I heard about Miracle at Big Rock while attending the Stillwater Harvest Festival in October. The picture on their poster of Maggie, a Scottish Highlander, with a Santa hat drew me in. As soon as I saw it was a Christmas Light display, my favorite part of Christmas decorations, I knew we needed to go.
I’ve always been fascinated by Christmas lights; I’m drawn to big events like Miracle at Big Rock, small personal home displays, and even a couple of strings of lights around a window. It’s one of the reasons I love New York City…the city at night with all the lights. Sign me up!!
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Where is Miracle at Big Rock located?
Miracle at Big Rock is located about one hour drive north of Minneapolis/St Paul in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. It was 52 minutes from my house to be exact. St. Croix Falls, WI is a small town along the St Croix River. If traveling from the Minneapolis/St Paul metro, cross the river in Taylor’s Falls, MN then drive north on Hwy 87.
Miracle at Big Rock is located at Big Rock Creek. Big Rock Creek most times of the year is an estate with vacation cabin rentals, event venue rentals, camping, and glamping spots. The property is transformed into a winder wonderland from the end of November until January 1.
Are there food and beverage options?
YES, Miracle at Big Rock offers food and beverages. There are a few options but we were hungry when we got there so we stopped at the first spot available. It offered a few simple options, we opted for chicken strips, mini-corn dogs, and French fries.
It was a chilly evening so we also got hot chocolate…with homemade peppermint schnapps of course. YUMMY!! They also offered hot cider, coffee, beer, hard cider, and various liquors to add flavor and it keeps you warm!
As we walked around, we found several other food trucks with food and drinks. In the vendor barn, there were two bars one on the main level and one upstairs. They offered several different cocktails, beer, wine, and hard cider.
I enjoyed a Hot Toddy and my partner in crime had a hot chocolate with cinnamon whiskey. Both were delicious and warmed us up quickly.
How do I stay warm?
Speaking of warming up with a Hot Toddy… there are several ways to stay warm when attending the Miracle at Big Rock. First and probably most important, dress for the weather!!
This should go without saying but all too often people think they can handle cold weather without thinking about being outside for an extended amount of time. Boots, hats, mittens, layers, wool socks…dress to be outside in the winter.
There are also several fire rings along the walking path. The first big bonfire ring is at the entrance. Surrounded by some Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and high tops to use while you enjoy some food or warm drinks. They also sell supplies to roast marshmallows at the food stand!
Warm up quickly around the smaller fire rings and bonfires placed around the lake.
The barn at Miracle and Big Rock is also a great place to warm up, do some shopping, and have a drink and is also the only indoor bathroom…if you can’t wait there are several outhouses but let’s face it, no one wants to go to the bathroom outside in the cold; unless it’s an emergency.
Miracle at Big Rock Uses How Many Lights!?!?!??
Miracle at Big Rock is NOT a little light display…it’s a one-mile path that has over 15,000,000 lights, no that is not a typo, there are over 15 MILLION lights!!!
Some of the lights are around the houses and cabins.; others are wrapped around the trees. Some are lit-up characters like the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Others are used in a life-sized nativity scene and even some barnyard animals are in the field.
My personal favorite is the pig!
Have Mobility Concerns?
Miracle at Big Rock has thought of everything!! They even thought about those who can’t walk on uneven surfaces; are worried about falling or slipping, or simply don’t want to get out in the cold. Yes, you too can enjoy the lights.
There are several evenings they close the event to walking and open it up for drive-throughs. This allows everyone to be able to enjoy the lights no matter what their mobility is.
You can also take a “train” ride or through the lights. Ok, so it’s not really a train but is a tractor pulling several covered carts with lights to make it look like a train. They are not enclosed or warm but you will be able to ride and look at the lights. They also have a Christmas light-covered hay ride.
How much does it cost?
At the time I’m writing this, tickets to get into Miracle and Big Rock are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens, veterans, and kids 4-12. Kids under 4 are free. For the select nights where you can drive through the lights, the cost is $12 per person 4 years old and older. Check out their website for current rates.
The cost of food and beverages varies. Most of the hot adult beverages were $9-12. Pretty normal for a cocktail around here. Food was $9-12 as well.
Final thoughts on Miracle at Big Rock
This was a magical evening! We both enjoyed the lights and it really got me into the Christmas mood. The walk was easy and did not feel like a mile. Miracle and Big Rock does an amazing job of bringing out Christmas’s childlike enchantment and wonder for all ages.
Miracle and Big Rock is a great place to go for a fun family evening or a romantic date night. I will absolutely be going back again. You should go too!
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