Day Trip From Minneapolis/St. Paul: The St. Croix Valley

The St. Croix valley around the town of Taylors Falls is on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, about an hour's drive northeast. There's plenty to see and do in and on the way to Taylors Falls, and the shortish drive makes it a good family day out as well.

Head north out of the Twin Cities on I-35, then east on Highway 8 towards Taylors Falls.

Several Scandinavian villages are on the way to Taylors Falls, making up "America's Little Sweden" known as the Chisago Lakes area. Chisago City has a small downtown area with historic trains on display, and several independent businesses. Lindstrom, the most famous of the towns on Highway 8, has dollops of Scandinavian culture at bakeries, antique stores and restaurants. Then you'll come to Center City, once a railroad town, which has historic houses dating from the mid nineteen century on Summit Avenue.

The Winehaven Winery is five minutes from Chisago City, and is open for tastings throughout the summer. Reservations are required for vineyard tours.

Heading on towards Taylors Falls, you'll come to Franconia Sculpture Park. Acres of modern sculptures are free to visit, and free guided tours on Sundays, will introduce you to the artworks. On Saturday August 1, Franconia Sculpture Park holds their annual Hot Metal Pour, where artists cast their works in molten iron. You can also carve your own mold and make your own cast, and watch it being filled with hot metal. It's quite a spectacle.

The city of Taylors Falls is next. There's more places to eat and drink, and the major attraction of the area: Interstate Park, bordering the St. Croix river on the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides. The St. Croix river has carved an impressive gorge through the granite and over the years, formed many impressive, delicate, and unique rock formations. The last ice age was particularly brutal on the rocks but the end result is some beautiful scenery. Stroll or hike in the park, rent a canoe or kayak to paddle on the St. Croix, or if you have the gear, rock climb on the cliffs.

Art, scenery, baked goods, Scandinavian culture, and molten iron. Enjoy!