SCUBA dive in St Cloud MN at Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

SCUBA dive in St Cloud MN at Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

There is a place to SCUBA dive in St Cloud MN, and it is not a training pool. Quarry Park located just to the South of St Cloud has several old granite quarries, 1, 11, 13 and 18, that are open to SCUBA divers.

There are many interesting formations to explore but before you go you must have a permit from the Stearns County park office, you must also be certified and accompanied by a buddy. The permit is free and good for one year. Vertical walls form the sides with generally small surface areas and visibility ranges between 10 and 20 feet. If you would like to see some underwater footage of the St Cloud area quarries I suggest watching the top video on underwater Minnesota.

A Stearns County park entrance fee is required, might I suggest that if you are available to use the park throughout the season that you get a pass for $14 as you will be able to use it over and over. Other activities out at Quarry Park include mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, nature walks, and there are plenty of activities in the Scientific and Nature area. Birdwatching is a very popular activity in the park and there are several rare species, like the Red-shouldered Hawk or the Acadian Flycatcher, you might be able to spot. Through a conservation easement with the county the SNA program will now perminantly protect the property.

Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve also offers a wonderful opportunity to view some of Minnesota's Endangered Vascular plants like the tubercled reid orchid. If you manage to locate the tubercled reid orchid in bloom, in and amongst the dogwoods and the willow, please take a picture and send me a copy or let me know where you have it posted as we have not been able to find one, but they are there. Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a fun place to go with plenty of activities for everyone.