We LOVE going to Franconia Art Park. Only about an hour outside of the twin cities, located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, not far from Taylor’s Falls. Franconia Sculpture Park is a beautiful 43-acre outdoor sculpture park with active artist residency, and community arts programming. Open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year, it is an ideal kid-friendly setting letting you get up close to art you can feel and touch. Everything you see was created by a current or previous resident artist. There are free guided tours each Sunday at 2pm from May-October.

 “AN OUTDOOR MUSEUM”

If that isn’t enough to get you thinking about going, the $1 self-serve ice pops when you enter the parking lot are sure to win you over so bring some loose change and maybe consider waiting until you are done with your day. My kids will always run back to the car when they know these are waiting for them.

There are so many things to do close to Franconia but if you are hungry and heading back to the Twin Cities, The Northern Lake Tavern and Grill and Eichtens Cheese Shop are both great places to eat or shop.  It is the perfect day trip for families.