, stood by the biggest jump.
“I just needed to come and see it,” Jagow said. “And, you know, it's something different than the lakes. I think it looks a lot of fun.
I'm 50-years old. And I think I'd like to jump off that.”
Before the land was a park, it was the site of granite mining quarries. That rock is on display throughout the park, as well as the Liberty Derrick.
“It is essentially an old wooden style crane in the park,” Anderson explains. “It's over a hundred years old and in its prime is capable of lifting over 20,000 pounds.”
The park puts it to use twice a year in a public celebration and expects to do so this October.
But there's more than just the swimming quarries. The 684 acre park includes miles of hiking trails and quarries used strictly for trout fishing and scuba diving, as well as natural rock climbing.
And there's one more feature that Anderson would only tease.
“We do have a Prickly Pear Cactus in the park, but I'll leave it to the listeners to find.”
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