Now that the weather is finally warming up in Minnesota, it’s time to put away the snow boots and take out the swim suits. When the time finally comes to jump into the water, why not forego the pool in favor of a nice, natural swimming hole? That’s what you’ll find at the end of a trail at Waite Park’s Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. Lined with shady trees, Minnesota wildlife, quarried granite rocks, the hike is the perfect way to warm up before you cool down.

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is located at 1802 County Road 137 in Waite Park, Minnesota.
Susan Lueck/Flickr
Even if you don't swim, it's a must-see spot in the St. Cloud area at any time of year. Many trails crisscross its 683 acres.
RileyRants/TripAdvisor
If you're up for swimming, however, you'll want to follow one of two trails, both of which are less than a mile in length.
Keith Ewing/Flickr
One trail leads to Quarry 11, a large swimming hole with water up to 50 feet deep. People love this quarry for its sandy beach.
Carlos L/TripAdvisor
The other hike, to Quarry 2, offers similar sights with even more payoff. This popular swimming hole is 116 deep.
melissajK7520VY/TripAdvisor

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It is a popular spot for thrill-seekers to jump from the high cliffs into the water below. But jump at your own risk - there are no lifeguards on duty.
Susan Lueck/Flickr
Regardless of the swimming hole you visit, the hike is sure to be both peaceful and beautiful. The canopy of oak trees is absolutely stunning...
Keith Ewing/Flickr
...and the quarries are beautiful, too. Besides the two swimming quarries, there are more than two dozen others. Most are filled with water, and all are breathtaking.
annie2873/TripAdvisor
The sight of piled granite is a step back in time, when the St. Cloud area was known for its granite production.
Dawn H/TripAdvisor
You can even see some of the old equipment they used in the quarries!
Brett Whaley/Flickr
All in all, this beautiful park is full of amazing hikes. The two swimming hole hikes are some of the best in the state!
Keith Ewing/Flickr

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a summertime tradition for many in the St. Cloud area – for good reason. Swimming amongst its beautiful scenery is a fun, cheap way to spend a warm afternoon. Have you been there?

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