St. Cloud is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and is a major place in the state's central region. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 64,308. It is the county seat of Stearns County⁶. Although mainly located in Stearns County, the city extends into Benton County and Sherburne County as well. It is the main city of a small metropolitan area, with Waite Park and Sauk Rapids directly bordering the city, and others such as Sartell nearby. The Mississippi River flows through the city.

St. Cloud is northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area along Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 10. It is sometimes considered to be part of the Twin Cities region, and the media markets for the two areas overlap. A commuter rail line running into the Twin Cities known as the Northstar Corridor may reach the city in a second phase. The line is still in planning stages.