One of my favorite day trips is to Taylor's Falls Minnesota! One of the stops we make is to Franconia Sculpture Park which is located about an hour from the Twin Cities metro area. It's an inexpensive and fun time for the whole family! There are over 100 artist designed sculptures and the grounds are a fun walk. They often have different events going on and the place is large enough that it never feels too crowded. We love the colors during the fall time but honestly every time of the year offers up something beautiful! There is a suggested donation of $10 per car and they have a nice building with bathrooms, a gift shop and drinks for purchase. They are dog friendly and even offer a few golf carts for rental if needed. read more

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My first visit to the sculpture park was a great one. The fall day was warm but overcast. I loved all the colors of the trees. I was here with the Urban Sketchers group. I walked around the park to check out the artwork. I then decided to sketch two pieces. The area is so large that it can accommodate many people without seeming crowded. The day featured large puppets and folks on stilts. There was a scavenger hunt and pumpkin carving. Lots of families and pets. I was early so parking was easy. Make a donation to support this wonderful park. read more

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If you're looking for something a little quirky and fun to do in Minnesota, Franconia Sculpture Garden is totally worth a stop. It's basically this big open-air park filled with all kinds of huge, weird, interesting sculptures -- some are beautiful, some are strange, and some just make you laugh or scratch your head. What's great is that it's free (though they suggest a donation), and you can just wander at your own pace. There's lots of space, so even when it's busy, it doesn't feel crowded. I saw families with kids, couples, and people just out for a solo walk -- it's a place that fits all moods. Some pieces you can interact with, climb on, or walk through, which makes it feel playful and not too "serious." Overall, it's a fun, artsy little adventure that's perfect for a weekend outing. read more

Franconia Sculpture Park - Art Galleries Near Me - Shafer, Minnesota

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Buggy in the evening! The horse flies and mosquitoes were very present. Prepare with bug spray. The sculptures were beautiful. I enjoyed exploring the art, but did cut the trip short because I was not prepared for the bugs. I look forward to come back again and see what was missed from my first visit. read more

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This place is very pleasant. The grass and foliage was turning brown so it won't be as pretty with the sculpture within it. Place is big for a sculpture park. Visiting center was very clean and helpful. A nice little gift store. Overall my only critique is the art sculpture itself. To me the sculpture feels like it's just put together there for a place to show their creative work. But my only issue is don't see the artistic style or value of each piece. What im trying to say is most of the art pieces are just made to look like art pieces and most of the sculpture are redundant and plain or boring. It's too many of the same style sculpture repeatedly and some sculptures - it was hard to define what it is or what makes it artistic. But if you want to drive 30mins outside of Saint Paul to walk around looking at sculptures then this is a good spot with ample parking spaces. read more

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I've visited this place twice over the past few years and love it. There's so much space and so many cool things to look at. Dog friendly as well! There is also a little farmer's market on occasion. Always a great place to visit. The parking lot looks small but I never have a problem finding a spot. There's indoor bathrooms and a gift shop inside which I haven't seen myself but my husband said it was nice. Worth the drive! read more

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This was absolutely an incredible experience! I am from LA and moving to MN next year. My husband and I went to experience this and it was so wonderful! We went during the Halloween event and it was great! I took a ton of pictures, we enjoyed the walk through and festivities! A must see if you are anywhere near here and worth the drive if you are not! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

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Cool unique sculptures all over the property ! Nice postcards inside the gift shop and bottled water for those hot days. read more

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Sculpture parks are cool. Free sculpture parks (you're asked to donate--and you should) in the middle of nowhere spread out over acres with resident artists are extremely cool and worth the trip. If nothing else, you can get out of your car and enjoy a walk on a nice day. But it would be a shame if you didn't admire the sculptures. read more

Neat place it in the middle of nowhere. Stumbled upon it on our way to interstate state park, and found some really cool sculptures. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area! read more

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Trippy kind of place Things that make you scratch your head Some real weird ass shit Franconia might be even more interesting if it were in say Colorado or Oregon or where it is now if Dayton were not Governor (if you catch my drift). However, even if you are completely lucid, Franconia is still a treat. When you first get out of your car in the parking lot, it does not seem like it is all that big. Keep walking. The place just sprawls and sprawls. It is definitely larger than the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis, and I would argue, more impressive. My advice would just be to draw your own conclusions on each piece before you read the nearby cards telling you what the artist was going for. The best art is open to interpretation in my mind. read more

