What is the nickname of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and what is the origin of this nickname?

St. Cloud, Minnesota, is nicknamed "The Granite City." This moniker originates from the granite quarries that have been operational in the area since the 1880s.

What is the approximate population of St. Cloud, Minnesota, according to the 2020 census, and how does it rank in terms of population within the state?

According to the 2020 census, St. Cloud had a population of 68,881 residents. This made it the 12th most populous city in Minnesota at that time.

Which counties does St. Cloud, Minnesota, extend into?

St. Cloud is primarily located in Stearns County, where it serves as the county seat. However, the city also extends into Benton County and Sherburne County.

What river runs through St. Cloud, Minnesota, and what is the origin of the city's name?

The Mississippi River flows through St. Cloud, Minnesota. The city is named after Saint-Cloud, a suburb of Paris, France, which itself is named after the 6th-century monk Clodoald.

What is the estimated population of the St. Cloud metropolitan area, and how does it rank among Minnesota's metropolitan statistical areas?

The St. Cloud metropolitan area has an estimated population of around 206,000 residents. This makes it the fifth-largest metropolitan statistical area in Minnesota.

How far is St. Cloud, Minnesota, from the Twin Cities, and what major transportation routes connect them?

St. Cloud is located approximately 65 miles (105 km) northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It is connected by Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 52 (which runs concurrently with I-94), U.S. Highway 10, Minnesota State Highway 15, and Minnesota State Highway 23.

What is the significance of the Beaver Islands in St. Cloud?

The Beaver Islands are a group of about 30 undeveloped islands located in the Mississippi River near St. Cloud State University. They are part of a 12-mile designated wild and scenic river segment and are a destination for kayakers and canoeists.

What role did indigenous peoples play in the history of the St. Cloud area?

The area that is now St. Cloud was inhabited by various indigenous peoples for thousands of years. French voyageurs and coureurs des bois first encountered the Ojibwe and Dakota people there through the North American fur trade.

When was the Minnesota Territory organized, and what treaty opened the St. Cloud area to homesteading?

The Minnesota Territory was organized in 1849. The St. Cloud area became available for homesteading after the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed with the Dakota people in 1851.

Who named St. Cloud, and what was the inspiration for the name?

John L. Wilson, a homesteader from Maine with French Huguenot ancestry, named the settlement St. Cloud. He chose the name after Saint-Cloud, a Paris suburb where Napoleon Bonaparte had a favored palace.

How did St. Cloud serve as a waystation for traders in the 19th century?

St. Cloud was a crucial waystation on the Red River Trails, used by Métis traders. These traders, often traveling in large oxcart trains known as Red River carts, transported furs and supplies between the Canadian border near Pembina, North Dakota, and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

From which three distinct settlements did the City of St. Cloud develop?

The City of St. Cloud, incorporated in 1856, developed from three separate settlements established by European-American settlers starting in 1853: Upper Town, Middle Town, and Lower Town.

What were the primary demographic differences between the early settlements of Middle Town and Lower Town in St. Cloud?

Middle Town was primarily settled by German Catholic immigrants and migrants from eastern states, often recruited by Father Francis Xavier Pierz. Lower Town was founded by Protestant settlers from New England and the mid-Atlantic states, who were notably opposed to slavery.

Who was Sylvanus Lowry, and what role did he play in the early history of St. Cloud?

Sylvanus Lowry was a slaveholder and trader from Kentucky who plotted Upper Town (also known as Arcadia) in St. Cloud. He brought enslaved people with him, despite Minnesota being a free territory, and served on the territorial council and as the first president of the newly formed town council in 1856.

What conflict arose between Jane Grey Swisshelm and Sylvanus Lowry in early St. Cloud?

Jane Grey Swisshelm, an abolitionist newspaper editor, frequently criticized Sylvanus Lowry in print. In response, Lowry organized a vigilante group that raided her newspaper office and threw her printing press into the Mississippi River.

How did the U.S. Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision impact St. Cloud?

The Dred Scott decision in 1857, which ruled that enslaved people could not file freedom suits and found the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, made the territory's prohibition against slavery unenforceable. Consequently, most Southerners living in the St. Cloud area left with their enslaved people when the Civil War began.

What is the significance of the Lincoln statue near the St. Germain Street bridge in St. Cloud?

