Moving to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, from a large metro area, I was worried about filling my arts and culture yearnings. I was used to deciding at the last minute to head out to see a band at a club, hit a museum or a local gallery or take a class to learn a new skill. Happily, the collection of arts in the St. Croix Valley has not disappointed me.
When you are looking for a cultural experience to accompany your vacation, make LakePlace your home base when you explore all that the St. Croix River Valley has to offer. Our website has a Things to Do page dedicated to happenings in the area and below is a sampling of what I have discovered.
Live music and performers
The opening of the renovated Historic Auditorium is bringing great acts from all over the Midwest and offers a lounge performance most Fridays.
The inaugural River Valley Blues Fest is in July, Music on the Overlook every Friday in the summer and many small towns host monthly music series.
Specialty music to enjoy at the August Northwoods Ukulele Festival in Shell Lake and the West Denmark Fiddle School concert in June.
Main Street Voices brings educational programming and musical acts to town.
Wineries and bars are also great places to listen. And there are many close by to choose from.
Chastity Brown in concert at the Historic Auditorium.
Theater
Festival Theatre is a hidden gem of talent, featuring actors and playwrights from all over the country. Their season is always exciting and concludes with a popular holiday production. For 2026, come and see “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The St. Croix ArtBarn is a 150-year-old restored barn with community theater performances, comedy acts and more,
Visual Art
The Open Doors Art Tour the first weekend in May and the St. Croix Pottery Tour the following weekend.
Franconia Sculpture Park has huge outdoor pieces and hosts music and an art and farmer’s market in the summer.
Many towns in Polk County, WI, and Chisago County, MN, are home to galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.
The mural and coffee pot water tower in Lindstrom.
History and Museums
If history or learning about cool and quirky stuff is your jam, there is a museum for almost everyone.
Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum in Spooner. WI
The historic Folsom House in Taylors Falls, MN.
Discover more about the hearty Swedes who settled in the area at the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia, MN, then take the Swedish Circle Tour in Chisago County, MN.
Learning
There are also places to learn something new or enhance your existing skills at WHAT Art School, Treehaus Studio on the grounds of The Acreage at Osceola, or Franconia Commons.
L: I made this baby cocoon and hat after taking a class at WHAT Art School.
Bonus:
Stillwater and Hudson are less than an hour away and the Twin Cities are close enough for a day trip.
Make a reservation today and join us at the lake!