Top 5 Winter Activities You Can Do In Taylors Falls, Minnesota
If you’re a keen amateur geologist, or you just love nature, you may have heard of Taylors Falls. Ancient riverbeds and lava flows provide plenty of interesting geographical features for geologists, and the Interstate State Park surrounds this small town beside the Saint Croix River on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.
#1. Skiing & Snowboarding
Only 7½ miles north of Taylors Falls is the renowned skiing and snowboarding resort of Wild
Mountain. With 26 ski runs and 4 terrain parks spread over 100 acres, winter sports lovers flock there every winter. Wild Mountain is famous for being the first Midwestern ski resort to open every winter.
The longest run is over 5,000 feet long. With 9 advanced runs, 9 intermediate runs, and 8 beginner runs, Wild Mountain is suitable for skiers of all ages and abilities. If you don’t have your own skiing equipment, you can hire suitable clothes and skis at the resort. There is also a 620 feet snow tubing hill, and extensive facilities for snowboarding.
And if you like variety, the ski resort of Trollhaugen is also close by. Trollhaugen offers 24 trails and 3 terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding. Snow tubing is very popular at Trollhaugen, with 10 dedicated lanes. Trollhaugen offers late-night skiing and snowboarding until 3 am on Fridays during winter.
#2. Snowshoeing
If you like your snowy fun a little slower paced, why not try snowshoeing? If there’s a trail suitable for hiking in summer, that same trail can be handled with a good pair of snowshoes during winter. Snowshoes are a fantastic way to explore an otherwise inaccessible winter wonderland.
Taylors Falls is surrounded by the Interstate State Park, which is actually two adjacent state parks, one in Minnesota and the other in Wisconsin. The Minnesota park offers 4 miles of hiking trails, while the Wisconsin park boasts 9 miles.
Two short trails suitable for the whole family are the 1½-mile Railroad Trail that follows the path of an old steam railroad and the 1¼-mile River Trail. The two trails merge, so you can set out along one and return via the other.
#3. Visit Franconia Sculpture Park
This popular outdoor sculpture park is open all year round. Franconia Sculpture Park is free to enter and displays over 120 contemporary sculptures spread over 43 acres of grounds. The free, self-guided tours are available every day from sunrise to sunset.
Franconia also runs special events during winter. There are a Pie and Wine Potluck Soiree in
November and an annual Valentine’s Day Iron Pour in February. If you’re lucky, you might get to meet some of the artists in residence and learn all about grand scale art. Dedicated art enthusiasts might even be interested in taking part in a workshop or inquiring about the internship program.
#4. Sample the local wine
Going on a winery tour might not be something you’ve considered during winter, but Wild Mountain Winery is open all year round. This premier winery is situated on one of the highest points in Chisago County from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the wintery landscape while sampling locally grown and produced wines.
During the winter months, Wild Mountain Winery is open Fridays 2 pm – 6 pm and Weekends noon–6 pm. No reservations are required for wine tasting, and you can sample gold medal award-winning vintages. Why not visit in November and December and buy Christmas gifts for the wine lovers in your family?
#5. Explore a historic neighborhood
If you’re interested in how the wealthy lived during the mid-19 th -century, check out the Angel’s Hills Historic District of Taylors Falls. This historic area of the town contains no less than 28 structures built in the New England Greek Revival Style.
The most famous of these properties is the 1854 Folsom House built by the lumber magnate W.H.C. Folsom. Folsom House has been fully restored and opened as a museum. Sadly, it isn’t open regularly during the winter months. However, check what’s happening there during your stay because the house is occasionally opened for events and special programming.
Other properties of note in Taylors Falls include the 1887 Taylors Falls Public Library, the 1853 Greek Revival Munch-Roos House, and the 1870 Italianate John Daubney House.
Take along your camera for stunning Victorian snow scenes.
And lots more!
As you can see, there’s lots to keep you occupied in Taylors Falls. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, grab a geological hammer to chip off some of the unique geological specimens found near the river. Alternatively, bring a wildlife camera and go birdwatching in the state parks.
There’s something for everyone in Taylors Falls!
