The St. Croix River valley runs north from Stillwater through woods, bluffs and small towns, and some of its best sights are a short drive from the town. A car is the easiest way to visit them, and with a full day you can combine nature, art and heritage in one loop.
Interstate State Park at Taylors Falls
The park is the geological highlight. The St. Croix River Dalles are a gorge of steep cliffs cut through ancient lava flows, and the trails lead to glacial potholes. The park describes at least ten lava flows, two glacial deposits and traces of old valleys and faults. There are about four miles of trails, canoe rentals with shuttle service and a campground. A state park vehicle permit is required. Allow half a day, and bring sturdy shoes.
Rock climbing and canoeing
If you want adventure, a guided group rock-climbing session in Interstate Park gives beginners a safe introduction to climbing, and canoeing the flat water below the Dalles gives a different view of the cliffs. Check the meeting point when you book, as two Interstate State Parks face each other across the river.
Franconia Sculpture Park
Just west of Taylors Falls, at the intersection of Highways 95 and 8, this 50-acre outdoor museum of contemporary art is free to visit and open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. It was founded in 1996 and doubles as an artist residency. A donation is welcome. On the first Sunday of the month from May to October there is an art and farmers market.
Gammelgården Museum in Scandia
South of Taylors Falls, this open-air museum of six historic Swedish immigrant farm buildings is on Olinda Trail North. Walk-in tours run on set days in the warm season, usually weekends, and the shop is open most days. The buildings are open only during tours and large events, so time your visit.
The Osceola scenic train
On the Wisconsin side of the river, the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway runs a 20-mile excursion along the bluffs, crossing into Minnesota on the Cedar Bend Draw Bridge and stopping at Marine on St. Croix. It runs special brunch, dinner, leaf-viewing and pumpkin trains, and tickets are sold at the 1916 depot. Check the schedule, because the season varies.
Orchards and balloons
In autumn, Aamodt’s Apple Farm and Saint Croix Vineyards near Stillwater offer pick-your-own apples, hayrides, a kiddie train and a goat farm. Hot air balloon flights lift off from the same property, subject to weather.
A suggested loop
Leave Stillwater in the morning, drive north to Interstate State Park and walk the Dalles, stop at Franconia Sculpture Park, have lunch in a valley town, visit Gammelgården on the way back if it is a tour day, and finish with dinner in Stillwater. In autumn, swap the museum for the orchard or the train.
Practical notes
Distances are modest, but roads can be slow on autumn weekends. Fuel up in Stillwater, carry water and snacks, and check opening days in advance, since small museums keep limited hours. If you prefer not to drive, ask about private tours with transportation.
With children
Franconia Sculpture Park and the Osceola train are the easiest wins, since both are visual and active. Interstate State Park is excellent for older children who can follow rules near cliffs and potholes. Keep an eye on young ones near the edges, wear shoes with grip and bring snacks. The orchard in autumn is a certain hit with small children.
Weather and seasons
The valley is at its best from late spring to early autumn, and the Osceola train and the museums have seasonal schedules. In winter the sculpture park and the state park remain open for walks, but icy trails call for care. Always check opening days before you set out, because small museums and attractions may close midweek or between seasons.
Combining with Stillwater
The loop works as a day trip from town or as a second day of a weekend. If you are short of time, choose two stops, for example the state park and the sculpture park, and leave the rest for another visit. The valley rewards slow travel, and the less you rush, the more you will enjoy it.