Munsinger Clemens Gardens offers beautifully cultivated flower and rock gardens along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota, providing a peaceful outdoor retreat for visitors seeking horticultural beauty and leisurely walks.
Located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Munsinger Clemens Gardens is a renowned public garden complex comprising two distinct garden areas: Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, these gardens provide a scenic and tranquil setting amidst the natural river valley environment. The Munsinger Gardens, established during the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project, feature winding brick paths, fountains, pergolas, and an extensive rose garden. These gardens showcase an array of perennials, annuals, and native plants arranged with a focus on design harmony and seasonal blooms. Clemens Gardens, added in the 1980s, enhances the property with formal European-style gardens including a stunning rock garden, terrace garden, water garden, and a collection of themed floral displays such as the annual flowerbeds and healing gardens. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls while admiring the ever-changing floral displays and architectural elements. The site is popular for photography, weddings, and community events. The gardens sit adjacent to Riverside Park, adding to the area’s recreational appeal with picnic areas and river views. With numerous benches and shaded areas, Munsinger Clemens Gardens caters to families, horticulturists, and nature lovers alike. The gardens are maintained by volunteers and the city, reflecting a strong community commitment to preserving this outdoor cultural and botanical resource. Accessibility and free admission invite visitors year-round to explore its diverse gardens, seasonal plantings, and tranquil atmosphere beside the Mississippi River.
Expansive rose garden with hundreds of carefully tended hybrid roses
Unique rock garden featuring a variety of alpine plants and stonework
Seasonal water garden displaying aquatic plants and tranquil fountains
Historical WPA-built brick paths and pergolas in the Munsinger Gardens section
This original section features traditional flowerbeds, fountains, and classical garden structures built in the 1930s with WPA support.
Designed in the 1980s, these formal gardens include themed flower beds, rock gardens, and a serene water garden.
Several spots within the gardens offer picturesque views of the adjacent Mississippi River, enhancing the peaceful ambience.