Family Day Trip to Taylors Falls | Park Where are the Falls?

This was our first official day trip with the kids. We started small and fun. My daughter loved hunting for the teapot water tower in Lindström, MN.

Locals say the teapot “steams” at select times on community event days, but there isn’t a public schedule. It is still a cute stop and a great photo. Lindström’s downtown is worth a quick walk. We even spotted a mini Statue of Liberty (no pic, sorry!).

Interstate State Park (MN Side)

With both kids in tow, we headed to Interstate State Park on the Minnesota side. Stop at the visitor center for maps and Junior Ranger activities. Day-use vehicle permits are required; check current pricing and hours before you go.

We climbed along the basalt cliffs above the St. Croix River and found safe spots to let the kids scramble. My daughter showed off her climbing skills. My son, still a little wobbly, had a blast too.

Do not miss the glacial potholes. They are huge, wild, and easy to see from the paved paths. One has a short staircase so you can go inside. The echoes made my daughter laugh, even though she was a little unsure at first. Keep little ones close; railings protect most areas, but cliffs are nearby.

The Drive-In (Taylors Falls)

After our hike, we ate at The Drive-In, a classic carhop in Taylors Falls. Servers deliver to your car, and you can sit at outdoor tables if the kids need to move. Get a frosty mug of house-made root beer to share.

There is a mini-golf course next door, perfect for a break before the drive home. Our daughter loved it. Our son wanted to “help” by pushing the ball into the hole, which made us all laugh.

Lessons Learned

There are no big waterfalls in Taylors Falls itself; the name comes from the river’s historic rapids. For adults, look at local wineries and cideries near town for a relaxing drink after hiking, time permitting.

The Franconia Sculpture Park nearby is free, open daily, and great with kids. The pieces are large and playful, so it feels more like an art playground than a museum.

Wild Mountain is another fun option when kids are a bit older. In summer, look for the waterpark and alpine slide. In winter, skiing and snow tubing are the big hits.

Update as of 2025-10-07: We returned and finally “found” the falls vibe by exploring more of the St. Croix and nearby parks. Grab our guide to plan a fuller trip: 17 Things To Do In Taylors Falls Minnesota | The Ultimate Guide