We’re Going on a Discovery Hunt! Why This Polk County Adventure Is the Perfect Spring Escape for Families
If your family is anything like mine—lots of opinions, and a serious need to get out of the house—you know the struggle of planning a weekend adventure that actually appeals to everyone. So when I found out about the Polk County Spring Discovery Hunt, I thought: This might be our spring win. So we’re planning a weekend there!
Polk County is close to the Twin Cities. It’s about an hour away, right across the St. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin. There are really cool things to do in that area, including Fawn-Doe-Rosa, which I visited with my kids a few years ago (and want to go back again!). You can feed animals here. (Note: Fawn-Doe-Rosa opens for the season on May 10th.)
The Discovery Hunt is part scavenger hunt, part self-guided tour, and all about exploring hidden gems in a relaxed, choose-your-own-adventure kind of way. And you can win prizes!
What is the Spring Discovery Hunt?
It’s a fun and easy way to explore Polk County’s local businesses, scenic spots, and creative corners. You grab an official Discovery Hunt card from the Polk County Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, then complete at least one activity in each of six categories—think nature, arts, local eats, history, and outdoor experiences.
Once your card is filled out, scan the QR code on the back to submit your entry—and you’re in the running for a getaway prize package, including a night in a dreamy geodome at Big Rock Creek, dinner at The Dalles House Restaurant & Lounge, and tickets to a show at the St. Croix Festival Theatre. Not bad for a weekend of memory-making.
What We’re Planning
We’re still mapping it all out, but here’s what we’re considering for our weekend stay:
💦 Walk Behind a Waterfall at Cascade Falls (Osceola)
This one feels like a must-do. There’s something magical about walking behind a waterfall, and it’s only a short hike from downtown Osceola.
🕳️ Explore Ancient Glacial Potholes
At Interstate Park, you can check out potholes carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. Weird, beautiful, and strangely cool to see up close.
🎨 Wander Through Art Galleries + Local Shops
We love discovering small-town shops and galleries—especially the ones tucked into cute historic downtowns. Towns like Amery, Luck, and Frederic are on our radar.
🎭 Catch a Live Show at St. Croix Festival Theatre
It may work out to time your trip with a performance—it’s cozy, local, and a fun way to unwind after a day of exploring.
☕ Scenic Stops + Café Breaks
Let’s be honest, no family trip is complete without snacks and warm drinks. We’re planning to find a few favorite spots to sit, sip, and take it all in.
Why I’m Excited
This isn’t one of those overly scheduled trips where you feel like you need a vacation after your vacation. The Discovery Hunt is flexible, low-pressure, and full of little surprises. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring weekend exploring new places without having to plan every second.
Plus, Polk County is close enough to the Twin Cities that you can make it a day trip—or stretch it into a full weekend. And with that geodome stay on the line, I’m not going to lie… I’m kind of hoping we win.
Lodging
Plus there is a variety of lodging in the area. We’re staying at Big Rock Creek – you may have heard of them because they have awesome holiday lights called “Miracle at Big Rock.” They have all kinds of lodging including camping and glamping. They even have a Geodome you can stay in!
Want to Join the Hunt?
The Discovery Hunt runs through May 15th, so there’s still plenty of time to plan your own adventure. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, charming small towns, or just a good excuse to get out and explore, this one’s a winner.
Bonus:
On Saturday, April 19th, all national parks are FREE to visit! It’s one of 7 free days this year. It’s a great weekend to do this scavenger hunt.
👉 All the Discovery Hunt details are here:
https://discoverpolkcountywi.com/discovery-hunt/
Let the exploring begin!
Photo credit: https://discoverpolkcountywi.com/discovery-hunt/
(Disclosure: This is a post made in partnership with Polk County Wisconsin. All opinions are 100% mine.)