Minnesota Series – St. Croix River + The Twisted Oak
Published 10/22/2015 • Updated 12/30/2021
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Welcome back to the Fit Foodie Finds Minnesota Series! Linley and I decided to take to you to one of our all time favorite places in the Twin Cities area that we’ve both been spending a lot of time in lately. The St. Croix River // Prescott, WI! I know what you’re thinking. The first two locations of “The MINNESOTA Series” have actually both been in Wisconsin. #SORRYNOTSORRY. If you looked at a map, you’d be able to see that Prescott is RIGHT on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin and that the St. Croix River is actually what separates the two states.
So let me give you some history on the St. Croix River and why we love it so much. Linley has actually been living at her family’s river house on the St. Croix all summer. If you follow us on Snap (FitFoodieFinds), you know that we basically go back and forth from The Cities to the river house weekly. The house is nestled at the top of a bluff and is home to a beautiful deer family, tadpoles, and BEES! We both agree that it’s one of the most serene places to spend time and it’s a great getaway from the city. Plus, there’s nothing better than waking up and going on a 4 mile run through country roads and cornfields.
When the weather is nice, we like to take the party from the house to the dock. We’ve spent hours on this thing brainstorming recipe ideas and fun projects for FFF. We’ve witnessed giant fish jump from under the water, seen small airplanes fly over head, and had many dance parties on this dock (Snap friends- you know what we’re talking about…MOVE IT MONDAY BABY).
The St. Croix River is also home to a handful of State and Regional Parks. This summer we explored a handful of them. St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Kinnickinnic State Park are our favs! Miles of trails great for running and mountain biking, right along the river!
Side note: there was this one time when Linley and I were on a trail run at Kinnickinnic one afternoon and she bent down to tie her shoe. Little did she know, her foot was on top of a snake. Like a REAL. LIVE. SNAKE. I actually think that scenario may have been one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed. She screamed like she was dying and I laughed out of control. Good times on Fit Foodie field trips.
When Lin and I aren’t prancing around a regional park or sitting on the dock, you can most likely find us at The Twisted Oak Coffee Shop in downtown Prescott. Best dang latte in the St. Croix River Valley and that’s the truth! But seriously, we love The Twisted Oak and everything that comes with it. They have the most legit donut selection (sprinkle is the best) AND we adore the owners Matt and Taylor. Want to know why we love them? Because they aren’t afraid to participate in Move it Monday AND Fun Fact Friday on Snapchat. 🙂
How cute is their window set up right now?!
We love how cozy and small town this place is. Plus, if you ask Matt reallllllly nicely, he will let you make your own drink behind the counter.
Did I mention that each drink comes with a piece of chocolate? Nothin’ better than a latte and chocolate on a brisk afternoon.
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Linley and I got really excited when Matt added Apple Nachos to their menu. Our hearts shattered when he told us peanut butter wasn’t involved.
Not okay.
NOT OKAY.
Have you ever been to the St. Croix River?
Where’s your favorite place to trail run in your town?
My father owned a house in Prescott on the St Croix for years. It’s peaceful and wonderful! I’ve lived in the cities all my life. I currently work in Edina and recognize some places in your posts. I really enjoy FFF!
Oh em gee! Such a small world. We LOVEEEEE Prescott. One of my best friends lives in Edina, so I frequent that part of town often.
Where is Blake? No mention of him lately…
Hey Ann! Blake and I broke up in May. I haven’t announced it on the blog yet because I wanted to give things time to just be. Planning on doing a “life lately” post within the next few weeks!
So sorry to hear that! What’s meant to be will always find a way!
Thanks Ann! Life is good.
So jealous you have all these friends you’re connected to that love to be active. I long for a bff who is up for adventure and exercise! 🙁
I’m definitely the type who has few but GREAT friends who like the same things that I like. It makes hanging out so much more fun 🙂
It’s so hard to find those cute little coffee shops where the owners are actually around and willing to interact with customers. This place looks too cute and less than an hour from the twin cities, I’ll definitely have to go check it out!
Love this post! Growing up, we’d go boating on the St. Croix practically every weekend. We’d pull the boats up to the kinnickinic beach and spend the day swimming and grilling. Such great memories!
Ohhh when I lived in Minnesota the second time (2010-2012) i used to kayak on the St Croix a bunch! Love that area, except in the winter heheh. Also I LOVE the tights, sweater, brown boots outfit! I want more fall clothes….
😛 Ahhhhhhhh that sounds amazing. Fall clothes are MY FAV!!!!!
If you venture just a little further into WI, there are awesome trails at Whitetail Ridge in River Falls. Added bonus-the Rush River Brewing tap room literally just a turn off the trail. Go for a nice hilly trail run and then grab a tasty beer!
WAH!!! So Linley’s river house is technically in River Falls. We will have to check out Whitetail Ridge ASAP before the weather goes downhill! I’ve also heard great things about Rush River Brewing Tap Room. Gonna make a day trip out of it 🙂
<3 <3 I don't know if I even mentioned this, but I'm an upper Midwest born and raised gal (North Dakota). I lived in MN for many years out of college and met my hubby there (he is from the Twin Cities area) so heck yes I've been to the St. Croix River. I can't wait for more of your MN series, it makes me miss that state so much!!! We live in CA now (he is military so we move ALL THE TIME) but seriously, MN is my favsies!!
WAHHHH!!!! 1. Jealous that you are in CA and 2. So awesome that you lived in the TC! Where was your hubs born and raised? I’m excited to do more MN posts as well. GO MINNESOTA!
Apple nachos and no PB?! The horror! I love trail running at the US National Whitewater Center here in Charlotte. In addition to trail running, they have paddle boarding, kayaking, ropes courses, and lots of beer 🙂 so fun!
RIGHT! I’m glad we’re not the only ones mortified that they don’t use PB 😛 I’ve actually never been to Charlotte, but it’s on my list! Looks like a really fun outdoorsy place to visit.