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Munsinger Gardens, Saint Cloud

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United States

St. Cloud

St. Cloud, United States

Central Minnesota service hub on the Mississippi with attainable housing, strong healthcare, colleges and excellent regional trails—but severe winters and car dependence.

Overview

The complete picture of St. Cloud

St. Cloud is a practical regional center rather than a polished destination brand. Its strongest case is functional: CentraCare and St. Cloud Hospital anchor healthcare, St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s broaden education, and the metro supplies shopping and services for a wide swath of central Minnesota. The Mississippi River gives the city a real landscape identity through Munsinger Clemens Gardens, Riverside Park and the Beaver Island Trail. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail and nearby lakes expand outdoor options, while winter supports cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Housing remains more attainable than the Twin Cities, though neighborhood quality and property condition vary. Downtown has historic buildings and entertainment but an uneven retail environment; Southside is shaped by the university; Pantown and Centennial offer established residential blocks; nearby Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park function as part of the same daily-life market. Metro Bus is useful on core routes, Amtrak serves the city once daily in each direction, and Northstar Link connects to commuter rail, but most households need a car. Winter is the decisive reality: long cold spells, snow, ice, heating costs and short daylight demand preparation. St. Cloud suits families, healthcare workers, students, value-focused retirees and remote workers who prioritize services and affordability over cosmopolitan life.

Media and atmosphere

Photos, streets, and daily life

5 curated assets

Destination Guide

Destination guide

A magazine-style introduction to St. Cloud

What you'll learn

  • • Whether the destination deserves serious consideration
  • • Which facts matter most before you dig deeper
  • • The lifestyle qualities that make the place feel distinct

What to know first

Population71,000
Metro population200,000
ClimateContinental
Average temperaturesMonthly averages range from 5°F to 82.4°F across the year
WalkabilityBest car-light candidates: Downtown.
TransitMetro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.
HealthcareNo universal national coverage for most working-age adults; verify employer, Marketplace, Medicare or other eligibility and local network participation.
Airport accessSt. Cloud Regional Airport
CurrencyUSD
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneAmerica/Chicago

What makes it distinctive

The qualities that shape daily life

Practical Details

Premium intelligence

Scores and fit

8 decision lenses

Affordability

Strong

70/100

Climate

Weak

40/100

Connectivity

Strong

80/100

Culture

Mixed

60/100

Healthcare

Strong

80/100

Outdoors

Strong

80/100

Transit

Mixed

50/100

Walkability

Mixed

50/100

Lifestyle at a glance

Best for families and professionals seeking lower costs near the Twin Cities corridor.

Cost of living

Central Minnesota service hub on the Mississippi with attainable housing, strong healthcare, colleges and excellent regional trails—but severe winters and car dependence.

Neighborhood summary

How the city is experienced block by block

6 districts

Flagship neighborhood 1

Centennial

Established west-side neighborhood with schools, parks and conventional suburban blocks.

Best for

Families, schools and parks

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Families, schools and parks

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Walkability

Moderate

Transit

Moderate

Safety

Good

Housing

single-family homes and townhouses

Pros

Quiet and family-oriented

Cons

Car dependence

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Parks & recreation

Parks & recreation

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Quarry Park and Nature PreserveFormer granite quarries, swimming quarry and multi-use trails.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

Lake Wobegon TrailLong regional paved trail beginning west of the metro.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

Rockville County ParkNearby county park with prairie, woods and year-round trails.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

St. John’s Outdoor UniversityExtensive nearby university arboretum and trail network.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

Shopping

Shopping

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Crossroads CenterRegional enclosed mall and retail concentration.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

Attractions & things to do

Attractions & things to do

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Stearns History MuseumRegional museum and research center beside Heritage Park.Open

Neighborhood

Centennial

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Best car-light candidates: Downtown.

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Metro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 2

Downtown

Compact core along St. Germain Street with entertainment, civic buildings, library and Mississippi crossings.