The statue near the St. Germain Street bridge honors U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. It was funded and erected by local Civil War veterans who were active in the Grand Army of the Republic chapter in St. Cloud.

Who was Stephen Miller, and what is his connection to St. Cloud?

Stephen Miller, a "Pennsylvania German businessman," lawyer, writer, and abolitionist, served as the Governor of Minnesota for two years, from 1864 to 1866. He is the only citizen of St. Cloud to have held the office of governor.

Why did steamboat traffic to St. Cloud end?

Steamboat traffic, which was important for fur trade and commerce, regularly docked at St. Cloud. However, this activity ceased after the construction of the Coon Rapids Dam between 1912 and 1914, which likely affected river navigation.

What is the geological age of the granite bedrock found in the St. Cloud area?

The granite bedrock quarried in the St. Cloud area is estimated to be 1.7 billion years old. This ancient bedrock was exposed after millions of years of erosion removed the rock layers above it.

What is the Köppen climate classification for St. Cloud, Minnesota, and what does it signify?

St. Cloud, Minnesota, falls under the warm summer humid continental climate zone, designated as Dfb by the Köppen climate classification. This classification indicates that the city experiences warm summers and cold winters, typically with moderate to heavy snowfall.

What were the average January and July temperatures in St. Cloud, based on the provided data?

Based on the climate data, the average daily mean temperature in St. Cloud is 11.6 °F (-11.3 °C) in January and 70.3 °F (21.3 °C) in July.

What is the average annual precipitation and snowfall for St. Cloud, Minnesota?

St. Cloud receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 28.49 inches (724 mm). The average annual snowfall is around 47.9 inches (122 cm).

How has the racial and ethnic composition of St. Cloud changed between 2000 and 2020?

Between 2000 and 2020, St. Cloud experienced significant demographic shifts. The White population decreased from 91.12% to 67.71%, while the Black or African American population increased substantially from 2.33% to 19.13%. The Hispanic or Latino population also nearly tripled, growing from 1.33% to 4.12%.

What is the primary source of recent immigration to St. Cloud, Minnesota?

In recent decades, particularly since the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the predominant group of new residents immigrating to St. Cloud has been from Africa, with a significant number coming from Somalia.

What was the average annual wage in St. Cloud, Minnesota, as of May 2020?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for employees across all occupations in St. Cloud was $50,800 as of May 2020. The median hourly wage during that period was $24.42.

Which organizations are listed as the top employers in St. Cloud, Minnesota?

The top employers in St. Cloud include CentraCare Health System (St. Cloud Hospital), the State of Minnesota/St. Cloud State University, the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, St. Cloud School District, New Flyer of America Inc., Anderson Trucking, Stearns County, Essilor of America, Coborn's Inc, and the City of St. Cloud.

What cultural and recreational institutions are highlighted in St. Cloud?

St. Cloud features institutions such as the St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center, the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the St. Cloud Commercial Historic District, the Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center, the Great River Regional Library, the Stearns History Museum, and the Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens.

What is the significance of the Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center in St. Cloud?

The Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center is a restored venue, originally built in 1921. It seats 706 people and serves as a central location for performing and visual arts activities in the St. Cloud region.

What is the capacity of the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, and when was it renovated?

The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center has a seating capacity of 5,763. It underwent a significant renovation and expansion costing $18 million between 2012 and 2013.

What other junior ice hockey teams are mentioned in relation to St. Cloud?

In addition to the St. Cloud Norsemen (Tier II junior hockey), the Granite City Lumberjacks are mentioned as a Tier III junior hockey team based in nearby Sauk Rapids.

What collegiate summer baseball team plays in St. Cloud, and where do they play?

The St. Cloud Rox, formerly known as the River Bats, are a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League. They compete at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.

What is the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon, and who organizes it?

The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon is an annual event organized by the Saint Cloud River Runners club. It is known for its straight, quiet, and mostly flat route through central Minnesota and serves as a Boston-qualifying race.

How large is the city's park system in terms of acreage and number of parks?

The city of St. Cloud maintains a substantial park system, comprising 95 parks that total over 1,400 acres (5.7 km²). These parks vary in size, from small neighborhood parks to the larger 243-acre developed Whitney Memorial Park.

Who is the current mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota?

As of 2025, the mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota, is Jake Anderson.

What is the Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud, and when was it established?

The Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud is a state prison established in 1889. It currently houses approximately 1,000 prisoners.

