Nestled along the picturesque St. Croix River, Taylors Falls, Minnesota, is a charming small town brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and delightful attractions. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, Taylors Falls offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to see and do in this captivating town. Join me as we venture into Taylors Falls, MN and discover things to do, the best attractions, activities for families with kids and restaurants.
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Taylors Falls
Our family goes goes to Taylors Falls, MN about once a year, when we want some fun activities for the kids and a good restaurant. When the weather is right, we enjoy a nice hike, walking the small town, mini golf, ice cream and climbing rocks, with Interstate State Park being one of the main attractions. Read on to see all that this small Minnesota town has to offer.
Dining in Taylors Falls
The Drive-In
A visit to Taylors Falls wouldn’t be complete without a stop at The Drive-In. This classic American diner, with its retro ambiance and mouthwatering menu, is a local favorite restaurant. Enjoy delicious burgers, crispy fries, and homemade root beer in a nostalgic setting that transports you back to the 1950s.
The food is delicious! We (obviously) start with root beer floats. Nothing better on a sunny summer day then a float at a diner. This adorable little Taylors Falls diner has the option of eating in your car, like an old fashioned drive-in restaurant, or getting yourself a table. We have dined both ways at the Drive-In, but if the weather is favorable, I would vote for outdoor seating.
The overall environment is enhanced by waitresses that wear poodle skirt, making it feel like the real deal. Unfortunately, they don’t wear roller skates! But even more, The Drive-In has locally sourced foods. This is my favorite part about this place. Supporting local business and farmers and knowing you’re getting the real deal makes this place extra special!
Mini Golf
After lunch, bop on over to Adventure Falls Mini Golf. They basically share the same lot, so you don’t have to drive anywhere. This is one of our families favorite activities when we visit Taylors Falls, MN, a highlight for the kids.
This 18 hole course is a lot of fun. There is water flowing throughout, beautiful flowers and greenery. Best part, mom won last time we played!
The Natural Beauty of Taylors Falls
Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park is one of the crown jewels of Taylors Falls and a great attraction for families who enjoy activities like hiking. Spanning both Minnesota and Wisconsin, this park is known for its unique geological formations, including glacial potholes that date back thousands of years. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with stunning views of the St. Croix River, rock climbing, and exploring the park’s fascinating geological features.
The St. Croix River
The St. Croix River is a major draw for visitors to Taylors Falls. The river offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking. For a more relaxed experience, take a scenic paddlewheel boat tour with Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the river and surrounding bluffs.
The scenery is spectacular, especially along the river. The tall rock formations are amazing. You would never guess such beauty would be found in the middle of Minnesota! And, as you could guess, the kids love climbing on the rocks in Taylors Falls, MN.
Wondering the Town
If you’re wondering what else you can do in Taylors Falls, their downtown has many fun shops and activities your family will love. My kids love the Taylors Falls, MN Bead Store. Here you can find beads aplenty and rocks. They also have a good selection of jewelry and decor.
My favorite part? COFFEE!! Don’t forget about the coffee. Coffee Talk is an adorable little coffee house in an old house. The inside is bright and clean. They make great coffee. Have seating on the front porch and they have a beautiful seating area in the back. My favorite activity in Taylors Falls is walking the town with a fresh cup of joe.
Another little shopping spot is River Alley Shoppes. This is a perfect place if you love antiques or flea markets. They have so much to shop through and is a great attraction in Taylors Falls, MN for those who love antiques.
No trip to Taylors Falls is complete without ice cream from Schooney’s Malt Shop. This great restaurant also has pizza, if you’re wondering where else to eat in Taylors Falls.
The inside of the restaurant is beautiful. The brick walls, the tile ceiling, the decor. And of course, the ICE CREAM! We got Pirate’s Bounty and a one scoop banana split! Schoony’s is my kids favorite place to eat in Taylors Falls, MN, for obvious reasons.
Looking for more exploration? Stillwater, MN is a short drive from Taylors Falls and is filled with amazing shops in historic buildings, fabulous dining and outdoor activity. Explore Stillwater here.
Outdoor Adventures
Wild Mountain
Wild Mountain is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, it offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the water park, alpine slides, and go-kart racing. The scenic chairlift rides provide stunning views of the St. Croix Valley, making it a popular spot for photographers. Wild Mountain is located just outside of Taylors Falls, MN and is a perfect attraction for your family, if you’re wondering what else you can do.
Franconia Sculpture Park
Just a short drive from Taylors Falls, Franconia Sculpture Park is a unique outdoor art museum featuring over 100 large-scale sculptures. The park spans 43 acres and offers a dynamic and interactive experience for art lovers of all ages. With rotating exhibitions and a variety of workshops and events, there’s always something new to discover at Franconia. This is a popular attraction for families who venture to Taylors Falls. They even have a couple playgrounds for the littles.
Fawn-Doe-Rosa
Hop on over the rive to the town right next to Taylors Falls, St. Croix Falls, and treat your family to one of our favorite activities. Fawn-Doe-Rosa is a beloved wildlife educational park located in St. Croix Falls, WI, offering interactive experiences with a variety of animals such as deer, goats, and llamas. Visitors can hand-feed and pet many of the animals, making it a popular destination for families and animal lovers. The park also features nature trails and picnic areas, providing a fun and educational outdoor adventure.
Taylors Falls, MN, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family activities and attractions. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes of Interstate State Park, delving into the town’s history at the Folsom House, or enjoying a meal at The Drive-In, Taylors Falls promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and discover the charm of this enchanting town on the banks of the St. Croix River.
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