Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours is a family owned and operated business that has been running since 1906. Thousands of tourists have been able to enjoy the scenic beauty of the St. Croix River and the world famous Dalles by historic paddlewheel boat. The tours teach visitors about the history of the Dalles of the St. Croix River, as well as the unique rock formations left behind by glaciers over thousands of years.
The Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours have daily boat tours that last 45, and 80 minutes, and also provide sundown cruises, twilight cruises that include live music and wine, and private charters for groups, weddings and events.
Chris found this one after we spent the day in Stillwater and I had seen their paddle wheel riverboats. I had never been on a paddle boat, but it reminded me of the riverboats you'd see in the south, and of course the Disneyland Mark Twain Riverboat that I had seen back in California.
Of course he immediately began searching for all of the places in Minnesota that provide the public with riverboat tours so that we could experience one ourselves.
We made the drive out to Taylors Falls, MN, about 2 hours North of Rochester, where we were greeted by the boat crew as we were led onboard the Taylors Falls Princess. The Princess can hold up to 250 passengers, and has an enclosed lower level with an open-air deck on the upper level. Paddle Boats are flat bottom boats that need less water levels than typical boats; This one in particular has a 12" draft.
We had originally booked the 80 minute tour, but unfortunately our tour was cut short due to such low water levels that day, that even this flat bottom boat could only make about a halfway trip down the St. Croix River, turning into the 45 minute tour. 45 minutes was just fine as it was getting a bit chilly on board even with jackets, but the views of the fall foliage was not to be missed.
Below you'll find a gallery from our tour.
Overall, I highly recommend the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, it was a beautiful experience.
You can also check out Lake Pepin Paddle Boat, Inc., Padelford Riverboats, Stillwater Riverboats or Magnolia Blossom Cruises to see which is closest to you!
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