Best for

Events, historic buildings and bus access

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Events, historic buildings and bus access

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Walkability

Very good

Transit

Excellent

Safety

Mixed

Housing

historic apartments, lofts and older rentals

Pros

Walkability and events

Cons

Uneven retail and block-by-block feel

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Restaurants

Restaurants

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Jules’ BistroDowntown café-bistro in a historic storefront.Open
Krewe RestaurantLouisiana-inspired restaurant in nearby St. Joseph.Open
White Horse Restaurant & BarLong-running downtown American restaurant and bar.Open

Coffee

Coffee

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Kinder Coffee LabLocal specialty coffee roaster and café.Open

Parks & recreation

Parks & recreation

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Lake GeorgeCentral lake and event space used for summer concerts and winter skating.Open

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Best car-light candidates: Downtown.

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Metro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 3

Northside

Residential-commercial area convenient to CentraCare, Highway 15 and Sauk Rapids.

Best for

Hospital and north-metro access

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Hospital and north-metro access

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Walkability

Moderate

Transit

Good

Safety

Mixed

Housing

apartments, bungalows and newer infill

Pros

Healthcare access

Cons

Busy roads and variable walkability

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Golf

Golf

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Wapicada Golf ClubPublic 18-hole course east of the city.Open

Healthcare

Healthcare

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

St. Cloud HospitalRegional acute-care hospital and trauma center.Open

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Best car-light candidates: Downtown.

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Metro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 4

Pantown

Older residential district west of downtown with modest homes and local parks.

Best for

Established streets and practical value

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Established streets and practical value

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Walkability

Moderate

Transit

Good

Safety

Good

Housing

mid-century and earlier single-family homes

Pros

Value and central location

Cons

Car useful for errands

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Best car-light candidates: Downtown.

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Metro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Destination highlights

Real recommendations that span all of St. Cloud

Restaurants across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Jules’ BistroDowntown café-bistro in a historic storefront.Open
Krewe RestaurantLouisiana-inspired restaurant in nearby St. Joseph.Open
White Horse Restaurant & BarLong-running downtown American restaurant and bar.Open

Coffee across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Kinder Coffee LabLocal specialty coffee roaster and café.Open

Parks & recreation across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Beaver Island TrailPaved riverfront trail for walking, cycling and skating.Open
Quarry Park and Nature PreserveFormer granite quarries, swimming quarry and multi-use trails.Open
Lake Wobegon TrailLong regional paved trail beginning west of the metro.Open
Riverside ParkLarge river park with trails, disc golf and winter recreation.Open
Lake GeorgeCentral lake and event space used for summer concerts and winter skating.Open
Rockville County ParkNearby county park with prairie, woods and year-round trails.Open
St. John’s Outdoor UniversityExtensive nearby university arboretum and trail network.Open

Shopping across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Crossroads CenterRegional enclosed mall and retail concentration.Open

Golf across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

St. Cloud Country ClubPrivate course along the Mississippi River.Open
Wapicada Golf ClubPublic 18-hole course east of the city.Open

Healthcare across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

St. Cloud HospitalRegional acute-care hospital and trauma center.Open

Attractions & things to do across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Stearns History MuseumRegional museum and research center beside Heritage Park.Open

Other useful destination resources across St. Cloud

Real, verified St. Cloud places in this category.

Munsinger Clemens GardensFree public gardens on the Mississippi River.Open
Paramount Center for the ArtsHistoric theater and visual-arts center.Open
St. Cloud Public LibraryMajor Great River Regional Library branch.Open
Beaver Island BrewingLocal brewery and taproom with community events.Open
Pantown Brewing CompanyNeighborhood brewery named for local automotive history.Open
St. Cloud State UniversityPublic university campus on the Mississippi.Open
CentraCare PlazaLarge outpatient and specialty-care campus.Open
St. Cloud Farmers MarketSeasonal local producer market.Open

Maps and resources

Discovery links grouped by category

Deep Dive

Editorial overview

The living rhythms that shape the place

Movement

Getting around

General aviation and limited scheduled/seasonal operations

Seasonal living

Climate and recreation

Humid continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters

Living there

Daily life

Best for families and professionals seeking lower costs near the Twin Cities corridor.

