No matter what you’re into, these itineraries are a great starting point for planning the perfect weekend in St. Cloud!
The Perfect Kids Weekend*
Start your day with a true child-pleaser: donuts from the Cold Spring Bakery Connection! Then get ready to get your jump on at Granite City Jump, where they have arcade games, inflatable bounce houses, and more. After that, head over to Paddy’s Game Shoppe to pick out the perfect board games for your family. Once you’ve found the ideal game, get ready for lunch at Mexican Village in Downtown St. Cloud, where their whimsical decor is sure to please. Don’t get too tired yet, you still have the afternoon to play at Blacklight Adventures, where you can challenge each other to laser tag, escape rooms, virtual reality, and more. Now you might need a little relaxation. Head “home” to the Holiday Inn & Suites, order in a pizza from Gary’s Pizza, and enjoy the massive hotel with all of their arcade games, pools, and other activities. Sounds like an action-packed weekend!
Winter Wonderland Weekend
Good morning, snow-bunny! Kick off the day on the right foot with a big breakfast from Brigette’s Café. Then head out to Quarry Park & Nature Preserve for some snowshoeing, skiing, or simply some pretty winter hiking. Warm up with a quick lunch from Bo Diddley’s on your way out of town to Powder Ridge in Kimball. Spend the afternoon on the slopes, whether you choose snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding. Don’t forget to enjoy the chalet in between runs! Once you’ve officially worn yourself out, head back into town for a warmup in the hot tub at the Best Western Kelly Inn. Enjoy a cozy dinner at Olde Brick House, a tasty nightcap from The Veranda Lounge, and a lovely night’s stay with stunning Mississippi River views. Fun, cozy, perfect!
Downtown Experience Weekend*
Maximize your time downtown by starting the day with breakfast and a coffee from Jules’ Bistro. Then make your way over to Lake George for a stroll around the lake, or you can even rent a paddleboat and get on the water in the summer – or ice skates in the winter! Next on the agenda? Shopping! Head back to West St. Germain and shop local art at the Parmount Arts Gift Gallery, funky decor and gifts from Green Thumb Etc., trendy thrift clothes from Rush Boutique, and much more! Did you shop up an appetite? Head over to Dolsie’s Lunchbox Grille for a tasty lunch with great downtown views. Then it’s time to trade those downtown views for something even more scenic: Munsinger Clemens Gardens! Of course they’re beautiful in the summer when flowers are blooming, but the view of the river is always pretty – even in winter! After the gardens, treat yourself to a rejuvenating session at the Bella Vita Salt Caves, which has been shown to promote great health and wellbeing! Still have some time? Check out amazing local artwork at Cream City Tattoo located right downtown St. Cloud. Then get ready for an unforgettable dinner at Brick & Bourbon, followed by a fantastic show at Pioneer Place on Fifth, and a drink from the Martini Lounge at The Red Carpet. Finally, crawl into luxury at the Courtyard by Marriott, and bask in what a great day you’ve enjoyed downtown.
Shop ’til You Drop Weekend
Calling all shopping junkies! Today is the day to shop until you figuratively drop. Start you day with a step back in time at Park Diner in Waite Park. Then keep on theme by checking out antique and repurposed stores like Salvage Sisters and The Rusty Pick. Switch into mall mode and head over to Crossroads Center, where you can browse over 100 of your favorite – and new favorite – stores. Plus, you can easily grab a quick lunch from the food court, or go the healthy route and enjoy a filling bowl from Cloud 9 Energy Bowls just outside the mall. Then it’s time to switch gears and hit up some boutiques. Shop for clothing at Evelie Blu and Theory Boutique. Look for home decor or kitchen items at The Grande Depot. Shop kids stuff at Lewis Game Shop and Bakers HobbyTown. And feel great about shopping local while you do so! You’re probably ready for a recharge by now, so grab a great dinner from Anton’s Restaurant before you turn in for the night at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
Outdoor Lover Weekend*
Gear up for a day outdoors with breakfast from Dolsie’s Lunchbox served specifically for you on the weekends. Then make a pitstop over at Fitzharris to stock up on any gear you forgot to pack. Once you’ve stocked up, head over to George Friedrich Park for a quiet stroll through the woods and former granite mining quarries. Worked up an appetite? Stop for lunch at Bravo Burritos – they never disappoint! Then head down to Clearwater for an afternoon on the Mississippi River with Clear Waters Outfitting, where they will hook you up with everything you need for a kayaking trip. If you’re a fast paddler, you might also have time to rent a bike on the Lake Wobegon Trail in Waite Park for a quick ride! Once you’ve finished up there, go grab a drink at Pantown Brewing Company – if you’re lucky they’ll have a food truck outside for you to grab a bite, too! Finish the day with a great night’s sleep at Country Inn – West. It’s been a great day!
Game Time Weekend
Take your competitive side out for a ride this weekend! Fuel up for a day of fun with breakfast at Copper Kitchen. Then let the games begin with a friendly challenge at an escape room thanks to Riddler’s Escape. Then challenge your friends to even more fun with laser tag at The Skatin’ Place. You could even grab lunch and a few rounds of bowling at Southway Bowl. Then head over to United States Axe to try your hand at some competitive axe throwing. Chase that with darts, pool, or a round of golf in the golf simulator at Duck’s Sports Bar. Grab dinner and drinks at The Ultimate Sports Bar, then get your tickets and get ready to cheer for the home team, with St. Cloud Norsemen hockey games in the winter, or St. Cloud ROX games all summer long. Rest your competitive spirit for the night at Quality Inn – you’ve earned a break!
Friends Getaway Weekend*
Plan some time away with some great friends with this St. Cloud weekend! Start your day with shopping, coffee & breakfast at Copper Pony in Sauk Rapids. Then head schedule in some time at the spa – Daylily Spa in Waite Park. After a morning of relaxation and pampering, grab lunch with your friends at Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails. Then do some shopping at a locally owned store, such as Modern Barnyard. Do your own DIY or sign up for one of the many classes offered at Crafts Direct – best when paired with a local beer from Back Shed Brewing. Hopefully you still have some room for a fantastic meal from Café Renaissance, followed by a movie at Marcus Parkwood Cinema, maybe a show at The Ledge Amphitheater if the timing works out, or simply an evening in the pool at Hilton Garden Inn.
A Day in Joetown
Let us not forget our friends to the west in St. Joseph, where you can easily fill a day or more with fun! Start with coffee and breakfast at The Local Blend, where they serve up locally sourced food and showcase local artwork. Then it’s time to hit the trails at St. John’s Arboretum, where you can see grasslands, marshes, and old forests. While you’re there, check out the St. John’s Bible exhibit as well as the St. John’s Pottery studio for a fascinating morning. Hungry? Because it’s lunch time, and Bello Cucina. is on the menu. Now it’s time to do a little shopping. Look for gifts and home décor at W | R Home Company . Shop local artists and locally grown food at Minnesota Street Market. Shop the latest clothing trends at Hudson & Co. And when you’re all shopped out, it’s time to start the mini brewery tour! Head out to Milk & Honey Ciders to try amazing hard ciders in the lush countryside. Then come back into town for a beer or craft soda at Bad Habit Brewing Company. By now you probably need some sustenance. Good thing Krewe has the most amazing New Orleans cuisine in the upper Midwest! Fuel up and enjoy the lively atmosphere, but don’t forget to save some room for an ice cream flight from Jupiter Moon Ice Cream for dessert! End your day back in St. Cloud with a relaxing night at the Residence Inn. What a day!