12 Best Things to Do in Taylors Falls, Minnesota
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Taylors Falls, tucked away on the scenic banks of the St. Croix River, is a delightful haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Your adventure here promises a rich blend of nature, leisure, and local culture. These are the best things to do in Taylors Falls.
In Chisago County, Taylor Falls is known for its access to outdoor adventure and fun along the St. Croix River. It’s also known for its incredibly rich history and exceptionally picturesque neighboring towns along the river.
This Minnesota destination has natural wonders and many incredible things to do. This lovely town has scenic backdrops and outstanding opportunities for exciting excursions.
Taylor Falls provides a fantastic and memorable travel experience you’ll remember. We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Taylors Falls as a guide to help you make the most of your stay. Check the list below if you’re into a fun-filled adventure jam-packed with hiking trails.
Things to Do in Taylors Falls, Minnesota
1. Interstate State Park
Address: 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
The top tourist attraction in Taylors Falls is Interstate State Park. You will find various fun and stimulating recreational activities in Interstate State Park. Interstate Park is a fun-filled park within the Minnesota and Wisconsin state park borders.
The park is in a beautiful geological area where you can explore fascinating rock formations and incredible glacial potholes.
Aside from basking in the natural beauty and picturesque sceneries of Interstate Park, it also provides convenient amenities and recreational areas you can use while exploring the far corners of the park.
- Hiking Trails: Lace up for scenic hikes like the Sandstone Bluffs Trail, Summit Rock Trail, and Pothole Trail. Along these paths, encounter soaring cliffs and stunning views, particularly for the fall colors. The rocky cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop and excellent rock climbing.
- Canoe and Kayak: With a canoe or kayak rental at your fingertips, navigate the tranquil waters or engage in more spirited adventures through the currents. Paddling here promises refreshing family fun.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Find spots ideal for a picnic under the trees or by the water’s edge throughout the park. The staff at the visitor center can guide you to suitable paths and adventures tailored for kids.
- Parking: Access to the park is facilitated by a well-maintained parking lot. For a small cost, you can opt for a daily or annual pass, ensuring your car is conveniently located near the park’s entry points.
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2. Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Address: 220 South St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
If you like the water, you definitely won’t want to miss a boat tour in Taylor Falls. It is one of Taylors Falls’ greatest tourist attractions and can be a great day trip from the Twin Cities.
You’ll take a lovely scenic boat ride and explore the beauty of the St. Croix River Valley. It is an excellent way to enjoy a great outdoor adventure, and you’ll also get a tour guide to teach you about the area’s geological history.
Aside from the boat tours, this beautiful attraction also offers canoeing and kayaking. Those looking for the ideal outdoor wilderness adventure can enjoy camping in tents or recreational vehicles on these scenic grounds.
Taylors Falls Boat Tours are a great way to see the St. Croix River Valley from a new perspective. While crossing the celebrated Dalles of the St. Croix River, you’ll be presented with the rich Native American, logging, and fur trade history, all while floating past picturesque rocks.
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3. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Address: 401 N Hamilton St, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, United States
Adjacent to eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, you’ll find a fantastic tourist destination in the picturesque town of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. The National Park Service works tirelessly to protect and preserve the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a fascinating and beautiful attraction you won’t miss. St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a beautiful destination and attraction with an array of fun-filled outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The river’s natural beauty surrounds this fantastic geological wonder and is an excellent place for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boat rides, and camping in the woods where accessible.
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4. Folsom House
Address: 272 W Government St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
Minnesota is filled with historical landmarks to explore, and the spectacular town of Taylor Falls is no exception. The Folsom House is a charming, historic 19th-century house that has been turned into a notable museum near downtown Taylors Falls.
Make the most of your travel and stay in Taylors Falls by visiting the historic Folsom House. It is the former home of baron W.H.C. Folsom, the town’s most well-known lumber baron.
Folsom House is a lovely building with many interesting and exciting historical items, photos, artifacts, furnishings, and stories to discover. This is an ideal destination if you are looking for a leisurely and pleasant indoor activity.
