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Visiting Minnesota’s hidden treasure

Munsinger-Clemens Garden …. by Ketan Deshpande

What comes to your mind when you think about “things do” in Minnesota …. Mall Of America, Duluth-North Shore, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Science museum, Arboretum, Valleyfair, etc.. No doubt these are places that offer great experiences however if you are a nature lover and want to experience something different then Munsinger-Clemens Gardens is a place you have to visit. Photographers will have a great time as they will be arrested by the gorgeous and abundant beauty of the gardens.

Here is a short video of the that captures the beauty of the Munsinger garden

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Clemens garden photo by Ketan Deshpande, MN

Munsinger and Clemens Gardens are located in St. Cloud, MN, approx. hour and half north-west from downtown Minneapolis where you can immerse yourself in a truly unique botanical experience. Delight in the natural beauty. Located along the Mississippi River across from St. Cloud State University, the gardens invite you to stroll the winding paths and brick pathways as you experience this dazzling Minnesota’s hidden treasure.

The Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society (MCBS), an all-volunteer organization.

Munsinger Garden

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Munsinger garden entrance by Ketan Deshpande of MN

In 1915 the city of St. Cloud purchased the land and named it in the honor of a former superintendent of parks, Joseph Munsinger. Improvements to the gardens occurred during the Great Depression through the Works Progress Administration. However, most of the work in developing the garden was directed by Joseph Munsinger. The first greenhouse was built in 1938.

The Rotary Club of St. Cloud has made a contribution that is absolutely gorgeous

Clemens Garden …

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Clemens garden panorama by Ketan Deshpande
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Bill and Virginia Clemens (photo by Ketan Deshpande)

When a plot of land came up for sale across the street from the home of Bill and Virginia Clemens, they purchased it and then donated the land to the City of St. Cloud Park Department. Known for her love of roses and flowers, the late Virginia Clemens battled multiple sclerosis for more than 40 years. As a true act of love, and a way to give something back to the community, Bill Clemens funded the establishment and maintenance of the Clemens Gardens. In 1990 Bill and Virginia Clemens funded the construction of the rose garden, purchased 1100 rose bushes, and even paid the wages for a rose grower. This led to the development of the Virginia Clemens Rose Garden, which is now part of six separate gardens along Kilian Boulevard that make up the Clemens Gardens.

Enjoy a stroll through the Clemens garden here …

Both gardens also have spots for family picnic, so what are you waiting for, grab your families, your camera and head to Munsinger & Clemens Gardens and enjoy Minnesota’s hidden treasure.

Ketan_Sharad_deshpande_minnesotaThe author, KetanDeshpande, lives in Minnesota and writes about a variety of topics in his blog such as global economy, market and industry trends, successful strategies for businesses, and others. Leveraging his global strategic leadership experience from the manufacturing industry to offer insights in to how businesses can meet the sustainable growth and profitability goals.

Ketan Deshpande is also passionate about sustainability and renewable energy; he curates and shares latest updates in his blog posts. Recently the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency(SMMPA) of Litchfield, Minnesota, endorsed Ketan Deshpande for an energy conservation project.

This blog also features memorable events, travel experiences and his favorite places to visit in the great state of Minnesota.

3 thoughts on “Visiting Minnesota’s hidden treasure

  1. Lived here for a long time but have not visited this destination, will have to check it out. Are there activities for little kids?

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