Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links
Compare Quarry Park's two swimming areas near St. Cloud: Quarry 11's sandy shore, walking access, parking permits, picnic facilities and no-lifeguard rules.
Swimming restriction
Swimming is designated in Quarries 2 and 11. No lifeguards are provided. Other quarry water, fishing access and scuba areas are not interchangeable swimming entrances. Follow current signs and county notices.
Official sources checked:
Location
A closer look
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
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Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park, near St. Cloud, has two designated swimming areas, not one interchangeable collection of pools. The county identifies Quarries 2 and 11 for swimming and provides no lifeguards. Pick your destination before setting out from the parking lot.
Those approach distances and shoreline descriptions come from the county's May 27, 2022 visitor bulletin. Use current signs for routing. Neither a sandy shoreline nor a reported water depth makes a location supervised or safe for jumping.
The public park address is 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park, MN 56387. A vehicle parking permit is required; check the county for current prices rather than relying on older dollar amounts. Bring the county summer trail map, dated May 2024, and leave time for the return walk.
The county map marks restrooms and picnic facilities. Its 2022 bulletin describes picnic shelters by parking and both swimming quarries. These are useful planning details, not confirmation that every facility is operating today.
The county park tour distinguishes swimming from scuba: it identifies Quarries 1, 13 and 18 for certified divers with a permit. A swimming visit is not a diving authorization. For a dry-land visit, the former granite-quarry landscape and walking trails offer another way to explore.
Use the official park page or call 320-255-6172 for current hours, trail changes and notices. This review does not establish today's water quality or confirm the absence of closures. For more options, compare the Minneapolis-area swimming guide.
The gallery combines historical park scenery, a boardwalk and the park sign. A wooded quarry photograph is landscape context, not identification of a designated swimming entrance. Use the county map and posted signs to reach Swim Quarry 2 or Swim Quarry 11; do not choose a water entry from a photograph. Images do not establish today's water quality, available facilities or trail conditions.
Use the public park entrance at 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park, MN 56387. From the parking area, follow the county summer trail map and posted signs to Swim Quarry 2 or Swim Quarry 11. The county's May 2022 guide gives approximate walks of half a mile to Quarry 2 and one-third mile to Quarry 11. These are walking approaches, not roadside swimming stops; follow any current trail detours.
Quarry 11 has the sandy beach described by the county; Quarry 2 has a rockier setting. Both require a walk from parking and neither has lifeguards. A wheelchair-accessible parking label in a place record does not establish an accessible route into the water.
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Swimming is designated in Quarries 2 and 11. No lifeguards are provided. Other quarry water, fishing access and scuba areas are not interchangeable swimming entrances. Follow current signs and county notices. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Nature preserve
Co Rd 137, Waite Park, MN 56387
Separate from the county park's swimming quarries. The county's May 2024 trail map states there are no facilities in the Scientific and Natural Area. Do not rely on this area for restrooms or picnic facilities.
Editorial correction checked 2026-09-23. County trail map (May 2024)
Tourist information center
1411 W St Germain St #104, St Cloud, MN 56301
Public bathroom
807 Northland Dr, St Joseph, MN 56374
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
2001 Stockinger Dr, St Cloud, MN 56303
RV park
9447, 2491 2nd St SE, St Cloud, MN 56304
Public bathroom
2651 US-10, St Cloud, MN 56304
Tourist information center
2651 US-10, St Cloud, MN 56304
Campground
2454 Co Rd 143, Clearwater, MN 55320
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
The county identifies Quarries 2 and 11 for swimming. Quarry 11 has a sandy shore; Quarry 2 has a rocky setting. Other quarry water and scuba areas are not interchangeable swimming locations.
The county's May 2022 visitor bulletin gives an approximately half-mile walk to Quarry 2 and one-third mile to Quarry 11. Follow the current trail map, signs and any detours.
No. The county says no lifeguards are provided. A designated swimming area or sandy beach does not mean the water is supervised.
Yes. A vehicle parking permit is required. Check the county's permit page for current daily and annual prices; older visitor bulletins contain historical rates.
The county park tour identifies separate scuba locations in Quarries 1, 13 and 18, with certification and a permit required. Check current diving rules with Parks; swimming access is not scuba authorization.
Quarry Park reflects Minnesota’s industrial legacy, showcasing the transformation of granite quarries into recreational spaces. The park is a reminder of the region’s contribution to granite production throughout the Midwest.
Photograph the quarry landscape from established trails and designated viewing areas; keep clear of steep edges and respect other visitors' privacy.
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Protect wildlife habitats by avoiding littering and disturbing natural areas. Respect park rules to help preserve the site’s ecological and historical integrity.
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in Minnesota.
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Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Plan this as a day visit. The county's June 2019 swimming FAQ says overnight stays are not allowed; contact Parks about any special group arrangements.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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