Connecting St. Cloud: From Downtown to the Mississippi River

What if a trip downtown could naturally lead you to the Mississippi River, and a walk along the river could just as easily bring you back into the heart of downtown?

That idea is moving closer to reality, thanks to $6.4 million in state bonding approved for two key infrastructure projects:

• $3 million for the Mississippi Riverwalk Connection
• $3.4 million for the 5th Avenue South/Downtown Connection 

The City of St. Cloud required match will be provided by transportation local sales tax, utility revenue, and general obligation bonds in addition to funds raised by partnerships in the community for both projects, bringing the total investment to $13.1 million. Collectively, it represents a significant investment in an effort to improve access, connectivity and public spaces in and around downtown.

And both projects aren't simply about adding sidewalks, paths or other infrastructure. Together, they'll make our downtown, riverfront and surrounding destinations feel more connected.

5th Avenue South/Downtown Connection: Creating a Place Where People Want to Be

The city doesn’t just want to rebuild 5th Avenue; the goal is to change what happens along this corridor; shaping it into a place where people want to be and where businesses want to invest.

Imagine a 5th Avenue with improved traffic lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and clear signage for wayfinding. A streetscape that invites you into restaurants, cafes, and unique retail spaces.

The goal is simple: make 5th Avenue a street that works better for everyone; people driving, walking, and biking, and also creates a stronger connection between SCSU and downtown.

Community stakeholders will be called upon to help refine the design throughout 2026 and 2027, with construction expected to begin in late 2027 and wrap up in 2028.

Reclaiming a Piece of Riverfront

The Mississippi Riverwalk Connection will transform a section currently dominated by roadways into a linear park with ample space for walking, biking, recreation and simply enjoying the river.

When completed, the project will create a continuous connection along the Mississippi between St. Cloud Hospital, downtown, and SCSU, making it much easier to move between each without a car.

Additionally, 5th Avenue North will be treated to a “road diet,” by way of reducing the amount of pavement and also free up space for shoreline restoration that includes a multi-use trail and limited on-street parking.

The Riverfront Connection will also allow people to get closer to the river, with opportunities envisioned for improved water access, educational programming, functional art, and restoration of natural areas.

In transforming a section of riverfront that currently prioritizes cars, St. Cloud aims to reposition it as a place that prioritizes people, the river, and the connection between both. A place where people can gather, recreate, and spend time throughout the year.

Much like the 5th Avenue/Downtown Corridor project, construction on the Riverwalk Connection is anticipated to begin in late 2027 and end in 2028. 

An Investment Beyond the Infrastructure

St. Cloud views both projects as economic development investments, not simply public infrastructure projects to improve streets, trails and riverfront.

The city is betting that better public spaces can help unlock private investment. By improving the appearance and infrastructure along these corridors, the goal is to make surrounding properties more attractive to both businesses and developers alike; reducing some of the uncertainty that can make private investment harder to secure.

Along 5th Avenue, that could mean vacant storefronts become active businesses, historic buildings are given a new lease on life, and new restaurants, cafes, and retail storefronts drawing more people into the corridor.

Along the river, the investment creates a different kind of opportunity; a distinctive, connected riverfront that supports tourism, recreation, housing and other development while giving residents and visitors another reason to spend time in the heart of St. Cloud. 

Supporting a Vibrant City

St. Cloud is a wonderful city with diverse industries and businesses of all sizes. As more people follow their dreams of business ownership, we are here to help them. Contact the City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority today to discover more about the resources we have available.

Whether you are brand new or planning for the next generation to take over, we can connect you with resources.