You can take a guided tour and work through Folsom House’s enormous libraries, wardrobes, and other personal goods. You will also see the family’s ancestral possessions, including a Hews brand rectangular grand piano.
The historic home is a lovely spot to stop and relax, all while learning about the town’s well-known lumber barons’ dwellings and possessions.
See Related: Things to Do in Southern Minnesota
5. Franconia Sculpture Park
Address: 29836 St Croix Trail N, Shafer, MN 55074, United States
The Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, Minnesota, is a fascinating park dedicated to appreciating and exploring art. It is a lovely 50-acre outdoor art museum with various extraordinary sculptures showcased within an expansive field.
This is an excellent photography spot and a popular stopover spot for travelers on their way to Taylors Falls from the Twin Cities. The park was founded in 1996 to be a community gathering center and to inspire locals and tourists to appreciate art.
Franconia Sculpture Park’s wide-open space lets artists run wild with creativity, all while developing new ways of crafting contemporary sculptures. In addition, it has an active artist residency program where local artists can participate and create intriguing artworks within the park.
This is one of the better local attractions that also serves as a great place to relax, appreciate art, enjoy a delightful picnic, and appreciate different sculptures across the park. The park welcomes visitors of all ages and provides a lovely space to learn about art and indulge in nature’s beauty.
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6. Taylors Falls Overlook – South
Address: Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
Minnesota’s lovely town of Taylors Falls is blessed with breathtaking waterfall scenery. It’s a fascinating park perched 232 meters above sea level that provides an opportunity to take in and enjoy the stunning views of Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
The park is conveniently located close to the other fun destinations you won’t want to miss. Taylors Falls Overlook – South is a spacious and relaxing spot to unwind, enjoy the amazing waterfalls, and experience a unique outdoor adventure.
It has sufficient and appealing park services that are convenient and readily accessible to visitors. Like other parks, it contains a play area, picnic sites, and active and passive recreational areas.
The park’s main feature is its overlook, which gives an excellent city view. The beautiful location is one of the most popular places to visit in Taylors Falls. Be sure to stop here on your way to Interstate State Park if coming from the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River Valley.
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7. FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park
Address: 2131 US-8, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, United States
If you would like to interact with and learn more about the fascinating animals in St Croix Falls, Wisconsin, look no further than the FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park.
This charming animal park and center is open for all ages and exhibits various animals you can interact with. The park is a family-owned establishment that started welcoming eager visitors in 1963.
FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park showcases various exciting and educational discoveries about wildlife and nature. In addition, it has a visiting area where you can find many outdoor activities to enjoy while exploring the park.
St. Croix River Valley’s scenic views are accessible from the garden. Charming deer and lovely ponies are just some of the animals you can interact with and pet in the FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park.
This excellent recreation spot has a spacious deer yard, a petting area, educational tours, a farmyard, and a gift shop for purchasing travel memorabilia. It is a great family place where adults can explore and admire the picturesque views while children can learn, ride ponies, interact with deer, and see wildlife.
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8. St. Croix National Riverway Visitor Center
Address: 401 N Hamilton St, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, United States
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center is an intriguing attraction. This popular tourist destination is located in the center of the lovely town of St. Croix Falls, Minnesota. The center is open from April through October and is a fantastic place to kick off your Taylors Falls visit.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center is a great place to go if you want help planning your trip. You can also tour the on-site exhibits, get your passport book stamped, or ask specific questions about the surrounding area.
If you are looking for a souvenir or memento or want to buy an educational book about the area, the Park Bookstore is worth checking out. You can purchase nature guides, toys, mugs, t-shirts, books, and more.
It is an excellent tourist center that provides the public with a great deal of useful information. If you are interested in camping in the Lower St. Croix River, You can obtain camping permits at the visitor center and asses the area using the large floor map they provide.
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9. Ski and Snowboard at Wild Mountain
Address: 37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
The slopes of Wild Mountain await your arrival with various winter activities. If you want to enhance your skiing skills, consider joining the Alpine Ski Development Team. Wild Cats offers multi-week programs for younger enthusiasts, perfect for picking up skiing or snowboarding techniques.
