Wild River Camper Cabin Adventure
Wild River Camper Cabin Adventure
A couple of weekends ago we stayed at Wild River State Park, and it was exactly the little reset we needed. We booked one of the camper cabins—basically the perfect middle ground between roughing it and bringing your own mattress. Tucked into the trees with just the right amount of rustic charm, it made a great basecamp for two days of exploring.
Friday, May 16 came with cool, misty vibes—about 52°F, no wind, and a steady shift between light rain and that kind of soft, misty drizzle that makes everything feel extra lush. Honestly? It was perfect hiking weather. No bugs, no sweat, just moody forest energy in full force.
We laced up and hit the trails, starting with the River Terrace Loop before making our way onto the Dam Trail. Every path seemed to whisper, “this way to the St. Croix,” and eventually, they all led us there. The River Walk trail took us down to the old Nevers Dam site, and it felt like stepping into a quiet little pocket of the past. A few scattered remnants still remain—just enough to imagine the history while soaking up the peaceful river views.
River Trail - Wild River State Park
After 3.5 miles of damp but dreamy hiking, we headed back to our camper cabin, changed into dry clothes, and shifted into full cozy mode. We built a fire out front, roasted marshmallows, and made s’mores like the pros we are (extra crispy marshmallow gang over here). We ended the night with snacks, board games, and cozy cabin vibes.
Saturday greeted us with cool, crisp air—around 45 degrees that morning with a decent amount of wind.
We kicked things off at Minnesota Interstate State Park, tackling the Walter F. Mondale River Trail. This 1.3-mile trail meanders along the St. Croix River, offering stunning views of the river gorge, ancient lava flows, and glacial potholes. The path is a mix of hilly terrain, bare rock, gravel, and some stairs, making it a moderately challenging yet rewarding hike.
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Interstate Park
After our hike, we made our way to Coffee Talk, a cozy café nestled in a historic 1800s home in Taylors Falls. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with charming décor that made us feel right at home. I indulged in a dirty chai and a flaky raspberry croissant—both absolutely amazing.
After we wrapped up our cozy stop at Coffee Talk, we wandered over to the Taylors Falls Public Library—and it was such a sweet surprise. This little butter-yellow building looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Built in 1854 as a tailor shop and turned into a library in 1887, it’s packed with charm and history.
Stepping inside felt like hitting pause on the world outside. As we browsed the shelves, it was like flipping through the pages of my own childhood. So many familiar covers and titles—books I hadn’t thought about in years—jumped out at me. The nostalgia hit hard, in the best way. It felt warm and comforting, like reconnecting with old friends you didn’t realize you missed.
With its Carpenter Gothic details and cozy, lived-in vibe, it’s easy to see why this little gem is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Taylors Fall Public Library
Our final stop was The Drive-In, a nostalgic eatery that's been serving up classic American fare since 1956. We couldn't resist a round of mini golf at their Adventure Falls Mini Golf Course, featuring 18 holes with ponds, streams, and a waterfall. It was all about fun—no scorekeeping, just laughs and friendly competition.
After working up an appetite, we indulged in juicy burgers, fries, and a refreshing root beer freeze. The perfect end to a day filled with adventure and good eats.
The Drive In - Taylors Falls
Final Thoughts
This adventure was exactly the kind of reset I didn’t know I needed. A little nature, a lot of fresh air, and the simple joy of unplugging it all added up to the perfect getaway. There’s something about hiking through the woods, sipping a cozy drink in a small-town café, and flipping through old library books that just fills your cup. I’m already looking forward to more camper cabin adventures this summer, and I can’t wait to share them all with you. Stay tuned—more trail stories, snacks, and cabin coziness coming your way!
Let’s keep rambling.
—Kelly