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. Summer Solstice falls on Friday, June 20 in 2025.
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.
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 Kinder Coffee Lab 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:
- Boulder Tap House
- Blue Line South
- Granite City Food & Brewery
- Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
- Grizzly’s Wood Fired Grill
- Jules’ Bistro
- Mexican Village
- Olde Brick House
- Shooter’s Saloon & Eatery
- The Pickled Loon
- Ultimate Sports Bar & Grill
- White Horse
1:00pm
Better walk off that big lunch. How about a stroll through Munsinger & Clemens Gardens? Say hello to the peacock, 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!
- Copper Pony
- Evelie Blu Boutique
- Mind, Body & Spirit
- Modern Barnyard
- Rush Boutique
- Salvage Sisters
- St. Cloud Floral
- The Rusty Pick
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 Val’s Rapid Serv!
7:30pm
Hmm… where to catch that sparkling sunset… at Quarry Park, of course! All you need is a parking pass (purchase on site) 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.