Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, MN / St. Croix Falls, WI

We decided to push Herman Field Park to next week. Instead, we had the great idea to go to Taylors Falls! This is an amazing area, located on the Minnesota / Wisconsin border about an hour north of the Twin Cities on I-35. Both parts of the park run along the banks of the St. Croix River. On the Minnesota side (Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084), there is an area to rent canoes and kayaks, camping, and the geologic wonder of the giant potholes. Over in Wisconsin (WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024), which is where we spent most of our day, there is a beach, picnic area, more camping, and hiking trails.

The day started out cloudy and humid, and our first hike wasn't much better than the dismal sky. It was mostly flat, although it sloped in some places. There was an area that we believe used to be a mine! The trail was 1.6 mi in each direction, making a 3.2 mi hike in all. We went on the trail because it was supposed to overlook a waterfall and a small lake. When we got there, the waterfall overlook was hundreds of feet away and it was shrouded by foliage. Then we tried to reach the "lake" which turned out to be a pond. The ground was swampy and my feet got soaking wet! I do not recommend this trail, named Silverbrook (trail head located near East Pines Group Camp).









After the first disappointing trail, we decided to go down to the picnic area and find an off-shoot from a hiking trail by the river. I have been to this picnic area before with family and I know the trail that goes up onto the bluffs overlooking the river. We followed the trail for a while as it started to get a little less humid.






When the trail turned downward, we left it behind and followed our feet. We spent a good amount of time climbing among the numerous and moss-covered rocks, labyrinth of roots, and thick forest floor. We followed the bluff along the river until we came to a precipice, at which point we turned inland. After about twenty minutes of searching, we found a nice secluded spot on a small bluff overlooking a gorge filled past the brim with tall trees. It took us a while to figure out how to string our hammocks because the trees were not in a great formation. After trying a few different things, I finally figured out where to put mine, while Mitch had had his up fifteen minutes before.







We spent a good 2-3 hours here! The overlook was beautiful and off in the distance you could see the river. It alternated from cloudy and still to sunny and windy. We listened to one of our favorite bands, Wookiefoot, and ate some clementines! We spent the afternoon loving the nature around us; we even saw a group of 4 hawks circling and gliding on the wind above us. I helped a caterpillar find his way off of my backpack!

After having a snack, we decided to leave and go see some potholes! The hike back was just as fun, if not more, than the hike to our spot. It was nice and sunny and cool while we found our way back to the path. Although we searched for quite some time, I'm glad we put in the effort! Our spot was peaceful and serene.

We made our way back over to Minnesota and went on one last short hike before heading home. I have been to this area with the potholes before as well, and I'm still amazed by it every time. I learned today that the potholes were formed by geological processes in the ancient riverbed that makes up the St. Croix River Valley. It was super interesting to learn how these awesome things were made!







This was an amazing day! I'm so glad we decided to go to Taylors Falls. Next week we will be back on track for Herman Field Park in Excelsior. Thanks for visiting my page. Until next time, happy hunting!

~ Haley & Mitch