Taylors Falls in an Afternoon

You'll find Taylors Falls on the St Croix River, about an hour north-east of the Twin Cities.  The pairing of this little historic town and the adjacent Interstate State Park make this a great destination for an afternoon.  While there are a number of other activities you could incorporate into a visit, my favorite itinerary is the 'Taylor-made Malt Hike'.

Taylor-made Malt Hike
This day-trip starts off with some moderately strenuous hiking, a relaxing interlude, and then a more leisurely return trip.  First, make your way to MN Interstate State Park, be sure to enter the park at the campground entrance a mile west of the city of Taylors Falls, on St Croix Trail/US-8.  A vehicle permit for the day is only $7, or if you have a year round MN state parks permit, that will get you in as well.  Grab a trail map from the park office and then park in the lot.  The Sandstone Bluffs Trail and Railroad Trail start behind the office.  Shortly past the trail head you'll take a tunnel under the highway and reach the fork for the two trails.  The bluffs trail is very nice but has a lot of stairs, so if stair climbing isn't your thing, you may want to stick to the Railroad Trail which is a bit easier.  They both will connect later on so if your party decides to split up it isn't a big deal.

The trail will bring you to the parking lot behind the Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center.  Walk through the parking lot to Government St, passing the Old Schoolhouse and Old Jail.  When you reach 1st Street, take a right and head east for a block and then take a left and walk north on Bench street to find your way to Schoony's Malt Shop to refresh yourselves.  Cold drink in hand, head behind the malt shop towards the river and you will find a stairway that leads down to a little river park, passing through a wooden covered walking bridge.  The park has a nice view and is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

When you are ready to start exploring again, follow the river under the bridge to the Intestate Park Visitors Center.  Spend some time learning about the potholes that were created by the receding glaciers while also enjoying some of the river views.  When it is time to head back, follow the River Trail to the lot where you parked, but be sure to stop at the scenic overlooks on the way.

Other Options
If you'd like to tweak your itinerary, you could consider some of these activities as well:

• Enjoy a self guided walking tour of Taylors Falls.
• Float down the St Croix in a rented canoe or kayak from the park with a courtesy ride back at the end.
• Take a scenic boat tour from Taylors Falls.
• Do more hiking at Wisconsin's Interstate Park on the other side of the river.
• The third weekend of July the cities of Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls schedule a weekend of activities to celebrate Wannigan Days.
• If you are going to be in the area Thanksgiving weekend, consider taking in the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival.