Munsinger Gardens (St. Cloud, MN)

It’s a beautiful summer afternoon and you’re looking for something to do outside with your family. Where should you go? May I suggest visiting the gorgeous Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud, MN!

Munsinger Gardens is located along the Mississippi River, where it features annuals, perennials, shrubs chosen for their color, form, and texture. Visitors can also enjoy the many geese and ducks that have made the garden their spring and summer home.

Along the picturesque Mississippi River there are paths to take a stroll on, and benches to sit on and take in the beauty. The wandering paths will take you from sunny areas to the shade gardens under the pine trees.

Activities

Free concerts are held during the summer on alternating Sundays, beginning mid-June, at 3:00pm near the Gazebo in Munsinger Gardens. During the concerts, the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society offers $2 root beer floats for guests to enjoy during the concert!

In mid-July the Art Fair in the Gardens takes place throughout Munsinger Gardens. The Art Fair hosts a variety of artists from around the state, as well as musicians and food vendors.

Some History

In 1880, Munsinger Gardens was originally the H.J. Anderson sawmill, where the low riverbanks made this site ideal. Nearby was Riverside Park, which was once a tourist area with cabins for camping. In 1926, the Campfire Girls planted the Scotch and Norway pines that still give Munsinger Gardens its shade.

In 1930, Joseph Munsinger (1876-1946) became the Superintendent of Parks for the City of St. Cloud. He made extensive plans for Munsinger Gardens and a number of other city parks. In 1934, the ‘timekeepers’ cabin’ was moved to its current location in Munsinger Gardens near the river. The Lily Pond and what is now known as the ‘Chain Link’ Pool were completed in 1935. Flower beds and paths were constructed according to detailed plans drawn up by Joseph Munsinger. In 1938, the first greenhouse was constructed to grow the flowers for Munsinger Gardens. In 2009, a modern greenhouse opened to raise the flowers needed for Munsinger Gardens and to have a place for the collection of tropical and other non-hardy plants during the winter.

Additional Information

• Admission is free to the Munsinger Gardens, which are open to the public year-round, from 6am to 10pm daily.
• Dogs are not allowed in the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens (except for service dogs).
• Be sure to check out the bloom calendar for the best time to visit Munsinger Gardens.
• During your visit you can also visit the Clemens Gardens, which is walking distance from Munsinger Gardens. Created in the tradition of the great gardens of Europe, Clemens Gardens is a spectacular display of color and scents with a beautiful rose garden!

Munsinger Garden is calling your name! Bring along those family members and friends of yours that have a love for flowers, plants, or who just love being outside! Enjoy!