Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, the beautiful Wilson Regional Park located in St. Cloud, Minnesota has just about all you could want out of a park! At this city park, you’ll find a playground, shelter, grills, picnic areas, dog park, boating ramp, fishing, volleyball, tennis, baseball, basketball and more!
Address: 625 Riverside Drive NE, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Website: Wilson Park
Cost: Free. Shelter rentals vary depending on size of group. A 20% fee will be added to non St. Cloud residents.
Bathrooms: Porta potty. Unless you rent the shelter, then there are flushing toilets.
Drinking Fountains: There is a drinking fountain located on the side of the shelter closest to the parking lot.
Amenities: Boating, Fishing, Dog Park, Grilling, Picnic, Shelter, Playground, Sand Volleyball, Horse Shoes, Basketball, Tennis, Baseball field, green space.
When it comes to local parks in Saint Cloud, MN, Wilson Regional Park is one of the most popular in the city! Despite being one of the few parks that does not have a splash pad or wading pool, this city park offers just about everything you could want in a public park!
Located down a fairly steep hill, Wilson Park is beautifully positioned along the banks of the Mississippi River. Known as a great place for field trips, parties, 4th of July and family reunions, there is enough here to keep everyone busy!
We love to visit Wilson Park with friends for play dates and enjoy at least one grilled out picnic each summer!
Despite having it all, the main drawbacks are the toilets (or lack of) and ability to enjoy a safe kid friendly water activity like a splash pad or swimming pool.
One last tip before you go. This park is gated off. So if you come before 10 am, you’ll have to walk down the hill as there is a crossing bar that blocks cars from entering the park. There was a sign on the crossing gate that indicated that if you got locked into the park, the arm would still open to allow you out. Though I do not know this for 100% certain.
Playground Equipment:
Wilson Park offers many ADA accessible features. With more ADA accessible features than any other local park that I know of, this is truly a park for all.
7 slides, two ramps, teeter totters, swaying bench, climbing structures, bars, swings and musical toys are all what make this park so much fun for kids of all ages!
As a parent, there are so many things that I love about this park that my kids don’t even notice.
- The fake grass!! beneath the fake grass is padding! Which makes falling down and grass stains something I no longer worry about! It also means no bark dust all over my children’s clothing!
- The main bulk of playground equipment are all in one area. There is another small area for additional swings and a stand and spin, but other than that, everything is close!
- Benches! There are benches to set your tired bum down on! Scattered throughout the park, these benches are a lifesaver if you’ve had an exhausting day!
- ADA Features include: 2 rams, toys that can be played with by anyone like a race car game or bead spinner. As well as swings that are designed for those who cannot use a traditional swings.
- There is a small area that is designed for toddlers, which is close enough to the playground for older kids so you don’t have to be in two places at once!
Basket Ball & Tennis Courts:
When you enter the park, instead of turning left towards the main parking lot, continue straight at the fork in the road. The tennis courts and basketball courts will be located to your right.
As is typical in Saint Cloud, the basketball and tennis courts are combined. Which means if someone is playing Tennis, you can’t play basketball – and vice versa. You’ll need to bring your own equipment to play either sport.
Sand Volleyball Court:
Ah, the volleyball court! My children and I have played a mini game of basic volleyball on this court with a beach ball. However it is more traditionally used as a children’s sand pit!
Bring your shovels and pails and dig! Kids of all ages love sinking their toes into the sand volleyball pit at Wilson Park!
Baseball / Softball / Kickball Field:
Located close to the Tennis and Basketball Court, the Baseball fields are quite green. Meaning, gently used. There are no bases that I could see so you’ll need to provide your own equipment.
However there is a distinct basketball or softball or even kickball field. Wilson park comes with an impressive amount of green space so unless Babe Ruth is on your team, you should be safely out of the playground zone for home run hits!
