Explore the Beauty of Munsinger and Clemens Gardens of St. Cloud, Minnesota
Munsinger and Clemens Gardens
Munsinger and Clemens Botanical Gardens are a treasured St. Cloud, Minnesota travel destination.
Located in Central MN, the gardens are open 7 am to 10 pm from Spring to Fall. They are free and open to the public.
We love that it is free because we can go as often as we like. The park is highly seasonal, so there are new flowers to admire seemingly every time we go.
You can pop by once for a quick peek at the rose gardens and another time for a pleasant stroll by the river. Yet another time you could enjoy a picnic lunch or a swing on the swing benches overlooking the river.
Beauty abounds at the gardens. Much of it is formal gardens, but there is whimsey in the strolling paths, pond, fountains and meandering garden areas.
Riverfront Views
The view from the banks of the Mississippi River is phenomenal. Because it is just across the river from Saint Cloud University, you get to see the regal and inspiring views University campus. Ducks and geese also frequent the river and are easily enjoyed from the walking path along the shoreline.
The riverside garden has flowers on full display many months a year. They have both perennial and annual flowers so there are always flowers in bloom, ready to awaken your senses.
Strolls in this beautiful garden are beautiful, peaceful and calming to the soul. There is a lot of shade. Benches throughout the park and along the banks of the river are perfect for a sunny picnic.
The gardens winding paths, are lined by flowers and even a few hedges. There are a few Gazebo’s here and there. It is the perfect oasis for a date or family outing.
Peacocks
One unique feature of the park are the peacocks. It is rather unexpected to see these beautiful birds, giving it a mini zoo feel. While they are the only caged wild animals on display in the park, they lend an exotic feel to the park, even if they are noisy.
There are flowers of every color – red, blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange and green. These flowers are peaceful and relaxing and it is one of St. Cloud’s greatest treasures.
It’s not just “Munsinger Gardens”
While often referred to as Munsinger Gardens collectively, this is not entirely accurate. The part of the park along the river was originally acquired by the City as early as 1910 after the H.J. Anderson Sawmill was plagued by multiple fires that prevented its continued existence.
Riverside Park
The City of St. Cloud, after acquiring the along the Mississippi named it “Riverside Park” which is still the name used for the southern portion of the park, just south of the University Drive SE bridge
Hydroelectric Dam and Private Park Greenhouses
Fun fact, Riverside Park, in walking distance from the gardens, is home to a hydroelectric dam, just a little beyond and south of the University Drive bridge. If you do walk from the gardens to the dam you will notice the private greenhouses used to keep the garden looking beautiful. While it isn’t open to the public, I love the behind the scenes glimpses through the glass walls.
Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society
The gardens are maintained by the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society (MCBS)who support the gardens. You can actually become a member, with rates starting at about $50.
The MCBS works to support music and art events that encourage people to visit the gardens. The MCBS also supports a photography contest. Photographers love this place, so a photo contest is a natural choice of events to offer.
The MCBS operates a gift shop in the gardens, and members get a 15 percent discount.
Where Munsinger Gardens got its Name
The Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society notes that the park took shape in the 1930s when Joseph Munsinger, Park Superintendent at the time designed the park and created it. There was help in the form of Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal, depression-era funding that helped with the construction of the park.
What part of Muninger Gardens is Clemens Gardens?
Clemens Gardens generally refers to the portion of the gardens along Kilian Dr. SE., not the gardens along the river which are referred to as Munsinger Gardens.
William and Virginia Clemens often get credit for donating the Clemens Gardens land to the City, but they actually donated only the rose garden part of the garden (in 1988). They also donated $500,000 for the garden to be built. The City recognized their contribution by naming the garden as Clemens Gardens in 1990. Prior to becoming a garden, this area was a grassy open play area.
It was nice of the Clemens family to make such a beautiful donation to the City with such longstanding benefits.
Clemens Rose Gardens
In particular, the rose gardens in the northeast corner of of the park, located at the southwest corner of Kilian Dr. SE and 13th St. SE was given the name Clemens Gardens in honor of William and Virginia Clemens.
Transportation Details
The area is fairly transit friendly, served by the St. Cloud Metro Bus System. The public transportation system is excellent. There are many options for getting around the city. City streets are well-maintained and there are plenty of sidewalks and bike lanes.
For those needing accessibility details, most of the park is easily accessible. Parking is primarily street parking although some accessible parking is available.
Are Dogs and Pets allowed in the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens?
Dogs are not allowed in the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens with the exception of service dogs.
Can Professional Portrait Photos be Taken in the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens?
A City Permit is needed to take professional photos. They are allowed only on specific days and times and need to be purchased in advance.
Explore the Gardens for Yourself
If you have an opportunity, make sure you stop by the gardens and explore them. You can take as much or as little time as you like. Whether you want to slowly explore the nuances of Munsigner Gardens, or savor and read each of the names of the multitude of rose types in the Clemens Rose Gardens, there is much to see and do at the Gardens. Enjoy your visit!
