EAT & DRINK

  • Indianhead supperclub

    A must. Reservations recommended. A short walk from the public dock where you can park the boat (take the key). Walk to Thirsty Otter - there’s a walkway leading to Indianhead in their parking lot.

  • The Barred Owl

    Cocktail lounge owned by the the folks who own Revival in Minneapolis. Big on the live music.

  • Viv’s

    Yummy Lebanese. Supes easy to order ahead or have a meal catered. Walking path straight to Viv’s directly across from public dock. (Get the Blazing Gyro.)

  • Thirsty Otter

    Tasty wings and hopping outdoor situation. Also you can boat right to it. Private dock just under the bridge. BE SURE TO PUT THE BOAT BIMINI DOWN. (It doesn’t fit - learned the hard way)

DO & SEE

  • Hopsack

    Stinking adorable shop and coffee spot on Main Street in Balsam Lake.

  • Gandy Dancer

    47 miles of crushed gravel path you can hop on in Balsam and bike through Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren and Webster, ending in Danbury at the Minnesota border. Pick up a pass at the Polk County Parks Dept.

  • Balsam Lake Beach

    Pick up some pints from the brewery and switch up your swim dock. Bit of a kid magnet, so if your kids are bored of you, head here.

  • Polk County Museum

    Town gem. Last time was there had a seriously impressive Star Wars exhibit.

Close By

  • Franconia

    Sculpture park just a hop ski outside of Taylors Falls. (20 min from Balsam)

  • Marine On St. Croix

    Charming stop on your way back into cities. Be sure to stop by the Surf Shop Yogurt Bar. Or grab brunch on the river at The Marine Landing where they might let you rent a pontoon. Ask about bridge jumping depending on water levels. (35 min from Balsam)

  • Interstate Park

    First park that bridges two states. Trails galore lining the St. Croix River. Rocks to climb, glacial potholes holes to investigate and major views. Visitor center has scavenger maps for kids. Paddle to Marine on St. Croix - they pick you up and shuttle you back.) (20 minutes from Balsam)

  • Willow River State Park

    Semi on the route back to cities if you go through Hudson - a stunningly fun waterfall to hang in all day. Though be prepared to hike, it’s super steep to get there. (50 minutes from Balsam)

  • Fawn Doe Rosa

    Petting “zoo” in St. Croix Falls. (15 minutes from Balsam)

  • Wild Mountain

    Waterpark, Go-Carts, Jumpy Thing. Bar. (30 minutes from Balsam)

  • Trollhaugen

    Adventure course and zip-lining. About 15 minutes from Balsam. (20 minutes from Balsam)

  • Drive-In & Mini Golf

    Oldie-time burger spot with mini golf, in Taylors Falls. (20 minutes from Balsam)

Best…

Coffee - Hopsack

Brew - Balsam Lake Brewery

Breakfast - Balsam Lake Cafe or KJ’s Egg Sandwich

Deal - Dollar sliders Thursday night at Top Spot

Burger - Thirsty Otter

Bingo Night - Balsam Lake Lodge

Sandwich - KJ’s Ice Cream Shop

Balsam Swag- Wild Iris Emporium

Hotel for spillover guests - Balsam Lake Lodge

Liquor Store - Jonzy Market or HWY 46 Store

Outside of Balsam

Co-op - Natural Alternative Food Co-Op, Luck

Healthy Eats - Cafe Wren, Luck

Liquor - Marketplace, St. Croix Falls

Ice Cream - Valley Sweets, St Croix Falls

Vegetarian - The Vegetarian, St Croix Falls

Burger - Meisters, Marine on St. Croix