Continue reading

Morning: Central Minnesota service hub on the Mississippi with attainable housing, strong healthcare, colleges and excellent regional trails—but severe winters and car dependence. Evening: St. Cloud is a practical regional center rather than a polished destination brand. Its strongest case is functional: CentraCare and St. Cloud Hospital anchor healthcare, St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s broaden education, and the metro supplies shopping and services for a wide swath of central Minnesota. The Mississippi River gives the city a real landscape identity through Munsinger Clemens Gardens, Riverside Park and the Beaver Island Trail. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail and nearby lakes expand outdoor options, while winter supports cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Housing remains more attainable than the Twin Cities, though neighborhood quality and property condition vary. Downtown has historic buildings and entertainment but an uneven retail environment; Southside is shaped by the university; Pantown and Centennial offer established residential blocks; nearby Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park function as part of the same daily-life market. Metro Bus is useful on core routes, Amtrak serves the city once daily in each direction, and Northstar Link connects to commuter rail, but most households need a car. Winter is the decisive reality: long cold spells, snow, ice, heating costs and short daylight demand preparation. St. Cloud suits families, healthcare workers, students, value-focused retirees and remote workers who prioritize services and affordability over cosmopolitan life. Seasonal rhythm: Humid continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters

Weather

Climate

Humid continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters

Movement

Transportation

General aviation and limited scheduled/seasonal operations

Continue reading

Airport access: Regional and international access

Wellness

Healthcare

No universal national coverage for most working-age adults; verify employer, Marketplace, Medicare or other eligibility and local network participation.

Continue reading

Insurance and access: Maintain valid interim and travel coverage until local eligibility and enrollment are confirmed.

Retirement

Retirement

Best for residents whose priorities match: River trails, gardens, college events, youth and amateur sports, breweries and practical regional services. Main disqualifiers are documented in the reality-check notes.

Continue reading

Who should not: St. Cloud is a practical regional center rather than a polished destination brand. Its strongest case is functional: CentraCare and St. Cloud Hospital anchor healthcare, St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s broaden education, and the metro supplies shopping and services for a wide swath of central Minnesota. The Mississippi River gives the city a real landscape identity through Munsinger Clemens Gardens, Riverside Park and the Beaver Island Trail. Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail and nearby lakes expand outdoor options, while winter supports cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Housing remains more attainable than the Twin Cities, though neighborhood quality and property condition vary. Downtown has historic buildings and entertainment but an uneven retail environment; Southside is shaped by the university; Pantown and Centennial offer established residential blocks; nearby Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park function as part of the same daily-life market. Metro Bus is useful on core routes, Amtrak serves the city once daily in each direction, and Northstar Link connects to commuter rail, but most households need a car. Winter is the decisive reality: long cold spells, snow, ice, heating costs and short daylight demand preparation. St. Cloud suits families, healthcare workers, students, value-focused retirees and remote workers who prioritize services and affordability over cosmopolitan life. Best neighborhoods: Centennial, Downtown, Northside, Pantown, Southeast / Riverside, Southside / SCSU Climate considerations: Humid continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters

Family

Family

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Continue reading

Activities: Best for families and professionals seeking lower costs near the Twin Cities corridor. Neighborhood recommendations: Centennial, Downtown, Northside, Pantown, Southeast / Riverside, Southside / SCSU

Remote work

Digital nomad

Broadband is widely available in the urban area; rural addresses vary. Federal work authorization is required for noncitizens unless their status already permits employment.