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This place is SO COOL! I am baffled by the fact that it took me 2 years of living here to discover it! Why isn't there more talk about this place? It's all so much bigger than you can imagine. The further you walk, the more you see right as you approach it or discover more things to see in the distance! The kids had a blast exploring and running around. This puts the Minneapolis sculpture park to shame. They even have an area with chairs and a stage! I wonder how many weddings they've had there! Makes me want to renew my vows there for real. I can't say enough how much we enjoyed visiting! We wanted to stay longer but we got there only a couple hours before they closed. Next time will be an all day event, and I'll bring cash to donate! Thank you so much for having this open to the public! read more

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Super fun. We visited during CORONA time, so much of the interactive stuff was closed (even though surface transmission is not really a thing). It's a great CORONA activity as it is outside. The art is super fun, and a nice walk. So many things to take pictures of. Bit of a haul from St Paul but totally worth it. Highly recommend. read more

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It's a breath of fresh air to see original artwork on display on such a beautiful venue. I would highly recommend this for anybody who loves art, hiking or supporting artist having a venue to display their pieces. read more

This place was a lot bigger than I expected. If you like art or like looking at sculptures, I highly recommend this place. It's something to do outside of the twin cities. There wasn't a lot of people so that was nice. It is also free and open to the public too. read more

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We have driven by here many times. We did not know how large it was. We went with a meetup group. We wandered around the grounds at our leisure. It is a large area and very unique. I had a great time looking at everything and it is free. read more

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Fun, thought provoking sculptures. We went to the outdoor theatrical production of Queen B, about a domed community 100 years in the future - after the collapse of the bee culture. Excellent, thoughtful production! Well done! read more

Franconia Sculpture Park - Walls as artificial separation. We see the same land on both sides of the wall. - Art Galleries Near Me - Shafer, Minnesota

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If you are in the area and have the time, definitely stop by this place. Even if you're not into art, it's a nice place to get out and stretch and take a nice walk. Very unique displays and if you are adult enough to not get too bent out of shape about agendas behind some of the pieces, you will be just fine. If not, don't look at them. An overall nice addition to a day trip in the area. read more

We have been to many sculpture parks across the country and this is the first one that we did not enjoy. Art can be quirky, odd, etc. but many of the sculptures in this one just were not that artistic. There were a only scant few that caught our eye. I can see four boats stacked on a lakeside boat rack at thousands of places in MInnesota, it's not art. Also, we have never been to a sculpture park that is totally covered with three foot high plants everywhere which, while pretty, are a nightmare for anyone with seasonal allergies. read more

This was such a fabulous sculture place, better than many big city museums' gardens. What a pleasant surprise, and adventure. We will be back, even though we are from east coast! Thank you read more

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I'll add to the five star reviews because art, in all of its expressions, needs more exposure and credit. Saw this as we were on our way to our campground and remembered I had read about it. I thought it would be a quick half hour stop but this place is deceptively big! Allow 1-2 hours minimum, more if you want to read about each piece of art. Whatever you do, please make a donation to support the arts and keep a place like this free and open to all. There is also a playground for kids, music, and other interactive programs throughout the year. Open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. And don't forget to make a donation when you visit! read more

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Weird, wonderful and free. You need to make sure you stop for a hot minute if you're in the area to see the main attractions. I wasn't prepared for how big this place was, but I wandered for an hour and still didn't see it all. The fact that this type of place exists makes my heart so happy, I can't encourage everyone enough to plan a trip here at least once. read more

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Fun time. We aren't big art people but we had fun making up our own names for some of the sculptures. It is free, donations accepted, so you can't beat the price. Family friendly. If you have trouble walking they do have 2 golf carts at $10 per hour. We were there 90 minutes. We did not walk to every sculpture so 2 hours would be a decent time to be there. The trails are not paved. No food to purchase really. Several picnic pavilions though. read more

Over the years I have driven by this place multiple times, but this year I was finally able to stop twice! This is the only place I know where you can go at your own pace walking through the grounds looking, touching and climbing on all the large art pieces. Most of the pieces have a youthful feel to them with bright colors, tunnels, slides, and graffiti. Bring your friends, kids or even a date! This most recent was on a Sunday and there were artists there welding and pounding on what looked like a new piece. My favorite piece would have to be all of them. I hope to catch a concert or picnic here sometime in the near future! It's free to walk the grounds here, but remember to drop a donation before you leave! read more

