Taylors Falls is a small town in Minnesota. It is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and the history of its lumber industry. It is located on the banks of the St. Croix River, which separates Minnesota and Wisconsin, near the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The town has been called “The Gateway to the Northwoods.” It is the perfect place to escape from the city life and enjoy nature. Read on to see why you should pay Taylors Falls MN a visit. I also have a brief list of fun things to do in surrounding towns that are only a few minutes away from Taylors Falls.
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PLACES TO STAY
Dresser Farm
If you are looking for a relaxing, slow-paced visit to Taylors Falls MN with your family, look no further then the Dresser Farm. The Dresser Farm is 16 acres of rolling farmland, prairie and trees. The guest suite can host up to 5 people, with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and everything you need at your fingertips- from a washer and dryer to reliable WIFI. The Dresser Farm is 10 minutes from Taylors Falls and is currently $119 per night as an average stay.
Click here to book your stay!
Old Jail Bed and Breakfast
Photo credit to https://www.oldjail.com/home
Stay at the first ever bed in breakfast to exist in Minnesota- pay the Old Jail Bed and Breakfast a visit! The jail was built in 1885, and even today still has the original iron doors and bars on the windows. The jail house has two apartments- the jail and the cave. Both can be booked started at $165 per night. The location is convenient, within walking distance from the downtown area and Interstate State Park.
Book your stay here!
The Wilder Bell Tent
Photo credit to The Wilder Bell Tent Hosts and pictures on AIRBNB.
Stay under the stars at the Wilder Bell Tent along the St. Croix River. Perfect for a 2 person stay, the Wilder Bell Tent has a cozy queen sized bed, cedar deck, campfire area, Nordic fire-wood sauna and and out door bath tub and bath house. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and relax.
Book your stay here!
The Writer’s Cabin
Photo credit to The Wilder Cabin Retreat Hosts from AIRBNB
If you are looking for a place to unplug, find peace of mind and relax, The Writer’s Cabin is the perfect place for you! They are able to host up to 2 people in this tiny cabin on the St. Croix River. The Writer’s Cabin is unique and has Nordic Wood-fired sauna and an outdoor (private) bath tub. During the warmer months, you can hike down to the river for a swim or bring your kayak/canoe to get out on the water. For the colder months, there is a lovely fireplace to keep the cabin cozy.
Plan your stay here!
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THINGS TO DO
1. HIKE INTERSTATE STATE PARK
Interstate State Park is nestled alongside the St. Croix River and is the place for you if you’re looking for cliff top views, diverse trails, rock climbing and kayak or canoeing. The park is also known for it’s interesting rock formations and glacial potholes, with ancient fossils and the sediments in the rocks telling a story of what the world was like millions of years ago.
We enjoyed hiking River Trail because of the stunning, cliff top views we were able to take in. We parked at the ranger’s station (entrance right before you hit downtown Taylor’s Falls) and entered the trailhead that neighbors the campground entrance. This hike was easy and was about 2.3 miles. If you are looking for a shorter hike, consider Sandstone Bluffs Trail (0.9 miles) or Saint Croix River Lookout (0.7 miles).
Click here to plan your visit.
2. TAKE A BOAT TOUR ON THE ST. CROIX RIVER
Get out on the water by signing up for a boat tour on the scenic St. Croix River. You will learn about the history of the area and unique rock formations left behind by glaciers on paddlewheel boats. Types of tours available are Daily Excursions, Father’s or Mother’s Day Excursions, History Tours and the Twilight Cruise and the sundown cruise.
All cruises are appropriate for all ages and last 45 to 80 minutes depending on which cruise you take. The parking lot for the boat tour is by the parking lot for Interstate State Park near downtown Taylors Falls MN.
You can also buy a gift card and give the gift of experience. The gift cards can be purchased from the same section where you select your type of tour.
Plan your boat tour here.
3. VISIT COFFEE TALK & JUNEBERRY CAFE
Juneberry cafe was made for adventurers and people on the go, and they also have a quiet space for those who want to relax and take their time. Juneberry Cafe offers coffee, grab and go snacks and sandwiches made with sustainable, local ingredients. They also have a neat map where they marked their favorite picnic spots in the area.
Coffee Talk is open daily and is one of the coziest coffee shops I have been to. The coffee shop is nestled in an old Victorian-style house, with seating on all levels and an outdoor patio. You will feel like you are in someone’s cozy home. If you can arrive early, you just might get a taste of their famous cinnamon or raspberry buns.
4. ADVENTURE AT WILD MOUNTAIN
Wild Mountain has something for everyone during all seasons of the year. If you go during the winter, consider snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding and hiking. For summer time, there are 5 activities you can buy tickets to attend: Wild Island Adventure Water park, Avalanche Alley Water slides, Arctic Rush Slide Alpine, Go Karts at the Tall Timber Raceway and the Free Fall Experience (you get to jump off an 18 to 27 feet tower onto a bean bag).
Summer attractions are open May 27, 2023 to September 4, 2023. Times are 11 am to 6 pm, but I encourage you to check the website in case there are changes made due to weather. Super day season passes go for $99, and you can enjoy any attraction in the park. A day pass is $39 and you can enjoy any attraction in the park for one day.
