MORE THAN A DAYTRIP
Local Food
& Farms
Summer Foodie-Fun & Farms!
IN THE ST. CROIX VALLEY
stay & eat
Grab a place to stay before you head out for the day—they go fast. If you like camping be sure and check out both Interstate parks on either side of the St. Croix River in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. If you prefer a rustic, woodsy stay, check out the heavily wooded Waub-O-Jeeg campground, which is a little off the beaten path. Wildwood Campground & RV Park offers camping with the added fun of a swimming pool.
Can’t sleep without a soft pillow and air-conditioning—check out the Holiday Inn Express in St. Croix Falls, which is only minutes from many fun activities. If you’re looking for something a little different then your typical hotel, 123 S. Washington and Big Rock Creek offer gorgeous, unique options! 123 S. Washington is located in a historic building downtown in St. Croix Falls.
Each of the three beautifully decorated suites are fully furnished and offer amenities such as kitchens and sitting areas. Guests enjoy the relaxing outdoor patio and proximity to hiking trails, retail shopping, and stunning river views. Big Rock Creek, just north of St. Croix Falls, offers guests lodging in the midst of nearly 1000 acres of rolling countryside. Reserve one of their cabins or check out their new camping and glamping opportunities!
All of our area towns are great for travelers who like to wake up and stroll around town stopping at all the cute little shops and antique stores while looking for a great place to eat.
FARMER’S MARKETS
Saturday mornings in the summer are special in downtown St. Croix Falls. Head to the St. Croix Library Plaza for the St. Croix Falls Farmers’ Market. Stroll the vendors, often while listening to live music, while you pick up the season’s freshest produce. The Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.
On the first Sunday of every month, through October, make a trip to Franconia Sculpture Park for the Art & Farmers Market. Here, local artists, crafters, and farmers show off their best for a unique shopping experience. Hours are 10am to 2pm.
farms & orchards & specialty food shops
Want to see an elk up close or pet a baby lamb? Fawn-Doe-Rosa is a wildlife educational park where visitors can get up close to deer, wolves, elk, farm animals, and more.
The park owners work closely with different conservation offices and the USDA to educate people about the proper care of the animals and to build an appreciation that lasts long after your visit. Visitors have enjoyed this woodland and farm animal zoo for more than 50 years!
After a morning of hiking or sightseeing, head over to Pleasant Valley Orchard to pick some of the best-tasting strawberries on the planet! A short distance from both Interstate Parks sits the picturesque orchard on top of one of the rolling hills that surround the St. Croix Valley. This family-friendly orchard is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature while you pick-your-own strawberries. Berry picking typically starts in mid-June and runs until the berries are gone. Call first for picking conditions and times. And don’t forget to come back in the fall for apples!
IF SPECIALTY FOOD IS WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING, CHECK OUT THESE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS:
Valley Sweets, St. Croix Falls, WI – Indulge in nostalgic candy, handmade artisan chocolates, rich ice cream, baked goods, and more while taking in views of the St. Croix River!
3 Arrows Coffee, St. Croix Falls, WI – Coffee beans are roasted on site to create delicious specialty drinks, and locally-sourced, chef-inspired sandwiches, quiche, and baked goods will have you coming back for more!
The Vegetarian, St. Croix Falls, WI – Enjoy the tastes and smells of delectable vegetarian dishes inspired by south India!
The Drive In Restaurant, Taylors Falls, MN – Take a hop back in time, and enjoy fresh, handmade burgers and root beer floats at this 1950s-inspired eatery!
This article was written by Lisa Erickson (Wild Chow & Postcards from the Wedge & The Milk House), updated and edited by Rebecca Stenberg, and produced by Linda Shober Marketing + Design and Linda Shober Marketing and Design is located in the St. Croix Valley and specializes in providing content, strategy, management, design, and creative for digital and traditional marketing projects.