I need to start this blog by saying We only spent an afternoon and evening here. It was not enough time. In my head I wanted to spend the night up here, but we had decided to drive 45 minutes to my in-laws so my kids could have a sleep over there. This is an area both my husband and I want to come back and spend more time exploring. I would suggest 1 full day or 1 full weekend.
History
Taylor Falls is the “Village on the River.” The river being the St. Croix River on Highway 8 and Minnesota Highway 95 bordering Wisconsin. It sits directly across the river from St. Croix Falls, WI. The town was established in 1858 and does not have a waterfall! So then why is it named Taylor Falls?!?! I’m glad you asked!
The village was named after Jesse Taylor, who first came to the area by boat in 1838 AND Joshua L. Taylor whom Jesse sold his claim to in 1846. Jesse Taylor owned a sawmill and was part of the lumber scene on the St. Croix as was Joshua Taylor. The St. Croix was used as a way to move lumber and had many log jams, one popular enough to attract tourists.
Quoted from the below source by William Folsom of Taylor Falls who helped establish Chisago County and was apart of the lumber industry “Many of the later residents query as to why it was ever called Taylor Falls. It takes a keen eye to discover any fall in the river at the point named. The falls indeed were once more conspicuous than they are now, owing to the fact that a large rock rose above the water…….That rock, never visible in later days…..” (Source: Minnesota geographic names; their origin and historic significance : Upham, Warren, 1850-1934 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive Pg. 107, 110).
The town of Taylor falls looks interesting and full of history. Their Angel Hill District is on the National Historic Registry. The 1850’s Folsom House (yes the same guy quoted above) is in the district too. Other historic places is the Taylors Falls Library and there is supposed to be the oldest MN public school house and Methodist church. Once again we did not have enough time to properly explore the town. You can also book a night in the original jailhouse which is now a bed and breakfast! (Oldjail.com)
Interstate State Park
This state park was the first inter-state state park in the USA. That means on the Minnesota side there is a state park and directly across the river is a state park in Wisconsin. (We did not visit that one). The Minnesota side was established in 1895 and Wisconsin in 1900. It was established in fears of mining that would destroy the Dalles of the St. Croix.
You can read more of the history of the park’s formation here Minnesota geographic names; their origin and historic significance : Upham, Warren, 1850-1934 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive Pg. 112-113).
The state park is situated along the St. Croix river at the Dalles or gorge. There is over 4 miles of trails on the Minnesota side and beautiful basalt rocks. (You can get climbing permits or cliff jump Into the St. Croix.) They took great care to make it as natural as possible. We chose to go up here in hopes of seeing fantastic fall colors. I had wanted to take the paddle boat tour up the river, but my family declined. Canoe and kayak rentals are available to experience the beauty of the river if that is more your thing.
The other big draw of this park is the potholes! That sounds odd, but I’m not talking about potholes in the road. On the Minnesota side there is these perfect circular holes in the rock, called glacial potholes. They were caused by water tornados with debris in it. Some are small and some are large and still full of water! There are two entrances to the park. If you’d like to see the potholes they are closer to the town entrance.
The majesty and beauty of this area is incredible. I’m thankful a place like this exists and was preserved for the future. All of creation will cry out the goodness of God…I’m just in awe!
Drive In
Taylors Falls Drive In | An Original Since 1956
This Drive-In Restaurant has been running since 1956. They have a drive-in with car hops in poodle skirts, a patio you can sit and eat at and a miniature golf course! It is only open mid-April to mid-October and we made it just in time. They pride themselves on “homemade root beer and old fashioned, hand packed burgers!” They try and locally sourced all there products and make their root beer on site every day! I must say it is some of the best I’ve ever had! I completely recommend stopping in! Look for the rotating root beer mug!
Franconia Sculpture Park
Just South if Taylor Falls is the Franconia Sculpture Park. We took our Drive-in to go and picnicked here. We got there just before dusk and probably saw an eighth of the grounds. This is a neat place to explore for sure. They have a sculpture-playground with swings and slides. There is over 50 acres and 100 sculptures. It is open 8am-8pm and asks for a donation. The suggestion is $5/person. They have a restroom in their commons area and special events too. (I.E. Halloween Movies). They have artist residencies as well. Once again I was disappointed by our lack of time and need to more fully explore this place later.
Sources/Webistes
Minnesota geographic names; their origin and historic significance : Upham, Warren, 1850-1934 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive (Pg 107, 110, 112-113)
Taylors Falls (taylors-falls.mn.us)
Taylors Falls – Chisago Lakes Visitor Bureau
Interstate State Park | Minnesota DNR
Taylors Falls Recreation – Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours (taylorsfallsboat.com)
Taylors Falls Drive In | An Original Since 1956
tfwannigandays.com/artisan-fair/
Wild Mountain : Taylors Falls Recreation – Waterpark, Alpine Slides, Go-Karts