In which U.S. Congressional district is St. Cloud located, and who is its current representative?

As of the 2020 census, St. Cloud is the second-largest city within Minnesota's 6th congressional district. This district is represented by Republican Tom Emmer.

Which state legislative districts encompass St. Cloud, and who are their current representatives?

St. Cloud is primarily within Minnesota State Senate District 14, represented by Aric Putnam. Minnesota House District 14A is represented by Bernie Perryman, and District 14B is represented by Dan Wolgamott.

What renewable energy initiatives has St. Cloud implemented?

In 2016, St. Cloud transitioned to using 80% renewable energy through initiatives like solar gardens, improved street lighting, and utilizing bio-gas. Additionally, the city's wastewater plant converts sugar-laden liquids from food and beer manufacturers into fuel and fertilizer, enabling the city to produce more energy than it consumes since 2020.

How did St. Cloud vote in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. Presidential elections?

In the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, Donald Trump won St. Cloud by a margin of 1.75% over Hillary Clinton. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won St. Cloud with a margin of 9%, which was larger than his statewide margin.

What are the primary home languages spoken by students in the St. Cloud Public School District?

The primary home languages reported by students in the St. Cloud Public School District are English (62.5%), Somali (27.9%), Spanish (4.50%), Vietnamese (0.78%), and other languages (4.30%).

Which are the two main public high schools in the St. Cloud Area School District?

The two main public high schools serving St. Cloud are St. Cloud Technical High School and St. Cloud Apollo High School. Both schools are noted for offering a wide selection of Advanced Placement courses.

Besides St. Cloud State University, what other higher education institutions are located in or near St. Cloud?

In addition to St. Cloud State University, the city hosts St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) and Rasmussen College. Nearby institutions include the College of St. Scholastica in Sartell, and the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in St. Joseph and Collegeville, respectively.

What is the main newspaper serving St. Cloud, and what recent changes has it undergone?

The primary newspaper for St. Cloud is the St. Cloud Times, a daily publication owned by Gannett. In the early 2020s, Gannett significantly reduced the paper's operations, cutting most local news reporting.

What radio stations are mentioned as serving St. Cloud?

St. Cloud is served by numerous radio stations, including KVSC (college radio), MPR News and The Current (public radio), KSJR (Classical MPR), various Christian radio stations, sports radio stations like KXSS, classic rock stations like WXYG, adult contemporary stations like KMXK, and news/talk stations like WJON and KNSI.

What public transportation services are available in St. Cloud?

St. Cloud offers bus service through St. Cloud Metro Bus, which connects the city with neighboring communities and was recognized for its efficiency. The Metro Bus Transit Center also serves as a hub for Jefferson Lines, providing national bus service, and connects to the Northstar Commuter Rail via the Northstar Link bus.

What passenger rail service stops in St. Cloud?

St. Cloud is a stop on Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger rail line, with the St. Cloud station serving as a key point along the route.

What airlines have provided service from St. Cloud Regional Airport?

St. Cloud Regional Airport has seen service from Delta Connection (operated by Mesaba Airlines) until January 1, 2010. Subsequently, Allegiant Air began offering nonstop flights to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport starting in December 2012.

Can you name three notable people from St. Cloud, Minnesota, and their fields of achievement?

St. Cloud has been home to many notable individuals, including Halima Aden, a model and the first Somali-American to compete for Miss Minnesota; Stephen Miller, who served as the Governor of Minnesota; and Gig Young, an Academy Award-winning actor born in St. Cloud.

St. Cloud Minnesota Wiki: St. Cloud: Minnesota's Granite City Unveiled

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Historical Trajectory

Indigenous and Early Encounters

The region now known as St. Cloud was historically inhabited by various indigenous peoples for millennia. Early European engagement, primarily through the North American fur trade, brought French voyageurs and coureurs des bois into contact with the Ojibwe and Dakota nations. The organization of the Minnesota Territory in 1849 and the subsequent Treaty of Traverse des Sioux in 1851 opened the area to homesteading by European-American settlers.

Founding and Settlement Dynamics

John L. Wilson, a settler of Yankee and Huguenot descent, established the settlement and named it St. Cloud, drawing inspiration from Saint-Cloud, France. The city's development from three distinct settlements—Upper, Middle, and Lower Town—was influenced by diverse immigrant groups. Middle Town attracted German Catholic immigrants, facilitated by missionary Father Francis Xavier Pierz, while Lower Town was settled by Protestant migrants from the northeastern United States, who held anti-slavery sentiments. Upper Town, founded by Sylvanus Lowry, a slaveholder from Kentucky, became a point of contention, notably involving abolitionist editor Jane Grey Swisshelm.

