Summer Solstice in Greater St. Cloud

The Summer Solstice is often viewed as the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and it provides us with the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. This year’s Summer Solstice falls on June 20th in the Central time zone, and on this day the sun will shine from 5:26am to 9:03pm – approximately 15 hours, 36 minutes, and 48 seconds.

So, how do you plan to make the most of your extra seconds of sunshine? Here are some ideas so you can get the most out of your daylight hours in Greater St. Cloud.

Sunrise

5:30am

Catch the sunrise over the Mississippi River! The view from the Beaver Island Trail Extension to the east will sparkle with the rising sun around 5:30am, and the trail makes for the perfect place to take an early-morning stroll. Get your cameras ready!

7:00am

Grab your favorite drink from Rock Creek Coffeehouse, bring that new that you bought from Books Revisited downtown yesterday, and find a quiet bench at Lake George to clear your head and do some reading! Your busy brain will thank you later.

8:30am

Tee time! Hit the links at Boulder Ridge Golf Club for a quick nine before the sun gets too hot. Located just off Highway 15 in St. Cloud, it’s a short trip for a great time.

11:30am

Hungry yet? Soak up the sun and fill up your stomach on one of the area’s many outdoor dining patios. Here are just a few to get your mouth watering:

Gardensphoto1:00pm

Better walk off that big lunch. How about a stroll through Munsinger & Clemens Gardens? Say hello to the peackock, make a wish in the wishing well, and don’t forget your camera for all of the beautiful photo ops that the gardens provide.

2:30pm

Okay, the sun is officially steamy! Take a break and cool your tootsies at one of the area’s many splash pads. Just make sure to bring a change of clothes, you still have daylight to chase!

4:00pm

Oops! You forgot that your mom’s birthday is coming up… Better hit the shops! Add these local clothing and gift boutiques from all over Greater St. Cloud to your list!

Quarries

6:00pm

Whew! All that shopping has you feeling thirsty. Craving a margarita? Better visit Anejos! Or is wine on the menu tonight? Café Renaissance will do the trick. Perhaps you’re more in the mood for spirits? Then you just have to visit Anton’s Restaurant. Is it beer-thirty? Taste a local tap from 7 West Taphouse. Or, be daring – have a shake for dinner at Park Diner!

7:30pm

Hmm… where to catch that sparkling sunset…  at Quarry Park, of course! All you need is $5 and some hiking shoes, and you can enjoy a park experience like no other. Hike up to Quarry #11 and wade into the cool waters on the beach! Then make your way to the scenic overlook near Quarry #14 to watch as your sun-filled day comes to an end.