If you’ve been searching for glamping in Minnesota, here’s a little secret the locals already know: some of the best glamping near the Twin Cities isn’t technically in Minnesota at all. It’s tucked just across the St. Croix River in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin — less than an hour from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and only minutes from Taylors Falls, MN.
At Big Rock Creek, you get everything Minnesotans love about a North Woods getaway — towering pines, starry skies, trout streams, and total quiet — without the four-hour drive up north and without sleeping on the ground.
What Is Glamping, Exactly?
Glamping (short for “glamorous camping”) gives you the best parts of camping — campfires, fresh air, waking up surrounded by nature — with the comforts you actually want at the end of the day: a real bed, climate control, and a roof that doesn’t flap in the wind. No tent poles, no air mattresses, no raccoons in your cooler.
It’s perfect for couples who want a romantic weekend escape, families with kids who aren’t quite ready for primitive camping, and anyone who loves the outdoors but has officially retired from sleeping bags.
Why Minnesotans Are Glamping at Big Rock Creek
1. It’s Closer Than “Up North”
From the Twin Cities, you can be unpacked and sitting by a campfire in about an hour. Compare that to the 3–4 hour haul to the Brainerd Lakes or the North Shore, and you’ve just bought yourself an extra half-day of vacation. St. Croix Falls sits directly on the Minnesota border — cross the bridge at Taylors Falls and you’re here.
2. Over 1,000 Acres of Private Wilderness
Big Rock Creek spans more than [X] acres of forest, meadows, trout streams, and rolling hills. Unlike crowded state park campgrounds, you’re not pitched ten feet from strangers. Hike, fish, snowshoe, or simply sit in the quiet — the land is the main attraction.
3. Comfort You Won’t Find in a Tent
Our glamping accommodations include [describe your units here — e.g., canvas tents, cabins, or suites — with details like real beds, heating/AC, private bathrooms, etc.]. You’ll fall asleep to the sound of the creek and wake up to birdsong — not a stiff back.
4. Four Seasons of Things to Do
- Spring & Summer: Trout fishing, hiking, paddling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, exploring Interstate State Park’s famous glacial potholes
- Fall: Some of the best fall color in the Midwest along the St. Croix River Valley
- Winter: Snowshoeing, cozy fires, and that deep winter silence you can’t get in the city
Things to Do Near Taylors Falls & St. Croix Falls
Your glamping basecamp puts you minutes from some of the region’s best attractions:
- Interstate State Park (both the MN and WI sides) — dramatic cliffs, hiking, and rock climbing along the St. Croix
- Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours — a classic riverboat cruise through the Dalles of the St. Croix
- Franconia Sculpture Park — a free, 50-acre outdoor art park just down the road in Shafer, MN
- Local wineries, breweries, and small-town main streets in Taylors Falls, St. Croix Falls, and Osceola
Glamping vs. Camping vs. Resort: Which Is Right for You?
| Tent Camping | Glamping at Big Rock Creek | Traditional Resort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real bed | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Campfire & stargazing | ✅ | ✅ | Sometimes |
| Privacy & nature | Depends | ✅ 1,000+ private acres | ❌ |
| Setup required | Lots | None | None |
| Distance from Twin Cities | Varies | ~1 hour | Often 3+ hours |
Plan Your Minnesota-Area Glamping Getaway
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a girls’ weekend, or need to trade screen time for stream time, Big Rock Creek offers the glamping experience Minnesotans are searching for, just across the river.
Big Rock Creek is located in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, approximately 60 minutes from Minneapolis–St. Paul and minutes from Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