Wild Mountain takes pride in sustainability, standing as a CarbonNeutral® Certified operator. Beyond the slopes, the snow tubing lanes call for adrenaline-filled descents. Embrace the transformed ambiance of this resort, known for its continuous enhancements over recent years.
For broader explorations within the state, uncover the top skiing resorts in Minnesota to amplify your winter experience.
10. Drink a Root Beer Float at an Old Fashioned Drive-In
Address: 572 Bench St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
Experience the nostalgic charm of a 1950s drive-in at Taylors Falls, where you can savor a classic burger and iconic Frostop Root Beer float right from your car. It’s an experience that promises mouthwatering flavors and a delightful setting that families will adore.
More than just dining, it’s about creating enduring memories with every frosty sip. Pair this iconic root beer with a freshly grilled burger and fries.
11. Go on a Wine Tasting at Wild Mountain Winery
Address: 16906 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
While exploring Taylors Falls, a visit to a local winery is an exquisite way to spend an afternoon. Imagine yourself unwinding amidst scenic vineyards with a glass of finely crafted wine.
Wild Mountain Winery is just the place to do it. Here, you can sample their diverse range of wines—reds, whites, and more to suit every palate. Each can be paired with cheeses, enhancing the rich flavors of each variety.
Should you wish to take a piece of Taylors Falls home, bottles are available for purchase at these havens of viticulture. Learn from the knowledgeable staff eager to share insights about their winemaking process, grape varieties, and the local wine scene.
12. Enjoy Pizza and Ice Cream at Schoony’s
Address: 384 Bench St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States
When you’re in Taylors Falls craving some nostalgic sweetness, Schoony’s Malt Shop and Pizzeria offers a blend of classic flavors of American classics. My wife and I visited Schoony’s with our daughter, and she loved the pizza and ice cream. Plus, there’s a ton of stuff to look at, making it great for kids. You can’t pass up a good game of pinball.
This establishment is a local gem where you can relish various ice cream choices offered in generous portions. A highlight that stands out is their malts; patrons often commend the rich, customizable malt shakes, with the chocolate malt garnering particular praise.
Places to Stay in Taylors Falls
Looking for a place to stay near the Trollhaugen Ski Hill? Look no further than Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Croix Valley! This hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi access – perfect for those who want to stay connected while on vacation. All guest rooms come equipped with a cable TV and coffee machine, making it easy to relax after a long day of exploring the area.
Looking for a place to stay in Osceola? Look no further than River Valley Inn & Suites! Rooms at River Valley Inn & Suites include air conditioning, a desk, and a flat screen TV. In addition, guests can enjoy garden views while staying at the motel. All units at the motel have a private bathroom with a shower, bed linen and towels. Some units will provide guests with a microwave. The property offers free WiFi throughout the property.
Looking for a unique and historic vacation home? Look no further than the Historic 1880s Home in Osceola! This beautiful, self-catered vacation home boasts original features and modern amenities, making it the perfect spot for your next getaway. The air-conditioned vacation home includes 3 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a seating area, and a dining area. he Historic 1880s Home is located near Taylors Falls, making it the perfect base for exploring all that this beautiful area has to offer.
FAQ
Will families with small children enjoy Taylors Falls?
Taylors Falls is a tremendous old logging town with excellent nearby state parks and outdoor activities. Families with children will enjoy many outdoor activities no matter the season. Don’t forget to visit the well-known Interstate State Park and Wild Mountain!
What do you do in Taylors Falls in winter?
There are many ways to spend your day in Taylors Falls. You’ll never be bored or run out of things to do. Wintertime is no exception. Below are a few things to consider doing in winter the next time you visit Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
– Visit the Big River Brewery & Restaurant. It boasts 71 international beers and 13 local brews.
– Be sure to stop at Wild Mountain, a family-owned fun center offering some of the best skiing in Minnesota since 1975.
– Visit the Ice Age Trail for hiking and learn about the history of the glaciers that used to be in the Taylors Falls area.
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