Growth and Industrialization

St. Cloud served as a crucial waystation on the Red River Trails, utilized by Métis traders for their extensive oxcart trains. The city's incorporation in 1856 marked a formal beginning, followed by its development as a hub for granite quarrying, which earned it the moniker "The Granite City." Early 20th-century ventures, such as Samuel Pandolfo's Pan Motor Company, aimed to establish St. Cloud as an industrial center, though these efforts faced challenges, including wartime resource diversion and business failure.

Geographic Context

Location and Topography

St. Cloud is strategically situated in central Minnesota, spanning across Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties. The city is bisected by the Mississippi River, with the Sauk River forming part of its northern boundary. Its geographical position places it approximately 65 miles northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, accessible via major transportation corridors.

Geological and Hydrological Features

The city's bedrock, estimated to be 1.7 billion years old, was exposed through extensive erosion. St. Cloud is situated on modern Mississippi River sediment, surrounded by land shaped by multiple glacial advances during the Wisconsin Age. Notable features include Lake George, a small but ecologically significant urban lake that has benefited from city-led stormwater management initiatives, leading to improved water quality.

Climatic Profile

Köppen Classification and Seasonal Extremes

St. Cloud experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb), characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Mean monthly temperatures range significantly, from approximately 11.6 °F (−11.3 °C) in January to 70.3 °F (21.3 °C) in July. The region records substantial snowfall, with average annual accumulation around 47.9 inches (122 cm).

Climate data for St. Cloud Regional Airport, Minnesota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1894–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	56 (13)	59 (15)	81 (27)	96 (36)	105 (41)	102 (39)	107 (42)	105 (41)	106 (41)	90 (32)	76 (24)	63 (17)	107 (42)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	41.9 (5.5)	45.1 (7.3)	61.0 (16.1)	78.1 (25.6)	88.3 (31.3)	92.4 (33.6)	92.6 (33.7)	90.8 (32.7)	87.2 (30.7)	79.3 (26.3)	59.9 (15.5)	44.4 (6.9)	95.1 (35.1)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	20.7 (−6.3)	25.7 (−3.5)	38.5 (3.6)	54.3 (12.4)	67.8 (19.9)	77.2 (25.1)	81.6 (27.6)	79.2 (26.2)	71.0 (21.7)	55.9 (13.3)	39.3 (4.1)	25.8 (−3.4)	53.1 (11.7)
Daily mean °F (°C)	11.8 (−11.2)	16.1 (−8.8)	29.2 (−1.6)	43.3 (6.3)	56.2 (13.4)	66.0 (18.9)	70.3 (21.3)	67.7 (19.8)	59.5 (15.3)	45.7 (7.6)	30.9 (−0.6)	17.8 (−7.9)	42.9 (6.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	2.9 (−16.2)	6.5 (−14.2)	19.8 (−6.8)	32.4 (0.2)	44.6 (7.0)	54.8 (12.7)	58.9 (14.9)	56.3 (13.5)	48.0 (8.9)	35.5 (1.9)	22.6 (−5.2)	9.8 (−12.3)	32.7 (0.4)
Record low °F (°C)	−43 (−42)	−40 (−40)	−32 (−36)	−3 (−19)	18 (−8)	32 (0)	40 (4)	33 (1)	18 (−8)	5 (−15)	−23 (−31)	−41 (−41)	−43 (−42)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.67 (17)	0.76 (19)	1.57 (40)	2.61 (66)	3.66 (93)	3.75 (95)	3.60 (91)	4.00 (102)	3.01 (76)	2.61 (66)	1.37 (35)	0.88 (22)	28.49 (724)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	8.8 (22)	8.9 (23)	8.2 (21)	4.7 (12)	0.1 (0.25)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	1.0 (2.5)	6.9 (18)	9.3 (24)	47.9 (122)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	7.8	6.4	8.3	9.7	11.4	12.3	10.6	9.3	10.0	9.7	7.3	7.7	110.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	8.5	6.4	5.0	2.2	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.9	4.6	8.2	36.0
Average relative humidity (%)	70.0	66.1	67.3	65.8	62.0	67.3	67.7	69.5	73.5	68.3	73.3	75.2	68.8
Average dew point °F (°C)	−0.9 (−18.3)	4.6 (−15.2)	17.4 (−8.1)	30.6 (−0.8)	40.5 (4.7)	52.0 (11.1)	59.2 (15.1)	56.7 (13.7)	48.4 (9.1)	36.1 (2.3)	23.0 (−5.0)	12.7 (−10.7)	31.7 (0.2)
Source: NOAA (relative humidity and dew point 1961–1990)

