Minnesota’s Most Unusual Swimming Spot Is Pure Magic

The heat? Brutal. The humidity? Even worse. So yeah, a refreshing dip sounds pretty dang perfect right about now. Am I right?

If you're looking for a swim spot that’s way outside the usual lake day vibes, you’re in luck. Minnesota may be known for its 10,000 lakes, but one of the coolest and most unusual places to take a dip isn’t technically a lake at all.

It’s a former granite quarry! Yep, you read that right. What used to be an industrial site, is now a stunning swimming hole with high cliff walls, crystal-clear water, and spots deep enough to cannonball into! It definitely feels more like something you'd stumble across in the mountains out west, not Minnesota.

It’s not just a spot Minnesotans are obsessed with it either. The spot was actually named one of the best swimming holes in America. And, it was the only one in Minnesota to make the Travel Channel’s list. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

Also See: USA Today's Picks For Best Beaches in Minnesota

It was also just recognized as the most unusual swimming spot by Exploration Vacation. Minnesota has lots of abandoned stone quarries and mine pits, but this is the only place where those pits have been turned into pools for swimming, fishing, and scuba diving.

In the summer, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park is a hotspot for families and thrill seekers alike. It's a 684 acre park with 20 former granite mining quarries. Two of which are open for swimming AND jumping!

Quarry 11 features a sandy beach at one end and shorter jumping cliffs. Quarry 2 includes rocky high cliffs that many use for jumping off and great areas around for lounging with friends, according to the Visit St. Cloud website. 

And get this, swimming is just the beginning. The park is open year-round and offers way more than a killer swim hole. You’ll also find granite reflecting pools, mountain bike trails over bedrock, trout fishing, geocaching, rock climbing, snowshoeing in winter, and more.

According to the Visit St. Cloud website, at the entrance of the woods, you’ll find the Liberty Derrick and Derrick House. They give a fascinating peek into Minnesota’s granite mining history, showcasing the tools and techniques used way back in the early 1900s.

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