franconia sculpture park

436MichelleF

We didn't know about Franconia before heading to the area for a B&B getaway, but passed it on the road and had to stop. Wow. Just wow. The scope of the park is immense, and much of it is interactive or you can even go up inside of it. We felt steeped in wonder and expression and community the whole time. Can't imagine what a pity it would have been to have missed out on this!

bloodofmyheart

Wonderful sculpture park set on acres of beautiful land in the St. Croix valley. This place is great for all ages. My 7 year old loves it. They have a golf cart available to use for those that need it. It is a free attraction and no fees are charged, but I have to say that it does not feel right to not leave a few dollars or more in their donation box when visiting. I sure want them to be here in years to come! The sculptures are always changing. They often have a lot of fun events also. Check their website for more info.

DaveT705

We were visiting the St Croix Falls and saw this on the drive through from St Pauls so we called in on the way back. You really can't miss it because they are giant sculptures visible from the road. The attraction is free but they obviously welcome donations to keep the place going. Some wild and wacky giant art sculptures which you can walk around are your leisure. Well worth a visit.

Shelley5268

We stumbled upon this place on our way to Taylor's Falls. If you have a few hours to kill, they have so many neat sculptures to look at. Some are really strange, some are really cool! It is a free exhibit but you can give a donation if you want.. Great way to spend an afternoon!

829maxines

So glad we stopped on our way to Taylors Falls. We spent an enjoyable few hours viewing the sculptures and taking photos. They rotate the exhibit of sculptures so you might not see the same sculptures the next time you stop. They occasionally have events and workshops so be sure to check out their web page before you go. Here is a link to the website: http://www.franconia.org/event.html Our only regret is that the grandkids were not with us when we stopped. We will definitely take the time to visit again when we are in the area.This nonprofit park is free but we were happy to donate a few dollars to the organization. There might be a charge for certain events and workshop.

420meganm

I visit the park at least three to four times a year, just to see what art has changed around the park. Plus it's just a beautiful spot to take a stroll and is open year round. Along with the creative, outdoor art they also host a lot of different activities such as the hot metal pour, kids make sculpture workshops and a Summer music series which get visitors more involved and provide additional entertainment throughout the park. If you're in the Twin Cities area, it's definitely worth the drive!!

CharlotteTravels

PROS: This free sculpture garden is so interesting, thought provoking, and unique. If you are passing through, you must stop in - you can spend an hour or a day (bring a picnic).CONS: can't think of one.TIPS: If it's a nice day, pack a small lunch and plan to hang out and really absorb in the atmosphere. Return regularly - they do switch out the art.

ConiG_13

Great place to spend a afternoon outdoors with adults and children/solo or in a group. Close to the Twin Cities metro area - easy drive. Walking paths level/ gravel and grass-viewing of exhibits good. Not many place to sit down and most of park is open and sunny.Plenty of space for kids to run between exhibits.Good variety of art work--wood, plaster, metal, concrete, stone with something for everyone.Many exhibits are hands on with several as play areas for kids. All exhibits label with piece name and artist. Nice spacing between exhibits and park never seemed crowded even with several groups in attendance the day we were there. Small area near parking lot to enjoy your own brought along snacks etc. No fee admission but donations accepted.

ekimilopan

A very eclectic mix of sculptures. Set on about 40-60 acres, I think, its an open air place that teases and stimulates your sight and mind. This is SO worth a visit. Heck, its free!!!!! We give a donation when we go, I would hate to see this gem close up shop.

SailinggirlMinnesota

Grab a lunch, grab the kids. This is a fantastic place for a visit. Walk through the sculptures, climb, touch, photograph. Just plain have fun. Grab a bite to eat at the snack shack, enjoy music at the summer concerts. This is a great way to expose your family and yourself to a variety of art and still enjoy the great outdoors. The art park is open all year round so if you miss it this summer no problem. The pieces do change to so if you have seen it once you need to go back and see what spectacular new piece has been added.

179cynthiaf

Fantastic day trip from Minneapolis; VERY close to the town of Taylor Falls where we toured the glacial potholes and departed for a lovely boat ride on the St Croix River. Franconia Sculpture Park was my favorite outdoor activity in a one-week vacation to Minnesota. Great if you love sculpture and modern art. Wear comfortable shoes; a lot of walking. Both children and adults will enjoy. This place is proof that the best things are FREE.

7ContinentsExplored

We had driven past Franconia Sculpture Park many times but this time decided to stop and we were so glad we did. The art is amazing, it is unbelievable what they have done there, I especially enjoyed a piece that was done with canvas heating ducts! My grandsons enjoyed the pieces that they could climb all over and it was almost as if they were living in a Dr. Seuss book, the pieces were so whimsical and delightful! This will be a regular stop for us when we are in the area, what a gift to the people of Minnesota by artists from all over our country and world!

Acamilop

Great place to visit. Interesting and accesable are throughout a large field. Great to visit with kids as several of the sculptures can be climbed. They have some cool events too. We went for their blues music festival. They had some great bands and artists perform. Wine and Beer with brats hit the spot. And the best part its free to visit. The best free fun in Minnesota.

SusieLou

If you are into very large, very strange modern art sculpture this is the place for you. If not, then give it a pass. I took photos but probably their website is the best place to get a full idea of what it's about. The good thing is it's free, you can buy a soda, and if you need a place to stretch your legs you have plenty of level walking trails for that. Some of the people who were there at the same time I was were enthralled with the works, I was not.

TheIther

I'm not a modern art fan so I'm sure I didn't appreciate this place like someone who is. I wish the artists would have had an explanation of what I was looking at for each piece. Some pieces are looking weathered, but maybe that's the idea. So, I didn't get it and found it weird. Been there done that, no need to go back.