If you’re like me, you’re sick of COVID.

It’s like that pesky friend who just needs to give you some space. Or like the leech that attaches itself to you while you’re fishing. Or like when you eat a really peanut buttery sandwich and the peanut butter gets stuck to every part of your mouth and you just can’t quite get rid of it. Or like when you accidentally eat a habanero pepper and the heat sticks around in your mouth for days.

It. Just. Won’t. Go. Away.

I think part of the reason I’m so sick of COVID is because I seem to do the same things every day. Wake up. Go to work. Do some boring stuff in the evening. Go to bed. Repeat.

So, how are you keeping yourself busy during this time?

Here’s some ideas for how you can keep yourself occupied, but safe, in the time of COVID.

1. Munsinger Gardens – I’ve discussed Munsinger before on this blog, but truly, it is such a beautiful place to hang out for an afternoon. Grab a small group of friends and head over the river to check it out. Between the many walking paths, there are plenty of opportunities to practice social distancing! This time of year, the flowers are absolutely breathtaking! It’s also a great spot for impromptu photo shoots with your friends but be careful because if you plan to use the photos commercially, you need a photography permit.
2. St. John’s University – Just down the road from SCSU is the absolutely gorgeous SJU campus with miles and miles of hiking trails. The thing I enjoy about spending time outdoors at SJU is that the campus really has something for everyone. They have a lake, so feel free to take a swim while you’re there. They have easy walking paths through the woods, or paths for more experienced hikers. They have short loops and long loops. You can walk through prairie, woods, or pine forests. I highly recommend the Chapel Trail (a three-mile hike) and the Boardwalk Loop (a 1.5-mile loop).
3. Lake George and Eastman Park – Lake George and Eastman Park has something for everyone. They have walking trails, water features, a beach, and a playground. Obviously, if you play on the playground (because, I in my full-grown adult self still love playgrounds), make sure to practice social distancing!
4. Beaver Island Trail – “Beaver Island Trail spans a former route of a charter railroad belonging to the Minneapolis and Northwestern Railway Company, known as the Tileston Mill Spur, which connected the mill town of Tileston to Minneapolis and Clearwater. Two large segments of the former railroad route are open as part of the trail today, including a five-mile stretch along the Mississippi River near St. Cloud State University and a shorter segment that connects to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center. The trail connects to the pedestrian River Walk, which offers direct downtown access, and is a popular site for runners, bikers, inline skaters, and cross-country skiiers during the winter months. Photo opportunities abound, especially in the fall when the trail’s trees are covered in spectacular autumn colors,” (from com).

Even in the time of COVID, which never seems to end, there is still plenty to do in and around St. Cloud. Spend some time at one of these COVID-safe locations.

Always remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask indoors or where social distancing is not available outside!

Stay safe, Huskies!