Continue reading

Coworking: Best for families and professionals seeking lower costs near the Twin Cities corridor. Visa: Requirements vary by citizenship Best neighborhoods: Centennial, Downtown, Northside, Pantown, Southeast / Riverside, Southside / SCSU

Practical Living Snapshot

Personal safety

  • Neighborhood-level evidence shows meaningful variation - some areas warrant more caution than others, especially after dark.

Walkability and terrain

  • Terrain is decisive: Downtown (Very good walkability); Southside / SCSU (Good walkability); Pantown (Moderate walkability); Northside (Moderate walkability). Confirm step-free access venue by venue.

Daily errands and convenience

  • Strongest in Downtown, Southside / SCSU, Pantown.
  • Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life. Driving, falls, snow removal and heating reliability require planning. Summer thunderstorms, hail and tornado risk affect insurance and shelter planning. Mississippi and tributary flood exposure varies by parcel.

Internet and remote-work reliability

  • Broadband is widely available in the urban area; rural addresses vary. Federal work authorization is required for noncitizens unless their status already permits employment.

Language ease

  • Primary language: English. English is sufficient for ordinary daily life.

Community and Personal Comfort

Social integration and community character

  • Community life is strongest through neighborhood routines, markets, universities, arts, sports and volunteer organizations—not tourist attractions alone.
  • Use neighborhood associations, sports, arts, university, volunteer and language groups.

LGBTQ+ considerations

  • Federal and state protections apply, with practical social climate varying by community; both profiles include identifiable local resources.
  • Visible activity is most likely around Paramount Center for the Arts, St. Cloud State University.
  • This reflects general legal and cultural context only - not individualized legal advice, and not a guarantee of safety or comfort.

Family

  • Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.
  • St. Cloud State University

Pets

  • VARIABLE; obtain written landlord approval.
  • Beaver Island Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail, Riverside Park, Lake George

Reality and Environment

Environmental and natural-hazard risks

  • Generally destination-dependent and episodic; check current official readings, especially during smoke, heat, inversion or wildfire periods.
  • Use official local drinking-water and advisory sources; rural wells require property-specific testing.
  • Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.
  • Driving, falls, snow removal and heating reliability require planning.
  • Summer thunderstorms, hail and tornado risk affect insurance and shelter planning.
  • Mississippi and tributary flood exposure varies by parcel.

Crowds and seasonality

  • Humid continental climate with warm summers, very cold winters, snow and large seasonal daylight swings.

Who tends to love or struggle with this destination

  • Subzero periods, wind chill and short winter daylight shape daily life.
  • Driving, falls, snow removal and heating reliability require planning.
  • Summer thunderstorms, hail and tornado risk affect insurance and shelter planning.
  • Mississippi and tributary flood exposure varies by parcel.

Real destination-level research

Lifestyle & Recreation

What day-to-day life, the surrounding landscape, and recreation genuinely look like here - based on verified research, never a generic checklist.

Accessibility

Terrain is decisive: Downtown (Very good walkability); Southside / SCSU (Good walkability); Pantown (Moderate walkability); Northside (Moderate walkability). Confirm step-free access venue by venue.

Affordability

Planning costs are included by household and housing type in the cost-of-living breakdown; they are directional bands, not live quotes. Housing is the largest swing factor.

Air quality

Generally destination-dependent and episodic; check current official readings, especially during smoke, heat, inversion or wildfire periods.

Airport access

St. Cloud Regional Airport — General aviation and limited scheduled/seasonal operations; Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport — Primary hub reached via I-94 or shuttle

Boating and marinas

Named boating or marina assets: No strong in-city marina signal; use nearby regional options only after verifying access.

Car need

Generally straightforward outside downtown and campus; winter restrictions and snow emergencies matter.

Climate comfort

Humid continental climate with warm summers, very cold winters, snow and large seasonal daylight swings.

Coffee culture

Named coffee/tea stops include Kinder Coffee Lab.

Community

Community life is strongest through neighborhood routines, markets, universities, arts, sports and volunteer organizations—not tourist attractions alone.

