43 JUNE 2026 One family recalled a canoe trip in the late 1970s when buses transported paddlers upstream before their journey back downriver. Another shared that three generations re- cently took the scenic cruise together, creating what they hope will become a new family tradition. One couple, who first fell in love with the area after marrying at the family’s ski resort, now celebrates each anniversary aboard one of the paddlewheel boats with their daughters. Even Ramaley’s own connection runs deep. “My grandpar- ents took my dad after he got baptized in St. Paul,” he re- called. “They rode the train up, and I actually have a picture of them standing next to one of the boats before boarding.” 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. LOOKING AHEAD As Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours celebrates 120 years, the company remains focused on the same mission that began with Carl Muller’s first voyage in 1906: sharing the beauty of the St. Croix River while providing an excep- tional guest experience. In an industry built on creating lasting memories, few companies embody that mission as completely as Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. Their story is one of family, per- severance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to preserving both history and tradition. For over a century, passengers have stepped aboard in search of scenic beauty. They leave with something even more enduring—a connection to a place, a story, and a family whose legacy continues to shape one of America’s most treasured waterways. GLADDING-HEARN.COM
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