St. Cloud is a city and county seat of Stearns County in central
Minnesota, United States. The city also extends into Benton and
Sherburne counties. In 2020, St. Cloud had a population of
68,881.
St. Cloud, whose metropolitan area has
approximately 196,000 residents, is home to St. Cloud State
University (SCSU) and St. Cloud Technical College.
St. Cloud's attractions include:
the Munsinger Gardens and Clemens
Gardens
the Stearns History Museum
St. Cloud's haunted reputation stems from a mix of documented
tragedies, unmarked graves, and eerie personal encounters. Some spots
are tied to specific spirits, while others evoke a general sense of
unease from their dark histories. Even author Stephen King once
referenced St. Cloud in his story "1408" as one of the world's most
haunted places, alluding to a mysterious woman who allegedly threw her
baby down a well—though the Stearns History Museum has unsuccessfully
sought clarification from him on the inspiration.
Skatin' Place
(3302 Southway Drive)
One of the most talked-about haunted spots in
St. Cloud is the Skatin' Place, a family-friendly roller skating rink
and arcade built on land with a tragic backstory. The legend centers on
Gilbert, a former resident of a farmhouse that once stood on the
property. According to folklore, Gilbert became trapped in the
surrounding swampy terrain and drowned, his spirit never leaving the
site. Accounts vary on Gilbert's identity: most describe him as an
elderly man who met his end in the marsh, but some locals insist he was
a young boy who died tragically in a similar manner.
Paranormal
activity here is playful yet unsettling. Employees and patrons report
arcade lights flickering on and off without cause, footsteps echoing on
the roof as if someone is pacing above, and cold spots in otherwise warm
areas. One chilling incident involved the song "Ghostbusters" blaring
over the loudspeakers after closing hours, despite the system being
powered down and no CD inserted. A skater once claimed to see a pale
face peering from an air vent mid-session, and bathroom encounters have
left visitors feeling watched. Locals who've frequented the rink express
a mix of fondness and hope that Gilbert finds peace, but the
disturbances persist, making it a staple in St. Cloud's ghost lore.
Stella Maris Chapel at Saint John's University (Collegeville, near
St. Cloud)
On the wooded campus of Saint John's University, about 10
miles west of St. Cloud, stands Stella Maris Chapel—a small, picturesque
stone structure built in 1872 that's considered one of the most haunted
sites in the area. The legend revolves around a monk who drowned in the
nearby lake while rowing a heavy bell to the chapel for installation.
His boat capsized under the weight, and he perished in the cold waters.
Ever since, students and visitors report hearing phantom bell tolls
echoing across the lake precisely at midnight, even though no such bell
exists today. The sounds are described as mournful and distant,
sometimes accompanied by a chilling breeze or the faint splash of oars.
Paranormal investigators have noted electromagnetic fluctuations near
the chapel, and some claim to feel an overwhelming sadness or the
presence of a watchful figure in monastic robes. This haunting ties into
broader campus lore of restless spirits from the university's
Benedictine roots, making it a rite of passage for daring students to
visit after dark.
Shoemaker Hall at St. Cloud State University
In the heart of St. Cloud, Shoemaker Hall—a dormitory at St. Cloud State
University—carries a grim tale from the early 20th century. Legend has
it that a female student, impregnated by the school's janitor, took her
own life by hanging in the building's meat locker (a remnant from when
the hall served as a dining facility). Her ghost, often called "the Lady
of Shoemaker," is blamed for a range of disturbances: doors slamming
shut on their own, whispers in empty rooms, and sudden drops in
temperature. Residents report seeing a shadowy female figure in period
clothing wandering the halls, or feeling an invisible hand tugging at
their clothes. The haunting is amplified by the site's proximity to an
unmarked graveyard beneath the university's library and Performing Arts
Center (known as Block 26), where human remains have been unearthed
during construction, suggesting displaced spirits contribute to the
unease.
Mississippi Lofts and Benton County Fairgrounds (107
North Benton Drive and Nearby)
The area around the Mississippi Lofts,
a modern apartment complex, sits on the grounds of a former livestock
slaughterhouse, infusing it with a bloody legacy. The site's haunting is
linked to Everett, an early Mississippi River ferryman and notorious
assassin in the 1800s. Hired by a secret society called "The Ghosts of
Cooper" (a Protestant group that eliminated "undesirables" among
newcomers), Everett murdered victims on the property now occupied by the
Benton County Fairgrounds, dragging bodies down Searle Street to dump
them in the river. Lake George and Cooper Avenue are named after this
society, which has allegedly been revived over the years to "protect
traditions."
