Fit Foodie Finds: The Minnesota Series — St. Croix River and The Twisted Oak, Prescott, WI

Welcome back to the Fit Foodie Finds Minnesota Series. Linley and I wanted to share one of our favorite nearby escapes: the St. Croix River at Prescott, Wisconsin. Yes, we know the first two stops in our “Minnesota Series” happened to be on the Wisconsin side of the border, but Prescott sits right where Minnesota and Wisconsin meet, with the St. Croix River forming the natural boundary between the states. Its proximity to the Twin Cities makes it an easy and restorative destination for weekend adventures and weekday getaways alike.

The St. Croix River area holds a special place for us. Linley has been staying at her family’s river house all summer, and we’ve been traveling back and forth between the city and the river almost every week. The house sits near the top of a bluff overlooking the water, surrounded by the quiet rhythms of nature: deer that wander close to the property, tadpoles in the shallows, and the steady hum of bees in the summer air. It’s one of those peaceful spots that instantly slows you down and feels miles away from urban life.

Mornings here are ideal for movement. There’s nothing like waking up and heading out on a four-mile run along country roads and through cornfields. The trails and rural roads around the St. Croix are great for running, walking, and taking photos, and they’re an excellent way to clear your head before a busy week. When the weather is warm, we often move the gathering from the house down to the dock. That dock has been the backdrop for long conversations, recipe brainstorming sessions, and plenty of laughs. We’ve watched fish leap from the water, small planes drift overhead, and hosted impromptu dance parties—some of which have even made it onto our Snapchat stories.

The St. Croix River valley is home to several state and regional parks, offering miles of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Two of our favorites nearby are St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and Kinnickinnic State Park. Both parks have trails that follow the river and provide peaceful, scenic routes for every fitness level. On any given day you’ll see people out for a run, families walking dogs, and cyclists enjoying the terrain. We highly recommend checking out the trails if you’re visiting the area—bring good shoes, water, and a camera.

One of our most memorable trail moments happened at Kinnickinnic. During a run, Linley bent down to tie her shoe and ended up placing her foot on top of a real, live snake. It was one of those authentic field-trip moments: she let out a scream, I laughed until I cried, and we both survived to tell the story. Those kinds of unexpected, funny memories are exactly why we love exploring these parks together.

When we aren’t exploring the parks or relaxing on the dock, you’ll usually find us in downtown Prescott at The Twisted Oak Coffee Shop. It’s cozy, small-town, and exactly the kind of coffee shop you want to stumble upon. The Twisted Oak has earned our loyalty with great lattes, a friendly atmosphere, and an unbeatable donut selection—the sprinkle donut is a particular favorite. The owners, Matt and Taylor, are welcoming and clearly part of what makes the shop special: they join in local community events and even participate in our Snapchat features like Move It Monday and Fun Fact Friday when we visit.

Right now, their window display is impossibly cute and perfectly fits the friendly vibe of the shop. The Twisted Oak is small and welcoming, and if you ask nicely, Matt might even let you make your own drink behind the counter—a fun experience whether you’re a local or just visiting. Every drink comes with a small piece of chocolate, which feels like a little extra treat on a crisp afternoon.

We were especially excited when Matt added Apple Nachos to the menu, though we were disappointed to learn they don’t include peanut butter—an oversight we feel should be corrected. Still, it’s those little menu surprises, friendly shop owners, and community energy that make The Twisted Oak a must-stop when we’re in Prescott.

Have you ever explored the St. Croix River?

Where is your favorite place to trail run or grab coffee in your town?

We love hearing about local trails, coffee shops, and river escapes—share your recommendations and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a place to run, a peaceful dock to read on, or a small coffee shop that feels like home, the St. Croix River valley and Prescott offer a blend of nature, community, and delicious treats that make for a perfect fit-for-purpose getaway.