The commercial hub of central Minnesota is St. Cloud, the third largest city in the state outside the Twin Cities area. The Mississippi River runs through St. Cloud and on the banks lie the spectacular Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, colorful from spring until fall. Visit author Sinclair Lewis’ boyhood home or a state historic site. Take a bike ride, a hike or cross-country ski on a trail through the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

In the heart of the region are the small communities of New London, where waterski shows are weekly in the summer, and Spicer, where the whole family can have fun with a waterslide and miniature golf.

Whether your vacation calls for learning a bit of Minnesota history, water adventures or just relaxing, the West Central Lakes area of Minnesota has something for everyone to enjoy.