Everett met a violent end himself—chopped to pieces in
his cabin by the region's first serial killer—leaving both the
fairgrounds and lofts haunted. Reports include apparitions of bloodied
figures, disembodied screams echoing from the basement (once a livestock
ramp), and tools vanishing inexplicably. After the slaughterhouse
closed, it became a haven for vagrants, adding layers of "lost souls" to
the paranormal activity.
DB Searle's / Tequila Town (18 5th
Avenue South)
This historic building in downtown St. Cloud,
originally constructed in the early 1900s and once a funeral home, is
now Tequila Town restaurant but retains its spectral residents. Past
employees describe feelings of being watched, objects moving on their
own, and cold drafts in the upper floors. The structure's age and
mortuary past fuel legends of lingering spirits from embalmed bodies or
untimely deaths. Even after renovations, the hauntings persist, with
some attributing them to D.B. Searle himself, a prominent 19th-century
lawyer who witnessed Lincoln's assassination and whose legacy permeates
the site.
Molitor's Haunted Acres (Sauk Rapids, near St. Cloud)
While primarily a seasonal haunted attraction operating for over 25
years, Molitor's is believed to be genuinely haunted by "Ruby Sue," a
spirit tied to a 100-year-old house relocated to the property.
Paranormal investigators have conducted tests, confirming anomalies like
misplaced tools, unexplained music, eerie noises, and costume
disruptions during setup. The family owners embrace Ruby Sue as a
"resident" who doesn't pay rent but adds authenticity to the scares. The
20-acre site, once a pumpkin patch, now features zones like a toxic mine
shaft and zombie paintball, but the real ghost enhances its reputation
as central Minnesota's premier haunt.
Other notable legends include
the "Vampire Murder" on Beaver Island Trail, where teens killed a
homeless man in 2007, one licking blood from the knife; the unsolved
1974 murder of sisters Susanne and Mary Reker in Quarry Park; and the
"Smiley Face Killer" theory linking drownings of young men along I-94 to
a serial perpetrator. Forgotten graveyards, like those near 3rd Street
North and Cooper Avenue where remains have surfaced, add to the city's
pervasive ghostly aura.
Abandoned Places in St. Cloud
St.
Cloud's abandoned sites reflect economic declines, natural overgrowth,
and forgotten communities. Many are off-limits or dangerous, but their
ruins evoke a sense of lost time.
Sportsman's Island
This
island in the Mississippi River was once a bustling recreational hub in
the mid-20th century, hosting company picnics, ball games, and community
events with buildings, fields, and playgrounds. Use dwindled over
decades, and by the 1980s, it was largely forgotten. Today, it's
overgrown with vegetation, resembling a ghost town—abandoned structures
crumble amid dense foliage, and the connecting bridge's deck has been
removed, leaving only the frame. Owned by the St. Cloud Country Club,
it's inaccessible without a boat, but urban explorers report an eerie
silence broken by rustling wildlife. Nature has reclaimed it fully, with
remnants like rusted playground equipment hinting at its joyful past.
Old Electrolux Factory (8th and 33rd Street)
This sprawling
industrial site, once a manufacturing plant for appliances, has stood
vacant for years, its massive structure a symbol of St. Cloud's shifting
economy. Broken windows, graffiti, and debris litter the interior,
attracting squatters and photographers. Rumors of residual energy from
factory accidents add a haunted layer, though it's primarily known for
its abandonment.
St. Cloud Children's Home
Regarded as one of
the largest abandoned structures in the area, this former orphanage
evokes sadness with its decaying walls and empty rooms. Stories of
neglected children contribute to whispers of childlike apparitions,
though access is restricted due to safety concerns.
Other Local
Abandoned Spots
Abandoned Barn and Silo (Behind Advanced Care Pet
Hospital, Sartell): A collapsed barn and weathered silo, once part of a
farm, now rot in plain view—described as "neat but eerie" by locals.
Glass Business (Near Val’s): Vacant buildings with uncertain occupancy,
often explored for their creepy, time-capsule vibe.
Herberger's
Store: A former department store with open doors, its empty aisles and
dim lighting create a post-apocalyptic feel, though it's not fully
abandoned.
