TAYLORS FALLS CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Ten Miles Down the St. Croix: Wild River to Taylors Falls Dam
A 10-mile canoe run from Wild River State Park to Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls that takes roughly 3–4 hours—this guide lays out the route, timing, and practical details for the day trip.
Ten Miles Down the St. Croix: Wild River to Taylors Falls Dam.
Adventure brief
Ten Miles Down the St. Croix: Wild River to Taylors Falls Dam
The paddle begins at Wild River State Park and follows a scenic stretch of the St. Croix River before finishing at Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls. Over roughly 10 miles of water, paddlers typically spend between three and four hours on the river, taking in the natural scenery as they move downstream.
Set against the lush backdrop of Minnesota’s St. Croix River Valley, the Wild River Landing to Taylors Falls Dam paddle is an appealing 10-mile journey that immerses adventurers in pristine wilderness just a short drive from Taylors Falls. This 3- to 4-hour canoe or kayak trip follows the gentle current of the St. Croix, a National Scenic Riverway acknowledged for its striking sandstone cliffs, diverse wildlife, and tranquil waters. Beginning at Wild River State Park, known for its forests, wetlands, and rolling hills, paddlers glide past scenes that shift from thick pine and birch groves to open river vistas framed by sculpted rock formations shaped by ancient glacial flows.
This stretch of the river is renowned for showing off Minnesota’s natural charm without the crowds. As you paddle toward Taylors Falls Dam, expect to see eagles soaring overhead, occasional glimpses of white-tailed deer near the shoreline, and herons wading silently in river shallows. Wild River State Park’s protected landscape means quiet, wildlife-rich encounters with nature’s subtle rhythms.
Ending at Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls, this trip is favored by locals and visitors alike for its approachable river conditions and engaging scenery. Eric’s Canoe Rental provides everything you need — two paddles and life jackets per canoe, or one paddle and life jacket per kayak — ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate safely. Their seasonal paddle booking allows flexibility, inviting guests back throughout the warmer months to experience the river’s evolving beauty.
Taylors Falls itself adds cultural depth to the trip. The town is known for its heritage tied to early river commerce and its proximity to Interstate State Park, famous for the Gorge and glacial potholes. This makes the paddle a perfect complement to exploring this spectacular stretch of the upper Midwest.
Whether you’re a beginner or skilled paddler, this adventure offers a paced, rewarding way to connect with one of Minnesota’s top outdoor destinations. It captures the simplicity of river travel combined with the thrill of discovering quiet corners rarely seen from land. For travelers looking to unwind, explore, and enjoy an active outdoor day, the Wild River Landing to Taylors Falls Dam paddle is an essential itinerary highlight on the St. Croix River.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops and sights along the 10-mile route from the park to the landing.
Wild River State Park (Launch)
The trip begins at Wild River State Park, where paddlers put in and start the downstream journey on the St. Croix River.
Mid‑river Stretch
A long continuous section of the St. Croix River where most of the 10 miles are covered; paddlers make steady progress toward Taylors Falls.
Eric’s Boat Landing / Taylors Falls Dam (Takeout)
The trip concludes at Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls, the official takeout for this route.
Confirm current logistics and any route updates with the operator or at the meeting location before launch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 10‑mile Downriver Run
This is a 10-mile paddle that starts at Wild River State Park and finishes at Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls, covering the distance in about three to four hours of paddling time.
A Popular Day Trip
Marketed as the operator’s most popular day trip, the route is designed to be completed in a single outing of roughly 3–4 hours, making it a full-day paddle without an overnight requirement.
Scenic St. Croix Passage
Paddlers move along a scenic section of the St. Croix River, experiencing the natural landscape of the corridor between Wild River State Park and Taylors Falls.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a continuous downstream flow that carries you from the state park launch toward the town of Taylors Falls; the outing is paced to cover ten miles in a half‑day of paddling, offering stretches of uninterrupted river travel and time to register the surrounding scenery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and where it might not be ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip covers 10 miles and is listed as taking approximately 3–4 hours of paddling; the official duration is given as 4 hours.
This is a canoe outing (Topic Tag: Canoe). Specific gear lists are not provided in the source material—confirm with the operator for recommended personal equipment.
Meet at Eric's Shuttle Lot — 1155 Chicago St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States. Confirm shuttle and launch logistics in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle from Wild River to Taylors Falls?
The route is 10 miles long and typically takes about 3–4 hours of paddling; the listed duration is 4 hours.
Where is the meeting point for the trip?
Meeting is at Eric's Shuttle Lot — 1155 Chicago St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, United States.
Where does the paddle start and end?
The paddle starts at Wild River State Park and finishes at Eric’s Boat Landing in Taylors Falls (Taylors Falls Dam area).
Who runs this canoe trip?
The trip is operated in association with Eric's Canoe and Kayak Rental (operator noted in the trip material).
Is this a full‑day trip or a half‑day outing?
This is offered as a popular day trip that takes roughly 3–4 hours of paddling time, fitting within a single‑day outing.
Are there participant age or health restrictions?
No specific participant limits, age, or health restrictions are provided in the source material; check with the operator for any requirements.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-21T03:22:40.807Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.