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Franconia is stunning. Like in all the ways of abstract art appreciation, nostalgia, and deeply meaningful pieces with well written descriptions by the artist. I had heard this place was a gem and so I placed it in my "Minnesota bucket list" for 2020. Well worth the short 1 hour drive from the Twin Cities We were especially fortunate to visit on the day we did because I learned it was also opening day of their brand new Visitor Center, Museum shop, and bathroom facilities. I had read earlier reviews about lack of bathroom facilities onsite but this has now been remedied! :) The museum shop is small but has some lovely handcrafted pieces. The reason for visiting Franconia is, of course, the sculptures. I can't quite put into words the unique but highly relevant and relatable pieces displayed. There are so many sculptures sprinkled throughout the property - plan for a couple hours in order to fit everything in. I was pleasantly surprised to see such diversity in artist background. I had the wrong notion that Franconia would just show local area work - we saw artists from Asia and the Middle East represented. We saw commissioned work that had travelled from other cities where it had been spotlighted before arriving in Minnesota. I think what really stirred my soul was to experience all of this outdoors in nature, especially on a beautiful fall day. I think Minnesota is really lucky to have something like Franconia AND the fact that this is free is mind blowing! We made sure to show them some love by spending $ in the gift shop but please donate online as well. They offer plenty of free parking, picnic tables, and a food truck was onsite when we visited - how much more family friendly can you get, seriously? Do yourself a favor. Get this place on your Minnesota bucket list. I plan to visit this gem again. read more

Large outdoor free sculpture garden. It can be Covid-Safe if you choose to socially distance (very easy to do). Good for an outdoor excursion, with or without your dog (they just ask that you clean up after your dog). read more

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Always something new to see! Great for families and picnics. Fun for photography. Super fun! read more

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Always fun adventure on your way back into town, I wouldn't say it's the safest place to go with small children but nonetheless we take the little ones there and have a blast each time. You just need to be a little extra careful read more

My husband and I spend 2 1/2 wonderful hours exploring this place, giant sculptures and art instillations you can experience. Not only is it free, it's open all year round. I don't know how fun this would be in the dead of winter but who knows? This place is great for kids lots of things for them to climb, if permitted and so much space to run. This area is very quiet and depending on the time of year there is a apple orchard less than 3 miles away. I'm not sure how often they change up the sculptures but who cares this place is just a joy to experience. read more

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I am ashamed to say that after all of these years living in Minnesota, I visited Franconia for the first time yesterday, and was completely blown away. The park is expansive but manageable, and contains interactive, beautiful, contemplative works from artists young and old, new and seasoned alike. The rustling prairie grasses transport you, opening up your senses to soak up the art, the natural wonders, and the possibility surrounding you. My 35-year-old husband was running up and down mounds of grass, I took to the swing inside a tiny little hobbit hole underneath an enormous metal playground, and I looked in awe upon the sculptures that somehow reflected the natural world around them despite being so protruding and decidedly man-made. There is something really magical and peaceful and FUN! about Franconia, and we can't wait to make another trip. We paired it with a hike through Interstate State Park, and it couldn't have been a more perfect fall day! read more

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Wow is right. There just are not enough of these private coop art spaces around... Especially here in MN. We came up for their 17th annual festival and it was great for the entire family with face painting, food, art and music what else is needed for a fun Saturday? If you are up here, stop out to EICHTEN'S MARKET AND CAFE (http://theeichtensbistro.com/) for one of their famous free range bison burger and some amazing cheese! read more

Franconia Sculpture Park - Franconia Sculpture Park - Art Galleries Near Me - Shafer, Minnesota

YAY FOR FREE PUBLIC ART!!! We pass the Franconia Sculpture Park every time we go to and from the cabin and were always like "let's go there someday." Well the day finally came last summer. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I have to say it exceeded my expectations. We explored the park for about two hours and still didn't see everything! The website says it's 43 acres so definitely bigger than it seems from the road, or even the parking lot. The website says tours are available Apr - Nov but we just wandered around as we pleased. You can touch all (or most) of the sculptures and even climb on or enter some of them. There's a playground of sorts near the front and I climbed around on that too. There is also an open outdoor studio area near the front so you may have the chance to watch an artist at work. We saw families, couples, and college kids roaming the park so Franconia is definitely suitable for people of all ages. I'd say all of the art is "modern" but the styles, materials, and sizes vary greatly. Well, it all has to be able to withstand the elements! And it's free so everyone can afford to go there. Donations suggested, of course. The Sculpture Park has its own parking lot (dirt/gravel), a few restrooms (cleaner then expected), and a house for resident artists (not sure if that is open to the public). They also host events such as weddings. Open 365 days a year from dusk till dawn. Worth the stop if you're on your way to or from Stillwater or WI. Also worth going out of your way for. Highly recommended!! read more