Ghost Towns in Stearns County
Stearns County's
"ghost towns"—vanished settlements near St. Cloud—highlight 19th-century
booms and busts tied to railroads and agriculture.
Georgeville
(Established 1888): Thrived with a bank, school, stores, and stockyards
until the 1930s Depression hit farming hard. It became a gambling den,
then a hippie commune in the 1960s, but by 2000, it was deemed
uninhabitable and demolished. Population once 25; now, untamed roads and
foundations remain.
Neenah (1857): A trading post south of St.
Augusta along Johnson's Creek, named for a Winnebago word meaning
"running water." It faded quickly, with only archival photos surviving.
Sauk City (1850): At the Sauk and Mississippi Rivers' confluence in
northeast St. Cloud, it included the Heim Milling Company but vanished
before 1900 as commerce shifted.
Leedstone: Precursor to modern St.
Martin; original plats and structures gone, absorbed into the renamed
town.
Fremont City: South of Clearwater, a short-lived residential
and commercial area named after General John C. Fremont, abandoned after
economic failure.
Pre-European Settlement and Native American Presence
The area now
known as St. Cloud, Minnesota, has a rich indigenous history predating
European arrival. Long before settlers, the land was inhabited by
several Native American tribes, primarily the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwe
(Chippewa). The confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers held
particular cultural and spiritual significance for the Dakota people,
who considered the region part of their homeland. Archaeological
evidence, such as burial mounds in central Minnesota, points to ancient
Woodland cultures—ancestors of the Ojibwe and Dakota—who built these
structures for ceremonial and burial purposes dating back centuries. The
Dakota maintained a strong presence in the Minnesota River Valley, using
the rivers for transportation, fishing, and trade. Conflicts between the
Dakota and Ojibwe over territory were common in the 18th and early 19th
centuries, influenced by the fur trade with European explorers. French
fur traders, such as those associated with the Northwest Company, began
interacting with these tribes in the 1700s, but permanent European
settlement didn't occur until the mid-19th century. Treaties like the
1851 Traverse des Sioux Treaty ceded much Dakota land to the U.S.
government, paving the way for white settlement and leading to tensions
that culminated in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
Early European
Settlement (1850s)
European-American settlement in the St. Cloud area
began in earnest around 1851, amid the westward expansion following
Minnesota's organization as a territory in 1849. The region's location
along the Mississippi River made it attractive for trade, agriculture,
and transportation. The city emerged from three distinct
settlements—Upper Town, Middle Town, and Lower Town—established between
1851 and 1855, divided by deep ravines that emptied into the river.
Upper Town (Acadia): Founded in 1853 by Sylvanus B. Lowry, a
pro-slavery Tennessean who brought enslaved people to the area despite
territorial laws prohibiting slavery. Lowry, a fur trader and
interpreter, attracted other Southerners, but the settlement remained
small and residential after many left during the Civil War.
Middle
Town: Established in 1853 by John Lyman Wilson, a millwright from Maine,
who purchased a 320-acre claim from Norwegian squatter Ole Bergeson for
$100. Wilson named the area after Saint-Cloud, a suburb of Paris,
France, reportedly inspired by a story involving Napoleon Bonaparte's
wife, Josephine. It attracted German Catholic immigrants, including
families led by John W. Tenvoorde, and became the commercial hub.
Lower Town (St. Cloud City): Platted in 1854 by George Fuller Brott, a
New Yorker, who bought a squatter's claim. It drew abolitionist New
Englanders and featured early infrastructure like the Stearns Hotel.
However, land title disputes with the railroad company stalled growth,
leading businesses to migrate to Middle Town.
These settlements
were initially independent, with economies based on fur trading,
logging, and farming in the surrounding tallgrass prairie and hardwood
forests. Ferry services across the Mississippi began in 1856, and
steamboats occasionally navigated the river, though low water levels
made it unreliable.
Unification and Early Growth (1856–1860s)
In March 1856, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature unified the three
towns into the single city of St. Cloud, adopting Wilson's name. The
population grew rapidly, supported by its position on the Red River
Trail, a major overland route for freight and stagecoaches operated by
figures like the Burbank brothers. St. Cloud became a trade and
processing center for the agricultural hinterland, with dairy farms and
wheat fields dominating the landscape.
