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 Twin Cities Metro: The Northern St. Croix Valley ©copyright '98 by www.mnrealty.com |
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Twin Cities Metro: The Northern St. Croix Valley ©copyright '98 by www.mnrealty.com |
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Marine on St. Croix is made up of a unique blend of long time residents and city dwellers seeking solitude. Many seek out Marine on St. Croix just to stop at the General Store or to grab a bite at one of the unique local eateries, while others fall in love with the small town life and have to stay. Just a few blocks from the main street, you'll find several waterfalls and creeks, the Asa Parker House (a beautiful Bed & Breakfast), and a beautiful historic city hall.
Easy access to the St. Croix River and beautiful camping and fishing sites make this an appealing area for nature lovers as well. In addition, Marine is located less than 30 minutes from both Twin Cities metro areas.
Students in Marine are served by the Stillwater School District.
Keep driving north from Marine, and you'll soon find yourself in Franconia - a town with beautiful farmland and quaint, historic buildings, including this town hall.
As you meander up U.S. 8 towards Taylors Falls, keep your eyes open. If you see any strange or unidentifiable objects, chances are you've found the 14-acre Franconia Sculpture Garden (left and below) featuring the works of both emerging and better-known sculptors.
Named for Jesse Taylor, a stone mason from Fort Snelling near St. Paul, who was hired to make the first land claim on the Minnesota side of the Dalles, Taylors Falls is a charming town nestled into the hill beside the St. Croix River.
Taylors Falls holds an array of antique shops, restaurants, Bed & Breakfasts, a 1950s drive-in restaurant and several historic buildings, including the Folsom House.
Visitors can cruise the St. Croix daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with boats launching from the landing near the Interstate bridge.
During the winter. Taylors Falls offers downhill skiing on 21 runs at Wild Mountain Ski Area. In the summer the facility is converted into an Alpine Slide and Water Park featuring a variety of water slides and Go-carts particularly popular with youngsters.
