Get Away to the St. Croix River Valley!

The St. Croix River Valley and Polk County are a haven for all things outdoors (and indoors) throughout the year. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, LakePlace B&B is your home base for year-round activities. The upper St. Croix River Valley is only one hour from the Twin Cities, but you will want more than a day trip to explore the area. Take in a show at the St. Croix Festival Theater or wander the giant works at Franconia Sculpture Garden. Enjoy free summer outdoor concerts in several towns. Take a tour on a train or a river boat. Hike, bike, snowshoe or ski dozens of trails. Visit Trollhaugen for winter skiing and snowboarding, and visit their adventure park in summers. Interstate State Park, with its stunning geological formations, the iconic deep gorges and basalt rock formations, is just minutes away. For a slower pace, shop at our many vintage stores, and sip at our many wineries and breweries.

We maintain a Google calendar of local events and update it weekly. If there is something we missed, please email lakeplacebnb@gmail.com with details and we will review for addition to the calendar.

St. Croix River Valley Restaurants, Wineries & Breweries:

Within just a few miles of LakePlace, there are over 60 bars and restaurants. From cozy cafes to local bars, to classic Wisconsin supper clubs, your lunch, dinner, and tasty treat needs will be satisfied. Find your next dining adventure under “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” at discoverpolkcountywis.com or at chisagolakes.org. 

Wineries and Breweries: The St. Croix River Valley is a destination for beer and wine lovers. Below are some popular spots to grab a glass, a bottle, or a growler.

Museums, Arts, and Performance

Out on the lake, but never far from entertainment. Local theater companies, including the St. Croix Festival Theater, which in 2024 will be moving back to the beautifully renovated historic Civic Theater in St. Croix Falls. Local potters show off their works the second weekend in May during the St. Croix Valley Pottery Studio Tour and Sale. Music fans will want to visit during the summer months when St. Croix Falls, Franconia Sculpture Garden, and Stillwater all host weekly outdoor concerts. And, of course, every town in the area hosts a signature summer festival.

The Great Outdoors

A year-round destination for lovers of outdoor sports and activities, the St. Croix River Valley welcomes skiers, hikers, bikers, birders, and nature lovers. Whether you visit in January or June, your options abound!

Winter in the St. Croix River Valley

Hit the Slopes: Drive just six minutes from LakePlace B&B to hit the slopes at Trollhaugen Ski Area. Just 20 minutes away is Wild Mountain Ski Area in Taylors Falls. 

Hit the Trails: Polk County is home to over 360 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The Balsam Branch Trail and the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail will take cross country skiers into winter wonderlands. Visit Polk County’s Cross Country Skiing page for more info.

Spring and Fall in the St. Croix River Valley

We are lucky to be home to Minnesota and Wisconsin State Parks, county parks and even a national park – the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Start your warmer weather adventures with a stop at the St. Croix River Visitors Center in St. Croix Falls. National Park Service staff will answer questions and share advice for your trip planning.

The Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls and Chisago Lakes Explore have a wealth of information on every aspect of tourism in the Polk and Chisago Counties. Looking for a kayak outfitter, a fishing guide, or a secret picnic spot? They will set you on the right path.

Interstate Park is open all year and is just minutes from the B&B. Experience it each season and watch it evolve. Visit: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/interstate and dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00178

Summer in the St. Croix River Valley

This is when the area really shines. In addition to the land trails, get out on the St. Croix or Namekagon Rivers with your own canoe or kayak or rent from one of several kayak and canoe outfitters. 

Is leisurely touring more your speed? Take a riverboat cruise from Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours or catch the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway for a 90-minute ride along the picturesque St. Croix River Valley. 

Park once, grab lunch in downtown Osceola, then hike the Simenstad Trail to enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the St. Croix River. 

Trollhaugen and Wild Mountain don’t shut down in the summer. Their adventure and water parks are not for the faint of heart. Take on an aerial challenge course or cruise on ziplines and alpine slides or bring your pulse down with a float on a lazy river.

There’s so much more to see and do! Watch our blog for upcoming articles, as well as visit https://thestcroixvalley.com/itinerary-ideas/ for more ideas!

Marathoners and Trail Runner Events