Social tensions marked this
era. Abolitionist journalist Jane Grey Swisshelm arrived in 1857 and
founded the St. Cloud Visitor newspaper, using it to denounce slavery
and criticize Lowry, the city's first mayor. Her office was vandalized
in retaliation, but community support helped her rebound. Swisshelm
later left to aid the Union during the Civil War.
The U.S.-Dakota War
of 1862 brought conflict to the region. Triggered by broken treaties and
starvation among the Dakota, the uprising led to attacks on settlers.
St. Cloud served as a refuge for fleeing homesteaders, with
fortifications built around the city. The war ended with the mass
execution of 38 Dakota men in Mankato, and many Native people were
displaced.
Economic Boom and Industrialization (1870s–1920s)
Post-Civil War, St. Cloud experienced explosive growth. The arrival of
the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (later Great Northern) in the 1860s
connected the city to broader markets, boosting trade. In 1868, the
first granite quarry opened, earning St. Cloud the nickname "Granite
City." By 1920, over 20 quarries employed 2,500 workers, many Scottish
and Swedish immigrants. Local granite was used for landmarks like the
Cathedral of St. Paul and the Minnesota State Reformatory (built 1889 in
St. Cloud itself, featuring a massive granite wall). Quarry work was
hazardous, causing silicosis from dust inhalation until regulations in
the 1970s.
Education became a pillar: In 1869, residents funded the
Third State Normal School (now St. Cloud State University), initially in
a hotel before moving to a dedicated building in 1874. The campus
expanded alongside the city, incorporating neighborhoods and reflecting
Victorian and Craftsman architecture.
Other industries included
breweries, flour mills, iron works, and the Pan Motor Company
(1917–1919), which built worker housing in the Pantown Historic
District. Immigration waves brought Germans, Scandinavians, and Poles,
diversifying the population. By 1900, St. Cloud was one of Minnesota's
largest cities, with neighborhoods featuring mansions and worker
cottages.
A devastating tornado on April 14, 1886, struck St. Cloud
and nearby Sauk Rapids, killing 20 and injuring 75 in the city,
destroying buildings and altering development patterns, particularly in
East St. Cloud.
20th Century Challenges and Modern Era
(1930s–Present)
The Great Depression prompted Works Progress
Administration projects, like granite riverfront walls. During
Prohibition (1920–1933), St. Cloud's farmers produced "Minnesota 13"
moonshine from hybrid corn, often with lax enforcement.
Post-World
War II, the city annexed land to combat suburban sprawl and address
tax-exempt properties. The 1960s saw rapid expansion at St. Cloud State
University, transforming neighborhoods. The granite industry declined
mid-century due to competition from concrete, but remnants persist in
quarries and the Stearns History Museum.
Today, St. Cloud (population
~68,000 as of 2020) spans Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties. It's
a regional hub for healthcare (St. Cloud Hospital), education, and
manufacturing, with a diverse population including Somali immigrants
since the 1990s. Cultural institutions like the Paramount Center for the
Arts and events honoring Native heritage, such as exhibits at the
Stearns History Museum, preserve its layered past. The city's history
reflects broader American themes: indigenous displacement, immigrant
integration, industrial rise and fall, and resilience through natural
and social challenges.
St. Cloud is a city in central Minnesota, United States, serving as
the county seat of Stearns County while also extending into Benton and
Sherburne counties. It is positioned approximately 65 miles (105 km)
northwest of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, accessible via
major routes including Interstate 94, U.S. Route 10, and Minnesota State
Highway 23. The city's geographic coordinates are 45°32′03″N 94°10′18″W,
with an elevation of about 1,027 feet (313 m). As of the 2020 census,
the population was around 68,881, making it the 12th largest city in
Minnesota and the largest population center in the central region. The
total area spans 41.23 square miles (106.78 km²), of which 40.17 square
miles (104.04 km²) is land and 1.06 square miles (2.74 km²) is water,
reflecting its riverine setting.
St. Cloud is strategically located
at the junction of the Mississippi River and the Sauk River, which forms
the northern boundary of much of the city. This position along the upper
Mississippi has historically shaped its development, from early
settlements to modern infrastructure. The surrounding region is
characterized by dairy farming and grain production, indicative of the
fertile agricultural lands in central Minnesota.