Demographic Landscape

Population Trends and Diversity

St. Cloud's population has shown consistent growth, reaching 68,881 residents by the 2020 census, making it Minnesota's 12th most populous city. The city's demographic profile has evolved significantly, particularly in the early 21st century, with a notable increase in its Black or African American population, largely attributed to immigration from Somalia. This demographic shift has reshaped the city's cultural and social dynamics.

Ethnic Composition and Immigration

Historically a destination for European immigrants, St. Cloud has more recently become a significant center for Somali Americans. While the White population constituted approximately 91.12% in 2000, it decreased to 67.71% by 2020. Concurrently, the Black or African American population surged from 2.33% to 19.13% during the same period. The Hispanic or Latino population also experienced substantial growth.

Demographic Composition of St. Cloud, MN
Race/ethnicity
	2000		2010		2020
	Number	%	Number	%	Number	%
White alone	53,857	91.12%	54,854	83.31%	46,641	67.71%
Black alone	1,378	2.33%	5,101	7.75%	13,180	19.13%
Native American alone	402	0.68%	398	0.61%	337	0.49%
Asian alone	1,833	3.10%	2,393	3.64%	2,404	3.49%
Pacific Islander alone	31	0.05%	16	0.03%	51	0.07%
Other race alone	60	0.10%	54	0.08%	314	0.46%
Two or more races	762	1.29%	1,429	2.17%	2,116	3.07%
Hispanic or Latino	784	1.33%	1,597	2.43%	2,838	4.12%
Total	59,107	100.00%	65,842	100.00%	68,881	100.00%

Economic Foundation

Key Employers and Sectors

St. Cloud's economy is anchored by major institutions in healthcare, education, and government. CentraCare Health System, encompassing St. Cloud Hospital, is the largest employer. St. Cloud State University and the St. Cloud VA Health Care System are also significant contributors to local employment. The city's industrial base includes manufacturing, notably New Flyer of America Inc. (bus manufacturing), and Anderson Trucking, reflecting a diverse economic structure.

Retail and Commercial Activity

The city supports a robust retail sector, featuring major shopping complexes such as Midtown Square Mall and Crossroads Center, which collectively house a substantial number of businesses and services, catering to both local residents and regional visitors.

Cultural Contributions

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

St. Cloud boasts a rich cultural tapestry, evident in its significant landmarks and institutions. The Cathedral of Saint Mary, an example of Italian Romanesque architecture, serves as the ecclesiastical center for the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud. The St. Cloud Commercial Historic District is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the city's architectural heritage. The Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center, a restored 1921 venue, is a focal point for performing arts.

Libraries and Museums

The Great River Regional Library system provides extensive resources across six counties, housing nearly a million items and offering numerous public programs. The Stearns History Museum, an accredited institution, features exhibits and research facilities within a natural park setting, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of regional history.

Athletic Pursuits

Collegiate and Junior Hockey

St. Cloud is a significant center for collegiate athletics, particularly through St. Cloud State University's NCAA Division I ice hockey programs. The men's team competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, having achieved national recognition, including a championship game appearance. The women's team participates in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The city also hosts junior hockey teams, such as the St. Cloud Norsemen (Tier II) and the Granite City Lumberjacks (Tier III) in nearby Sauk Rapids.

Baseball, Soccer, and More

The St. Cloud Rox, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Northwoods League, play at Joe Faber Field. The city also supports minor league soccer through Granite City FC, competing in the UPSL. Additionally, the Saint Cloud River Runners club organizes the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon, a Boston-qualifying event, and the Saint Cloud Area Roller Dolls contribute to the local sports scene with flat-track roller derby.

Recreational Spaces

Municipal Park System

The city of St. Cloud manages an extensive park system comprising 95 parks, covering over 1,400 acres. These spaces range from small neighborhood parks to larger recreational areas like Whitney Memorial Park, which features a senior recreation center, a dog park, and extensive athletic fields, underscoring the city's commitment to public recreation and green spaces.