Picnic & Grilling Areas:
Wilson Park is a favorite picnic spot for my family. With plenty of charcoal grills scattered throughout the park, you’re sure to find one available for your use! Each grill and picnic area is on a first come, first serve basis.
And you must bring your own charcoal and equipment. The grills are not cleaned between each use as it is a public park. Because of this, I recommend a grilling mat or non-stick foil to cook your food on.
There are usually picnic benches close to each grill. However if one is not near by, I believe you can move the picnic tables. Tip: Picnic tables are HEAVY so ask for help if needed!
There is also a large grill that can be used to cook food for a crowd. This is reserved when the facility is booked, however if the shelter is not in use, it is open to anyone.
Shelter:
The large shelter or warming house at Wilson Park can accommodate up to 240 sitting indoors. Inside the shelter is a large fireplace, a kitchen and plenty of seating. Included with your rental is access to flushing toilets, which is better than the port potties outside!
The shelter is available to rent May 1 – September 30.
Please Note: if you are not a St. Cloud resident, then there will be a 20% fee in addition to your rental to use the facility! The price of the rental will depend on the size of your group, so you’ll need to call for details.
Horseshoes:
One of our favorite games at family reunions is horseshoes, which is perfect for everyone of all ages. There are two horseshoe pits located at Wilson Park which you’ve most likely not even noticed them!
Located across the road from the sand volleyball pit, you’ll find these hidden gems! Bring your own horseshoes and you’re be sure to find a willing partner ready for some fun! For a real fun time, bring a few toilet seat rings for the older generation! Everyone will get a laugh out of the giant rings, despite their age!
Dog Park:
Wilson Park is a popular dog park in St. Cloud! Separate from the playground, this large fenced in area is perfect for your furry friends! There is a double gate entry to get in and out and while inside the fenced in dog park, your pet can run free without a leash. Please clean up after your dog and respect others enjoying the area too!
Boat Ramp & Dock:
At the far end of the parking lot is a boat ramp and dock. If you’ve got a boat and want to float around on the Mississippi River, then Wilson Park is just the place! Free to use, this boat ramp is available for any motorized or non motorized boat.
Keep in mind that canoes, kayaks and motorized boats are all welcome at the Wilson Park Boat Ramp, however they are not provided. You’ll need to bring your own. If you love fishing, bring your favorite chair and sit at the end of the dock! Remember 16 years old and older must have a fishing license.
Fishing:
Wilson Park is located along the banks of the Mississippi. This means that there are plenty of spots you can nestle down and fish the river from. Bring your pole and equipment and try your hand at fishing the Mississippi River. Wilson Park makes for a great fishing spot. However, please be careful, especially with children.
4th of July:
Wilson Park is the main park for 4th of July Activities. The main downside to using Wilson vs. Hester Park for Fourth of July activities is the parking! But then again, that is the case anywhere you go! You’ll need to park above on the residential streets and walk down into the park – which also means you’ll be hiking that steep hill back up too!
Wilson Park allows you to carry in your own alcoholic beverages for the 4th of July festivities, however Hester Park does not.
Fireworks start at 10:00 pm, however the festivities start in the afternoon and go all evening. You’ll find food vendors and inflatables as a few founding father characters walking around. Don’t forget to snap a photo of them when you see them!
Don’t forget to grab your own bug spray, sunblock, lawn chairs and blankets. And feel free to bring a lawn game or two to keep you busy as well!
Other Local Parks You'll Also Want to Explore...
Hester Park in St. Cloud, Minnesota offers a wading pool, playground, sledding hills, basketball court, tennis court, fishing and 4th of July festivities! Located along the Mississippi River and close to the hospital, Hester Park is a great place to walk the dog or enjoy a leisurely stroll. A great park for the whole family.
Riverside Regional Park in St. Cloud Minnesota offers just about everything! Play equipment, Tennis, Volleyball, Sledding, Cross Country Ski Trails, Horseshoes, Splash Pad and so much more! Located along the banks of the Mississippi it's a hot spot of activities and events all year long!