Click here to plan your visit to Wild Mountain.
5. RENT A CANOE OR KAYAK AT TAYLORS FALLS RENTAL
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals have a lot of options if you’d like to explore the area from the St. Croix River. They also provide a shuttle to take you back to your vehicle. Time spent on the water ranges from to hours to 7 hours, with an option for customization. Destination options are Osceola landing, William O’ Brien State Park and to paddle local to Taylors Falls. Prices range from $28 to $45. There is also an option to purchase gift cards and give the gift of experience.
Check out your options here.
6. GO BACK IN TIME AT SCHOONY’S MALT SHOP & PIZZERIA
If you are feeling nostalgic, make sure to visit Schoony’s Malt Shop & Pizzeria downtown Taylor’s Falls. Their old fashioned root beer, vintage pizza and classic ice cream creations will make it feel like the good old days. There is also an arcade area and a beautiful patio for dining outside. I personally love all the plants they have inside the restaurant- it makes it a cozy shop as well!
7. VISIT BOUTIQUE AND ANTIQUE STORES DOWNTOWN
If you like to shop for vintage, unique gift, check out River Valley Shoppes. They have a variety of treasures to explore and are nestled downtown. The Bead Shop is my personal favorite. I enjoy looking at crystals, jewelry and different sage or Palo Santo options. With August is a Minnesota, Northwoods style shop with unique treasures as well. I will point out that St. Croix Falls is 2 minutes from downtown Taylors Falls and also have neat shops to explore. Park at the scenic overlook of St. Croix River and stroll downtown to explore!
8. TOUR FRANCONIA SCULPTURE PARK
One of my favorite discoveries from Taylor’s Falls is Franconia Sculpture Park. It’s unlike anything I had ever seen before (I would rate it alongside the House of Rock in Wisconsin for weirdness). Explore a 50 acre, inclusive outdoor art museum. Many of the sculptures towered over me- the entire place is so immersive and it feels like you are stepping into someone’s mind.
There are unique opportunities besides simply walking through the exhibit. During the winter, visitors are able to snowshoe through it. There are also tours, youth camp and paint & sips available. This is a MUST SEE if you are in the area.
Learn about the artists here.
9. GRAB FOOD AT THE DRIVE IN, ROMAYNE’S OR THE GOAT SALOON
For being such a small town, Taylors Falls is not short on delicious places to eat. When traveling with my kids, we always grab a bite to eat at the Drive In. It’s an old fashioned 1950’s restaurant where the staff dress like they are from te 1950s. I will also say- they have THE BEST root beer floats I have ever tasted. They also have options if you are vegan. If you are going with friends, Romayne’s and The Goat Saloon are great options, both near each other downtown.
Check out the Drive In menu here.
10. TOUR THE FOLSOM HOUSE
The Folsom House is home to the 19th century lumber jack known as W.H.C. Folsom. He was a settler that arrived from New England attracted to the area by the land and was known for his timber business. You can take a tour of the house for $6 (children 5-17 are $4 and 4 and under are free) during January through end of September. From October to December, they are closed for the season. However, you can still drive by the historic home. the preservation of it is amazing and the view with the location is beautiful as well.
11. WILLIAM O’BRIEN STATE PARK & THE MARINE ON ST. CROIX
William O’ Brien is another lovely state park that is about 2o minutes from Taylors Falls. It’s a great location for kayaking and canoeing. Fisherman also enjoy this park along with those with like to hike, snowshoe and ski during the winter (there are 12 miles of hiking trails). They also offer RV, drive in, electric, group camps and camper cabins. This park is a must see during fall time.
Plan your visit to William O’Brien here.
12. WINE FLIGHTS
Taylors Falls is also home to Wild Mountain Winery offers stunning views of the Taylors Falls area while enjoying wines in the tasting room or on the patio. During the warmer months, this is a perfect place for a family picnic. Recommended treats are their wood fired pizza, bread or meat & cheese platters!
A few minutes away from Taylors Falls in Scandia, MN you will find a hidden gem called Rustic Roots Winery. They have an estate-style vineyard with a variety of red, white, rose wines, ciders, a variety of local beers and non-alcoholic options.
Click here for hours: Wild Mountain Winery or Rustic Roots Winery.
Surrounding Areas Near Taylors Falls MN
Discover exciting things to do in towns only minutes away from Taylors Falls!
- St. Croix Falls, WI
- Interstate State Park- Wisconsin entry (not as busy as the Minnesota side!)
- Chateau St. Croix Winery (totally for you if you like “fancy”)
- Dancing Dragonfly Winery
- Fawn Doe Rosa Wildlife Educational Park
- Trap Rock Brewing Company
- St. Croix Falls Mini Golf & Go-Karts
- The Vegetarian (delicious food!)
- Three Arrows Coffee (try their Maple Syrup Latte)
2. Osceola, WI
- Cascade Falls
- Historic downtown
- Standing Cedars State Natural Area
- Falls Bluff Loop Trail
- Riverwood Canoe & Kayak Rental
- The Looking Glass (antique and vintage store with vintage ice cream!)
- The Watershed (great coffee and food)
3. Dresser, WI
- Village Pizzeria of Dresser
- Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation
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