Civic Administration

Governance and Infrastructure

St. Cloud is governed by a mayor and city council. The city operates the St. Cloud Metro Bus system, recognized for its efficiency and innovation. Significant public infrastructure includes the St. Cloud Regional Airport and the Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud, established in 1889. The city has also made substantial strides in sustainability, converting to 80% renewable energy through initiatives like solar gardens and biogas utilization, positioning itself as an energy-producing entity since 2020.

Political Representation

St. Cloud's congressional and state legislative districts have shifted over time due to redistricting. As of recent configurations, the city is largely represented within Minnesota's 6th congressional district and specific state senate and house districts, reflecting its role as a key population center within these electoral boundaries.

Political Affiliations

Electoral Trends

Presidential election results in St. Cloud indicate a closely contested political landscape, often mirroring or slightly diverging from statewide trends. Recent elections show shifts in party support, with both Democratic and Republican candidates securing majorities in different cycles, reflecting the city's dynamic political character.

Presidential Election Results in St. Cloud
Year	Republican	Democratic	Third parties
2020	43.9% 14,209	52.9% 17,149	3.2% 1,036
2016	45.7% 14,401	44.0% 13,850	10.3% 3,254
2012	44.5% 14,295	52.3% 16,835	3.2% 1,032

Educational Institutions

Higher Education Hub

St. Cloud is a significant educational center, home to St. Cloud State University (SCSU), Minnesota's third-largest public university, offering a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs. Complementing SCSU are St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) and Rasmussen College. The surrounding area further enhances educational opportunities with campuses from the College of St. Scholastica and the renowned College of St. Benedict and St. John's University.

K-12 School Systems

The St. Cloud Public School District serves the majority of the city and surrounding areas, operating multiple elementary schools, a K-8 school, and two comprehensive high schools: St. Cloud Technical High School and St. Cloud Apollo High School. Both public high schools are recognized for their strong performance in Advanced Placement programs. Cathedral High School provides a significant private educational option.

Media Landscape

Print and Broadcast

The primary local newspaper is the St. Cloud Times, a Gannett publication that has undergone significant downsizing in recent years, reducing local news coverage. While St. Cloud is part of the larger Twin Cities television market, local broadcast presence includes low-power stations and university-operated cable channels like UTVS from St. Cloud State University. The city's radio market is diverse, featuring numerous FM and AM stations offering a variety of formats, from news/talk and sports to contemporary Christian music and classic rock.

Transportation Network

Roadways and Public Transit

St. Cloud serves as a key transportation nexus, intersected by major highways including Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 10, and Minnesota State Highways 15 and 23. The St. Cloud Metro Bus provides essential public transit services within the city and to neighboring communities, recognized for its operational excellence. The city is also connected to the Twin Cities transit system via the Northstar Link Commuter Bus.

Rail and Air Connectivity

The city is a stop on Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger rail line, offering intercity travel. St. Cloud Regional Airport provides regional air connectivity, historically offering flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and more recently Allegiant Air service to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Notable Figures

Contributions Across Fields

St. Cloud has been the birthplace or home to numerous individuals who have made significant contributions across various domains. These include figures in civil rights activism (Mathew Ahmann), academia (George Annas), politics (David Durenberger, Stephen Miller), sports (Tom Burgmeier, Jim Eisenreich, Nate Schmidt, Alise Willoughby), arts and entertainment (June Marlowe, John McMartin, Stephen Sommers), and media (Jane Grey Swisshelm). The presence of multiple professional athletes and Olympians highlights the city's impact on national and international stages.

International Ties

Global Partnerships

St. Cloud maintains sister city relationships that foster international cultural exchange and understanding. These partnerships include Spalt, Bavaria, Germany; Akita, Japan; and Saint-Cloud, France, the city after which St. Cloud is named, reinforcing its historical and cultural connections across continents.

Cultural References

Depictions in Media

St. Cloud has served as a setting or inspiration for various works of popular culture. Scenes from the Disney film The Mighty Ducks were filmed in the vicinity, and the city is referenced in the film Juno as "East Jesus Nowhere." The drag-racing film Catch Me If You Can was both set and filmed in St. Cloud. Furthermore, the character Marshall Eriksen from the sitcom How I Met Your Mother hails from St. Cloud, providing a fictionalized portrayal of the city in popular media.