I love Franconia. I'm able to take my fur baby, Nova to see some art and get a good walk in. It is pup approved. read more

Franconia Sculpture Park - Nova enjoying the art. - Art Galleries Near Me - Shafer, Minnesota

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Stumbled upon this by chance. Absolutely amazing public space. The art is incredible. Spent a couple hours roaming around with dogs. Had the entire place to ourselves. World class sculpture art - what a gem! read more

Art, Nature, Free...what's not to like? Yet once again minnesota continues to amaze me with the creativity of it's people and it's value placed on having beautiful outdoor spaces for everyone to attend for free. This place is totally worth the drive, which really isn't too far at all from the twin cities. We took our doggies here for a picnic and had fun climbing on the sculptures and walking the expansive park. So many great photo opportunities here too, I ran out of batteries snapping away. I liked that many of the sculptures were interactive as well which made the experience more engaging. Fun place to take people from out of town too to show off some "unique to minnesota" type places. The have a parking lot, restrooms and a few picnic tables as well. Please donate to help keep it going so we can all enjoy it for years to come. read more

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I only have good things to say about Franconia! It turned out to be a great day trip from the cities and I would recommend it to others! My friend and I decided to head out to Stillwater first to walk around and get lunch and then took the backroads up to Franconia and enjoyed the ride along the river. I knew very little about Franconia so I was shocked at how many sculptures they have and how long it took us to get through them all! My friend is interning there so he took us around and told us about the sculptures and their artists. They are slowly adding more information to their plaques, which was helpful and made the art more interesting. It is so enjoyable to read about the artworks and climb up on them - I felt like a little kid! There is a back wooded section that has a couple of sculptures so don't forget to head back there! We ended up walking around and hanging out for 4 hours so It was definitely worth the drive and I would love to come back for a performance or even just a lunch date! Plus, it's free but they accept donations to keep it running. read more

Franconia Sculpture Park - Art Galleries Near Me - Shafer, Minnesota

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My brother had been talking about this place for months, so I finally made the journey to the Franconia Sculpture Park just outside of Lindstrom and Taylor's Falls. While you shouldn't expect anything similar to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, it's still a fun day trip for people wanting to get out of the city. The sculpture park is located off of Hwy 8 just before you reach the St. Croix River. It's quite a drive for those who live in the city. Even without traffic, I would estimate that it took 50 minutes to an hour to drive out there. The good news is that the park is free and they have their own parking lot. Everything is arranged well and you can easily walk about and enjoy the artwork. There are restrooms, live music on some weekends (the sign said 5pm-9pm) and what appeared to be a concession stand. There are also ample places to sit including picnic tables. The art is... Weird. I do love art and have seen some pretty unusual pieces in my travels around the world, but I admit Ive never seen some of the things I saw at Franconia Sculpture Park. This may be good or may be bad--Im really not sure yet. The style seems to be mostly industrial and the materials seem as if they were being recycled into a work of art. I think this park is fantastic for a day trip especially if you are combining it with Stillwater or the Taylor's Falls area, but it may be a bit of a drive just to go to the park. You can see the entirety of the artwork in about 30 minutes and the art itself may not appeal to everyone. It certainly makes for some interesting photo opportunities too--something I appreciate. read more

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A must for a day trip from the Twin Cities. Only an hour away and close to apple orchards and Taylor Falls and cute towns with bakeries. You can interact and play on a lot of the sculptures!!!!!!!! read more

ABSOLUTELY LOVE FRANCONIA!!! My cousin and I love to go here with our grandma and view the sculptures (we usually rent a golf cart as she has a bad knee and doesn't like to walk longer distances). We have a blast every time we go their, get out and climb on the sculptures, and just drive through to appreciate the art. It's also free, which just makes it that much better. read more

Cool place to visit. A lot of the sculptures reminded me of something I've seen in my dreams. Cool-weird. I loved it worth the short road trip it took to get there. It's free to the public but I they deserve your donations. They support BLM so I will support them! read more

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