The topography of St. Cloud is predominantly flat to gently rolling,
a result of glacial activity during the Wisconsin glaciation period
approximately 35,000 years ago. The city sits on a band of modern
Mississippi River sediment, encircled by areas scoured by ancient
glaciers from the Lake Superior St. Croix lobe, with glacial moraines
and drift deposits more prominent to the south and east from the Des
Moines lobe. Remnants of deep ravines are still evident, which
historically divided the city into three early settlements: Upper Town,
Middle Town, and Lower Town. These ravines highlight the erosive forces
that shaped the landscape over time.
The terrain lacks significant
topographic barriers, allowing for unobstructed movement of air masses,
which influences local weather patterns. Exposed granite bedrock,
estimated to be 1.7 billion years old, underlies parts of the area,
having been revealed after extensive erosion of overlying rock layers.
This geological feature has supported local quarrying industries.
Water features dominate St. Cloud's geography. The Mississippi River
bisects the city, with development occurring on both banks. The Sauk
River converges with the Mississippi here, enhancing the area's
hydrological significance. Just south of downtown lies Lake George, a
small but deep body of water measuring 7 acres and 35 feet in depth.
The Beaver Islands, a cluster of about 30 undeveloped islands in the
Mississippi near St. Cloud State University, form part of a 12-mile
designated wild and scenic river segment. This area attracts
recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing. Additionally, St.
Cloud operates Minnesota's largest municipally owned hydroelectric dam
on the Mississippi, producing nearly nine megawatts of electricity—about
10% of the state's total hydroelectric output from the river. These
water resources not only define the physical boundaries but also
contribute to local humidity and microclimates.
Geologically, St. Cloud's foundation is rooted in ancient processes,
with the exposed granite representing some of the oldest rock in the
region. Soils are influenced by glacial deposits, including river
sediments along the Mississippi, which provide fertile ground for
agriculture in the surrounding areas. The glacial moraines contribute to
varied soil types, ranging from loamy to sandy, supporting diverse land
uses from farming to urban development.
Vegetation reflects the
transition between prairie and forested zones in Minnesota. Native plant
life includes remnants of tallgrass prairies, with oaks, maples, and
other hardwoods in wooded areas along rivers. Urban green spaces, parks,
and the scenic river corridors preserve some natural vegetation, though
much of the landscape has been modified for agriculture and settlement.
St. Cloud experiences a warm summer humid continental climate
(Köppen: Dfb), characterized by significant seasonal variations. Winters
are cold, with average January temperatures around 11.6°F (−11.3°C), and
summers are warm, peaking at about 70.3°F (21.3°C) in July. Extreme
temperatures have ranged from a record high of 107°F (42°C) to a low of
−43°F (−42°C). The city sees an average of 167 days below 32°F (0°C)
annually and about 7 days exceeding 90°F (32°C).
Annual precipitation
averages 28.49 inches (724 mm), with 110.5 days of measurable
precipitation. Snowfall totals around 47.9 inches (122 cm) over 36 snowy
days. Summers bring humid conditions, with heat indices sometimes over
120°F (49°C), and thunderstorms accounting for much of the rainfall. The
flat terrain allows cold arctic air from Canada to penetrate easily,
leading to severe wind chills in winter. Average relative humidity is
68.8%, with seasonal dew point fluctuations.
St. Cloud's urban layout is river-oriented, with downtown areas clustered near the Mississippi. Historical ravines have been integrated into the city's fabric, now often bridged by infrastructure. The metropolitan area blends urban, suburban, and rural elements, with agricultural lands dominating the periphery. Land use patterns reflect a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones, supported by the fertile soils and water access. The city's growth has emphasized sustainable river management, including hydroelectric power and recreational spaces.
Stephen Miller (1816–1881), Governor of Minnesota
George Ross
Smith (1864–1952), politician
Louis L. Collins (1882–1950),
politician
June Marlowe (1903–1984), actress
Gig Young
(1913–1978), actor
Ed Henry (1921–2010), political scientist,
university lecturer and local politician
David Durenberger
(1934–2023), politician
Greg Mortenson (born 1957), philanthropist
Joel Gretsch (born 1963), actor
Ginger Helgeson-Nielsen (born 1968),
tennis player
Cory Laylin (born 1970), ice hockey player
Kurt
Sauer (born 1981), ice hockey player
Chris Harrington (born 1982),
ice hockey player
Michael Sauer (born 1987), ice hockey player
Anne Schleper (born 1990), ice hockey player
Nate Schmidt (born
1991), ice hockey player