Updated: 08/18/2009 7:46 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Art Barron

BARRON: A Really Fun Stop on the Road

Decided to take an afternoon road trip to Taylors Falls with Tracy and her son Will. We were excited to go to the water park and do the go-carts and Alpine downhill sledding. Along the way we saw a sculpture park which some of you may already know about. It's about a few miles shy of Taylors Falls. It was intriguing enough that I decided to pull off the road and check it out. I am so glad I did. What a treat. It's called the Franconia Sculpture Park. It's located at Hwys 8 and 95. Of course Will's eyes got really big... eager to check out the sculptures. The first one that drew our attention was a giant green colored lizard called "Lizard's Lounge" it was among  60 other displays. The attraction which is free, is full of really interesting creations. The artists live on the grounds in a big house. The artists are local, national, and international. The park has been there for the past 13 years and is supported by donations. Many of the sculptures are made out of metal, and cast metal artists from around the country make their yearly pilgrimage for a two week workshop. It is really a cool place to visit, and great for families. I saw picnic tables there and a visitors center where you can make donations. There are plenty of events at the park which is open year round. If you'd like more information visit the website www.franconia.org Happy Trails -Art

Photos below:  The entrance to the park, Lizard's Lounge,  8 year old Will K. standing beside the giant green lizard... and some of the metal sculptures.