Culture and museums

Key cultural institutions include Stearns History Museum.

Cycling

Cycling usefulness depends on terrain and street design; the neighborhood profiles identify where daily cycling is realistic.

Named places

St. John’s Outdoor UniversityVisit websiteOpen on Google Maps

Dining

Specific recommendations include Jules’ Bistro, Krewe Restaurant, White Horse Restaurant & Bar.

Education

Education anchors include St. Cloud Public Library, St. Cloud State University.

Environmental risk

Extreme Cold (high); Snow Ice (high); Severe Storms (moderate); River Flooding (moderate)

International/expat presence

International presence exists through universities and professional sectors but is not the city’s dominant identity.

Family fit

Family fit is strongest where schools, parks and daily services align; shortlist Pantown, Northside, Centennial, Southeast / Riverside.

Fishing

Fishing is a regional rather than uniformly urban activity; confirm licenses, seasons and site rules with the relevant government authority.

Golf

Named golf options include St. Cloud Country Club, Wapicada Golf Club.

Grocery access

Core neighborhoods have supermarkets, markets and pharmacies; rural or suburban districts require a vehicle or planned bus trip. Named market anchors include St. Cloud Farmers Market.

Healthcare

No universal national coverage for most working-age adults; verify employer, Marketplace, Medicare or other eligibility and local network participation.

Named places

Hiking

Named hiking anchors include Beaver Island Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail, Riverside Park, Lake George.

Named places

St. John’s Outdoor UniversityVisit websiteOpen on Google Maps

Internet

Broadband is widely available in the urban area; rural addresses vary.

Lakes and rivers

Documented water-related places include Beaver Island Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail, Riverside Park.

Language

Primary language: English. English is sufficient for ordinary daily life.

LGBTQ+ inclusivity

Federal and state protections apply, with practical social climate varying by community; both profiles include identifiable local resources.

Natural setting

St. Cloud is shaped by humid continental climate with warm summers, very cold winters, snow and large seasonal daylight swings. Signature outdoor anchors include Munsinger Clemens Gardens, Beaver Island Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail.

Named places

Nightlife

Named evening anchors include Beaver Island Brewing, Pantown Brewing Company.

Performing arts

Named venues include Paramount Center for the Arts.

Pets

Pet rules depend on housing, transport and national import requirements; named parks and trails provide outdoor options but leash rules vary.

Remote work

Immigration and tax rules must independently permit the planned work arrangement.

Retirement fit

Best for residents whose priorities match: River trails, gardens, college events, youth and amateur sports, breweries and practical regional services. Main disqualifiers are documented in the reality-check notes.

Settlement type

Controlled classification: regional river city.

Shopping and markets

Useful anchors include Crossroads Center, St. Cloud Farmers Market.

Skiing

No meaningful local downhill-ski signal.

Sunshine

Seasonal comfort is detailed in the monthly climate data; do not substitute an annual sunshine claim for month-by-month reality.

Swimming

Swimming options are tied to Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Riverside Park, Lake George; seasonal conditions and supervision matter.

Public transit

Metro Bus fixed routes, Northstar Link to Big Lake, Amtrak Empire Builder and highway access; Minneapolis–Saint Paul is the main air hub.

Urban scale

St. Cloud is a regional river city with about 71,000 residents; daily life changes markedly between Downtown, Southside / SCSU, Pantown and outer districts.

Walkability

Best car-light candidates: Downtown.

Climate (monthly)

  • Jan: 5–23°F
  • Feb: 10.4–28.4°F
  • Mar: 23–41°F
  • Apr: 35.6–57.2°F
  • May: 48.2–69.8°F
  • Jun: 57.2–78.8°F
  • Jul: 62.6–82.4°F
  • Aug: 60.8–80.6°F
  • Sep: 51.8–71.6°F
  • Oct: 39.2–57.2°F
  • Nov: 24.8–41°F
  • Dec: 10.4–26.6°F

Media gallery

5 verified assets
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