For about 90 years starting in 1863 this land was an actual granite quarry. Much of the granite used in Minnesota’s significant architecture came from this area. Between the 1950’s and 1990’s the land gradually returned to a natural state. It became a Sterns County Park open to the public in 1998. Read more at Sterns County Parks.
Oct 3, 2021 was the date of this walk. The leaves were just starting to turn. It was a sunny day without a cloud in the sky.
A hole in the ground created by machines is now a small beach. 
Maples are turning 
What’s over that ridge? 
Another pond, this one not for swimming. 
A mushroom hiding in the base of a mossy tree 
More visually interesting mushrooms 
THIS.
Visual evidence of this area’s history as an industrial area. 
Scar? or Beautiful Landscape? 
Same park, Prairie. 
Friends out walking 
The Isthmus
Near the parking, a boardwalk over a bog. 
Milkweed 
Stones rejected by builders of the past. 
An interesting gate. 
We selected the routes closest to the edges. 7.75 miles. (12.5 km) 
This huge rock reminded us of a sleeping giant.
This park is close to shopping areas of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The other visitors represented a variety of cultural and economic groups. That was a pleasant surprise. In recent months I have noticed many more people of color out enjoying nature and I am glad of that! We all need nature!
Have you been to this park? What thought can you add in the comments?
Tammy Nara 
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