Dresser WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dresser, Wisconsin.
1. Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation
FAMILY-OWNED SKI DESTINATION
Trollhaugen is a family-owned ski area located 50 miles Northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul, offering winter enthusiasts 24 trails, 3 chair lifts, and 3 terrain parks. Visitors can hit the slopes during winter months or enjoy year-round recreational activities at this popular destination. The resort provides a perfect getaway for both beginners and experienced skiers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin's winter landscape.
2. Interstate State Park
SCENIC RIVER GORGE PARK
Interstate State Park straddles the St. Croix River, offering visitors incredible views of the river gorge and unique geological formations. The park features hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and educational exhibits about the area's glacial potholes and ancient lava flows. Nature enthusiasts can explore this natural wonder while enjoying activities like camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
3. Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental
RIVER ADVENTURE OUTFITTER
Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental provides equipment and guidance for exploring the scenic St. Croix River just minutes from Dresser. Adventurers can paddle through the dramatic river gorge, enjoying unique perspectives of the interstate park's cliffs and formations. The rental service offers various trip lengths and difficulty levels to accommodate everyone from beginners to experienced paddlers.
4. Folsom House
HISTORIC LUMBER BARON RESIDENCE
The Folsom House is a beautifully preserved 19th-century residence that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's lumber baron era. This historic home features period furnishings, original artifacts, and guided tours that detail the history of the St. Croix Valley. Visitors can step back in time while learning about W.H.C. Folsom, a prominent figure in Minnesota's early development and the lumber industry that shaped the area.
5. St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake offers visitors a complete entertainment experience with gaming, dining, and live performances. The casino features slots, table games, and poker in a vibrant atmosphere just a short drive from Dresser. Guests can enjoy multiple restaurants, a hotel, and regular entertainment options that make this a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
6. Willow River State Park
WATERFALL AND RECREATION AREA
Willow River State Park centers around a stunning waterfall that cascades through a dramatic gorge, creating one of the region's most photographed natural landscapes. The park offers extensive hiking trails, swimming areas, camping facilities, and excellent trout fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Willow Falls while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems across its nearly 3,000 acres of protected land.
7. Wild Mountain
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Wild Mountain is a four-season recreation area offering skiing and snowboarding in winter plus an alpine slide and water park in summer. The facility features varied terrain for all skill levels, with spectacular views of the St. Croix River Valley throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the range of activities available, from winter snow tubing to summer go-karts and waterslides.
8. Somerset Amphitheater
OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE
Somerset Amphitheater is the largest outdoor music venue in the region, hosting major music festivals and concerts throughout the summer season. The venue combines natural beauty with excellent acoustics, creating an unforgettable setting for live performances just a short drive from Dresser. Music lovers can enjoy camping options on-site during multi-day events, making this a premier destination for entertainment in western Wisconsin.
9. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN EXCURSIONS
The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway offers nostalgic train rides through the scenic St. Croix River Valley aboard vintage railcars. Passengers enjoy narrated excursions that highlight the natural beauty and history of the region while experiencing travel as it was in a bygone era. Special themed rides throughout the season include dinner trains, fall color tours, and holiday events that appeal to travelers of all ages.
10. Dancing Dragonfly Winery
ARTISANAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Dancing Dragonfly Winery combines sophisticated winemaking with a picturesque rural setting just minutes from Dresser. Visitors can tour the production facilities, enjoy guided tastings of their award-winning wines, and relax in the spacious tasting room or outdoor patio. The winery frequently hosts special events, live music, and food pairings that showcase the best of Wisconsin's growing wine culture.
11. Fawn Doe Rosa Wildlife Educational Park
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Fawn Doe Rosa Wildlife Educational Park offers visitors up-close encounters with native Wisconsin wildlife in a natural setting. Guests can hand-feed deer, observe various woodland creatures, and learn about local ecosystems through interactive experiences. The family-friendly park combines education with entertainment, creating memorable opportunities to connect with nature just a short distance from Dresser.
12. St Croix National Scenic Riverway
PROTECTED RIVER CORRIDOR
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway preserves 252 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers, offering pristine waterways for recreation and wildlife habitat. Visitors can enjoy paddling, fishing, camping, and hiking along this federally protected corridor that forms part of the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The riverway showcases dramatic bluffs, peaceful forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
13. 45th Parallel Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS PRODUCER
45th Parallel Distillery creates handcrafted spirits at their facility located precisely on the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and North Pole. Visitors can tour the production areas, learn about the distilling process, and sample award-winning vodka, whiskey, and other spirits made from locally sourced grains. The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each small-batch product.
14. Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard
EUROPEAN-STYLED WINE ESTATE
Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard transports visitors to the French countryside with its stunning chateau-style architecture and manicured grounds. Wine enthusiasts can sample a variety of wines in an elegant tasting room designed to evoke the atmosphere of European wine estates. The picturesque setting includes formal gardens, a carriage house, and vineyard views that make this a popular destination for both casual visits and special events.
15. William O'Brien State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
William O'Brien State Park spans nearly 2,000 acres along the St. Croix River, offering diverse recreational opportunities throughout the year. Visitors can hike through restored prairie landscapes, paddle the scenic river, or enjoy camping and picnicking in well-maintained facilities. The park's varied terrain includes river floodplain, hardwood forest, and oak savanna habitats that support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities just a short drive from Dresser.