Taylors Falls: The Perfect Minnesota Fall Day Trip

Taylors Falls is a charming town of less than 1,000 residents along the St. Croix River. Located on the Minnesota and Wisconsin border, this riverside gem boasts amazing outdoor recreation, unique gift shops and small businesses, and great dining options, all wrapped up in one of Minnesota's most scenic fall destinations.

Just an hour drive from Minneapolis, Taylors Falls offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm for an autumn day trip. If you're looking for a fall getaway that doesn't require a lot of planning or a long drive, the St. Croix River Valley area has everything you need for a memorable day: dramatic hiking trails, stunning fall colors, wildlife encounters, and more.

Start Your Day at Interstate State Park

Begin your Taylors Falls adventure at Interstate State Park, where the St. Croix River has carved dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations over thousands of years. The park's hiking trails offer some of the most spectacular fall color viewing in the state, with hardwood forests that explode into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows throughout October.

Interstate State Park's hiking trails offer some of the most spectacular fall color viewing in Minnesota.

The Pothole Trail is a must-see. This relatively easy hike takes you past fascinating geological features called glacial potholes, cylinder-shaped holes carved into the bedrock by swirling water and stones. Views of the St. Croix River from the bluffs are particularly stunning during peak fall color season.

For a more leisurely experience, the River Trail offers accessible paths with beautiful overlooks perfect for taking in the autumn scenery without strenuous climbing. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks. It's a magical experience eating lunch surrounded by fall colors with the river flowing nearby.

Must-See: Fawn Doe Rosa Wildlife Educational Park

Just across the river in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Fawn Doe Rosa Wildlife Educational Park has been family-owned and operated since 1963, offering hands-on experiences with deer and other animals. This is not your typical petting zoo, it's an immersive wildlife experience that's perfect for all ages. Fawn Doe Rosa is open weekends during the fall through the end of October.

The highlight is walking among free-roaming deer who will eat directly from your hand. It's the only place where you can walk with deer, pet them, and feed them, a truly unique experience. The park also features goats, llamas, and various adorable farm animals in their petting area, plus educational displays about wildlife.

Visiting during the fall adds extra magic to the experience, with the surrounding trees providing a colorful backdrop to your wildlife encounters. It's the kind of unexpected, delightful experience that makes day trips memorable. Budget about 1-2 hours here, and plan to buy animal food at the gift shop if you want to feed the deer.

Kayaking the St. Croix

Fall is an ideal time for kayaking the St. Croix River. The summer crowds have thinned, the mid-day temperatures are comfortable, and paddling past hillsides ablaze with autumn color is an unforgettable sight. Several local outfitters offer kayak rentals and can recommend routes based on your experience level and available time.

Even if you're a beginner, the calmer sections of the river near Taylors Falls are accessible and rewarding. It's peaceful being on the water during fall, surrounded by reflected autumn colors.

Explore Downtown Taylors Falls

After your outdoor adventures, spend time exploring the charming shops and galleries in downtown Taylors Falls. The small-town atmosphere is perfect for leisurely browsing, and you'll find everything from antiques to local art to unique gifts.

As you explore, don't miss the historic architecture. Many buildings downtown date back to the 1800s, giving the town an authentic, preserved character. The Angel Hill Historic District is worth a stroll if you appreciate well-maintained historic homes.

As far as dining options, Taylors Falls offers exceptional places to eat for a town of its size. The Drive In Restaurant is a local favorite serving classic American comfort food in a nostalgic setting, perfect for refueling after a day of hiking and exploring. For something more upscale, check out the local dining scene along the riverfront where you can enjoy your meal with views of the St. Croix. Many restaurants feature locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus that highlight the best of Minnesota's fall harvest.

More Fall Activities

Franconia Sculpture Park: Located just outside Taylors Falls, this outdoor sculpture park features contemporary art installations set among natural landscapes. It's free to visit and offers a unique blend of art and nature that's especially photogenic in fall.

Scenic Boat Tours: If you prefer to experience the fall colors from the water without paddling, consider a scenic boat tour on the St. Croix. These narrated tours provide historical context while you enjoy the spectacular autumn views.

Apple Orchards: The surrounding area includes several apple orchards perfect for picking fresh apples or enjoying cider and donuts, essential fall activities that pair perfectly with your Taylors Falls visit.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time: Peak fall color typically occurs from late September through mid-October, though timing varies by year. Weekdays offer smaller crowds, while weekends have more vibrant town energy.

What to Bring: Layers (fall weather can be unpredictable), comfortable hiking shoes, camera, water bottles, and cash for parking and animal food at Fawn Doe Rosa.

Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul via I-35 and Highway 8, making it perfect for a full day trip without requiring overnight accommodations.

Why Taylors Falls is the Perfect Fall Day Trip

What makes Taylors Falls exceptional for autumn visits is the combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm all concentrated in one accessible location. You can hike beautiful river bluffs, hand-feed deer, enjoy fall colors, browse charming shops, and enjoy a burger and fries all in a single day without feeling rushed.

The small-town feel with plenty of things to do makes it the perfect day trip from Minneapolis, offering just enough adventure and relaxation to feel like a real getaway without the commitment of overnight travel.

Have you made an autumn visit to Taylors Falls? What are your favorite spots or hidden gems? I'd love to hear about your autumn adventures in this beautiful Minnesota town.