42 FOGHORN FOGHORN FOCUS MORE THAN SCENIC CRUISES Over the decades, the family diversified while remaining rooted in tourism and outdoor recreation. In 1972, they purchased a nearby ski area to provide year- round employment opportunities for seasonal staff. Lat- er, they expanded with the acquisition of Wildwood RV Park & Campground, which remains part of the family’s business today. The company added the River Rock Patio in 2020, offering guests a gathering place overlooking the river where they can enjoy food and beverages and take in panoramic views before or after their cruise. Despite these additions, scenic cruises remain at the heart of the operation. “We’ve gotten off on some tangents over the years,” said General Manager Ryan Ramaley. “When it comes down to it, focusing on our daily excursions has been the key to us. Focus on what you do best and just try to keep making it better.” STORIES THAT BRING HISTORY TO LIFE Every cruise offers more than spectacular scenery—it of- fers stories. A favorite among guests recounts the accidental creation of Blast Island during highway construction in the early 1930s. A series of explosive charges intended to reshape a hillside in- stead unleashed far more force than anticipated, temporarily blocking the river and creating a permanent island. For years, Captain Bob Muller delighted passengers by de- scribing witnessing the blast as a young man from one of the company’s boats. Ramaley recalls sharing the same story during a tour roughly 20 years ago when an elderly passenger approached the pilothouse afterward. The man revealed he had been part of the blasting crew that day—and proved it by show- ing Ramaley one of his hands that was missing two fingers he had lost in the accident. Moments like these illustrate why storytelling remains one of the company’s greatest traditions. Guests don’t simply observe the landscape; they become connected to its history. BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Throughout its history, Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours has been deeply woven into the fabric of its community. The company partners with local organizations, includ- ing fire and police departments and the Lions Club, for fundraising events. Educational cruises introduce chil- dren to the region’s geology, wildlife, and logging history in partnership with the National Park Service and the Wild River Conservancy. The operation has also maintained a long-standing com- mitment to safety and professional development through its membership in the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA). Following the security changes implemented after Sept. 11, 2001, the company turned to PVA for guidance on alterna- tive security plans and has since relied on numerous member resources, including training manuals and operational best practices. A prepared and well-trained crew only adds to the success of the company and the positive experience for guests. CREATING MEMORIES ACROSS GENERATIONS Few attractions can claim to have welcomed the same fam- ilies across multiple generations for more than a century. As part of the company’s anniversary celebration, guests have been invited to share their memories. Those personal stories are perhaps the greatest testament to the company’s success. While the scenery has remained largely unchanged for more than a century, each generation continues to create new memories along the river.
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