Taylors Falls combines views of the St. Croix River with trails, riverfront areas and history. In town, you’ll find parks, a historic district and the Folsom House; nearby, there’s also a state park, a loop hike and climbing routes. To plan your visit, it’s worth organizing these options around what you’re most interested in: river views and the waterfront, hiking and biking, wildlife watching, climbing, or architecture and history.
River Views and Activities in Town
Riverwalk Park & Village Square has an observation platform overlooking the St. Croix River. The park also provides access to Interstate State Park through an underpass beneath US Hwy 8. This spot therefore combines a river viewpoint with a direct route toward the state park. If you plan to visit for the view and access to the park, check the latest park information before you go.
Lions Park South is right on the banks of the St. Croix River and has a boat landing and a fishing pier. These are two different ways to take in the river: from the riverfront area or from the fishing pier.
Hiking and biking are also activities in town: At the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trailhead, you can hike and bike along the trail. The trailhead is another option besides the parks along the river.
Nature and Trails Nearby
Nearby Interstate State Park encompasses 293 acres of diverse habitat for plants and wildlife. This area complements the riverfront facilities in town with a larger natural setting. If you’re most interested in landscapes and habitats during your visit, the park offers a different focus from the viewpoints and facilities right on the riverfront.
The Walter F. Mondale River Trail near Taylors Falls offers a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike. The trail passes through wooded sections and leads to viewpoints overlooking the St. Croix River. There are also opportunities to spot great blue herons, turkey vultures and bald eagles. The stated distance already includes the return leg; possible bird sightings are an opportunity, not a guarantee.
For climbing, consider Tourist Rock in Interstate State Park. It has climbing routes on cracks and on craggy basalt faces. This sets it apart from the hiking and biking options: here, the focus is on the rock climbing routes. Trail conditions and park facilities may change; check the latest information for each location before your visit.
Architecture and History in Taylors Falls
At the Folsom House, offered tours introduce you to the history of the Folsom family and let you explore the restored 19th-century house. The tour connects a specific building with the history of a family. If you’re interested in architecture, you’ll also get a sense of a restored house from this period. Check current tour dates before visiting.
The Angel Hill District offers a second perspective on architecture: it’s a neighborhood in Taylors Falls featuring late Greek Revival architecture. While the Folsom House focuses on a single historic residence, the Angel Hill District encompasses an entire neighborhood and its architectural character. This gives you a choice between a guided visit to a house and a look at a historically distinctive neighborhood.
Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours is also connected to a long family history: the business has been family-operated since 1906. The ticket office is located at the intersection of US HWY 8 and HWY 95 in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. This precise location adds another river-related offering to the nearby river parks. Together with the Folsom House and the Angel Hill District, it shows how local history takes different forms: a family business, a historic residence and architecture.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Chisago City, North Branch.
Back to the main travel overview: Chisago County.