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References

U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: St. Cloud, Minnesota

National Weather Service, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, Mississippi River at St. Cloud

City of St. Cloud, Public Utilities,

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) "Operating Hydropower Sites In Minnesota"

William Bell Mitchell (1915), History of Stearns County; Volume I, H.R. Cooper & Co. Chicago. Pages 26-35.

William Bell Mitchell (1915), History of Stearns County; Volume I, H.R. Cooper & Co. Chicago. Pages 35-38.

William Bell Mitchell (1915), History of Stearns County; Volume I, H.R. Cooper & Co. Chicago. Pages 645-646.

"3 Towns Into 1 City, A Narrative Record of Significant Factors in The Story Of St. Cloud Minnesota."

The St Cloud Area Bicentennial Commission, "3 Towns Into 1 City, A Narrative Record of Significant Factors in THE STORY OF ST. CLOUD MINNESOTA", Compiled and Narrated by John J Dominik, Jr, Editor Ed L Stockinger, page 3.

St. Cloud City website Document Center

William Bell Mitchell (1915), History of Stearns County; Volume I, H.R. Cooper & Co. Chicago. Pages 628-635.

William Bell Mitchell (1915), History of Stearns County; Volume II, H.R. Cooper & Co. Chicago. Pages 1465-1467.

John J. Dominik Jr., "Three Towns Into One City", St. Cloud, Minnesota: St Cloud Area Bicentennial Commission, 1976, p. 13

LakeFinder, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Richard W. Ojakangas, Roadside Geology of Minnesota, 2009, glacial history of Minnesota, page 26, "Glacial geology of central Minnesota - modified from Hobbs and Goebel,1982, page 196, granite dating, page 204

Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2020 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates St. Cloud, MN

City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority Employment Report https://www.developstcloud.com/workforce/major-employers/

Minnesota's congressional districts

[1]|"Looking for Census 2020 data? Here is what you need to know" Minnesota State Demographic Center

[2]|MN Secretary of State Election Administration

[3]|MN Secretary of State Legislative Maps Senate District 14 map

[4]|MN Secretary of State Legislative Maps Senate District 14A map

[5]|MN Secretary of State Legislative Maps Senate District 14B map

[6]|"Which St. Cloud suburb went for Democrat Joe Biden? And other election take-aways", Nora Hertel, Government Watchdog Report, St Cloud Times, 11/14/2020

See "Decline and Downsizing" section, St. Cloud Times

"Olympian Anne Schleper Retires", USA Hockey 2/15/17

Jim Maurice, This date in Central Minnesota History: Jan. 31st and Feb. 1st, 1992, WJON News, January 31, 2018.

Storytelling Tips From Juno (2007) Slap Happy Larry

A full list of references for this article are available at the St. Cloud, Minnesota Wikipedia page

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St. Cloud: Minnesota's Granite City Unveiled

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Historical Trajectory ⏳

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🏘️ Founding and Settlement Dynamics

🚂 Growth and Industrialization

Geographic Context 🏞️

📍 Location and Topography

🏞️ Geological and Hydrological Features

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Demographic Landscape 👥

📈 Population Trends and Diversity

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Recreational Spaces 🌳

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Notable Figures 👤

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Trajectory

Indigenous and Early Encounters

Founding and Settlement Dynamics

Growth and Industrialization

Geographic Context

Location and Topography

Geological and Hydrological Features

Climatic Profile

Köppen Classification and Seasonal Extremes

Demographic Landscape

Population Trends and Diversity

Ethnic Composition and Immigration

Economic Foundation

Key Employers and Sectors

Retail and Commercial Activity

Cultural Contributions

Architectural and Artistic Heritage

Libraries and Museums

Athletic Pursuits

Collegiate and Junior Hockey

Baseball, Soccer, and More

Recreational Spaces

Municipal Park System

Civic Administration

Governance and Infrastructure

Political Representation

Political Affiliations

Electoral Trends

Educational Institutions

Higher Education Hub

K-12 School Systems

Media Landscape

Print and Broadcast

Transportation Network

Roadways and Public Transit

Rail and Air Connectivity

Notable Figures

Contributions Across Fields

International Ties

Global Partnerships

Cultural References

Depictions in Media

Further Exploration

Related Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice