Saint Croix National Scenic River

Summers can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and can be snowy. Spring and Fall are changeable.

Landings and campsites are open year round. There are no fees for camping. Outfitters are available who rent watercraft or you can bring your own. Some landings and campsites have water available on a seasonal basis. Wells are normally open late May through September and closed the rest of the year.

No admission fees.

Reservations available for picnic sites.

A wonderful way to see the Riverway is to get out on the water. Recreational opportunities abound for canoeing, kayaking, motor boating, sailing and fishing. If you want to get even closer to the water, here is information on swimming and tubing. Wildlife viewing excels from either water or land.

Need help getting on the water? We have a number of commercial businesses we work with which provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Riverway. This includes renting a canoe or kayak that is shuttled to and from the river for you; Or having a guide take you fishing. You can even sit back relax and enjoy the scenery on a paddleboat. We refer to these businesses as outfitters.

If you aren't able to get out on the water, there is still plenty of activities you can enjoy on land, along the river. Throughout the Riverway there are places to camp, hike and picnic. Bicycling and horseback riding are available nearby. Hunting in the Riverway is allowed, while trapping is restricted. The potential to see wildlife is always around the next corner, so however you choose to do it, enjoy some time outdoors.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was established to protect and preserve the outstanding scenic landscape of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. To provide for the public enjoyment of the Riverway, designated primitive campsites and camping zones have been established. Most are accessible only by boat or canoe. Nearby state parks and private campgrounds provide drive-in campsites with more amenities, including trailer sites.

As with most recreational areas, the potential exists that on holiday weekends or when the weather has been predicted to be ideal, that desired use may exceed available resources. Do not plan to canoe so late in the day that if your first campsite choice is occupied, that you have no ther options.

Campsites: Primitive campsites have been developed along the entire Namekagon River and along the St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to St. Croix Falls. Camping is allowed only in these officially established sites. All sites are marked with a campsite sign, and have a fire ring and primitive toilet. Some sites have picnic tables. Drinking water may be available at some locations during the summer months. National Park Service section maps include the location of the Riverway's primitive and walk in campsites and water facilities.

Campsites are available in two sizes: individual, which can accommodate 8 people and 3 tents; and group, which can accommodate 16 people and 6 tents. Be sure to pick a campsite that is the "right fit" for your group. Don't monopolize a group site if your party is small - group sites should be kept available for those who need them.

Camping Zones:
The Riverway is divided into three federal camping zones where management policies differ. The Namekagon River and St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to Nevers Dam, Nevers Dam to Taylors Falls, and Taylors Falls to Stillwater. The State zone, from Stillwater to the mouth of the river, has no designated campsites outside of county and state parks.

The entire Namekagon and St. Croix River north of Nevers Dam requires camping only at developed sites, with a three-night limit at each campsite. While campsites are located at fairly regular intervals along most parts of both rivers, there are few campsites on the St. Croix between Riverside landing and Norway landing, due to extensive swamps. If your trip will include an overnight stay along this stretch, it would be wise to make arrangements to camp at St. Croix State Park by calling 320-384-6591.

Between Nevers Dam and Taylors Falls designated campsites have a three-night limit. Houseboaters are allowed to tie-up to shore anywhere on the flowage behind the dam at St. Croix Falls for an overnight stay. Houseboaters may not build fires or set up tents on shore and must use their onboard facilities for waste disposal, unless they are tied up at a campsite.

St. Croix Falls to Stillwater has few designated campsites. Areas are zoned 1-no camping, 2-open camping on federal land, and 3-camping on islands only. Generally speaking zone 1 is found Taylors Falls to Franconia, and near the towns of Osceola and Marine on St. Croix. Zone 2 is between Franconia and Osceola, Osceola to Marine and Marine to the High Bridge. Zone 3 is from the High Bridge to Stillwater. See map. There is a seven-night limit at any site along this stretch of the river.

Walk in Campsites: These sites are for tents only. Gear must be carried from your vehicle to the campsite. Walk-in campsites are available a short distance from parking areas at the following locations:

• Namekagon River
• Phipps Landing
• Earl Park
• Howell Landing
• St. Croix River
• Riverside Landing
• Norway Point Landing
• Nelsons Landing
• Sandrock Cliffs
• Old Railroad Bridge
• County O Landing
• Sunrise Ferry Landing Landing

Camp Lightly: As demand for recreation continues to increase, pressure on natural areas such as the St. Croix Riverway has become more intense. Visitors practicing low impact camping techniques are very important to preserving the natural character of the Riverway. The following tips will make your trip more enjoyable and help preserve the Riverway resources.

Plan Ahead

• Consult maps before you visit the Riverway.
• Persons seeking solitude should consider coming on weekdays and avoid the most popular stretches of the river.
• Plan meals carefully to reduce waste. Repackage food to minimize the amount of containers and trash. Carry out your trash with you. Do not dispose of trash in fire rings or toilets.
• Glass beverage containers are prohibited.
• Water is available seaonally, when their is no threat of freezing, at some landings. Consult maps for location and contact the park to determine when water facilities are operational spring and fall.

Human Waste

• All developed campsites have primitive toilets. If a toilet is not available when you stop along the river, bury your waste at least 100 feet from water and trails.
• Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products should be packed out in a plastic bag.

Store food properly

• Raccoons, bears, and other animals are attracted to the smell of human food. Hang food and scented toiletries in a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the tree trunk. Hang your garbage as well.
• At walk in campsites store food coolers in your vehicle overnight.
• Do not wash your dishes in the river. Strain wastewater from dishwashing for food scraps. Scatter the water away from your campsite and the river.

Fires

• On the Namekagon and the St. Croix, from Gordon dam to Taylors Falls, fires are only permitted in steel fire-rings. Below Taylors Falls fires may be built outside steel fire-rings if it can be done safely.
• Dead and down wood may be collected for use by picnickers and campers. Live trees may not be cut.
• Firewood may not be gathered on any island in the river. Fallen trees help stabilize islands.
• The preferred practice is to bring firewood with you.

Remember to leave a clean, litter free, undamaged campsite so the next visitor will have a pleasant experience. The Camping Brochure provides similar information.

The Riverway abounds in locations to relax by the river and enjoy a picnic. If you are travelling by boat or canoe, feel free to pull along shore to rest a spell. Respect private property that is within the Riverway and signs posting an area closed for rehabilitation. For more comfort, any of the campsites or landings make great picnic areas.

If you are travelling by car, boat and canoe landings and the grounds of our visitor centers are good places to stop. Landings normally provide a table(s), and toilet. Some provide water and a grill.

The Riverway has a pack it in pack it out policy so be prepared to take your trash with you when you go and glass beverage bottles are not allowed.

Osceola landing, across the river from Osceola, Wisconsin, includes a large accessible picnic area with two shelters, water, flush and vault toilets, grills, and an accessible fishing pier. The two shelters can be used on a first come basis or reserved through the St. Croix Visitor Center by calling 715-483-3284 x638. There is no charge to reserve a shelter, but group size can not exceed 75 people. No alcohol is allowed within this area.

State, county, and city parks also offer picnic areas. With so many places nearby, the hard part will be deciding where to go.

The National Park Service maintains seven hiking trails along the Riverway. A variety of trails exist in nearby state parks and forests. The western terminus of the Ice Age trail is within Wisconsin Interstate Park. Many of the trails can be used in all seasons for hiking, snow shoeing or X-country skiing. As you hike the trails look all around to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

Safety:

• Poison ivy may be growing along the trail. Learn how to identify the plant by its three saw-toothed leaves.
• Ticks are found in the grasses and brush. Check yourself after your hike for any hitchhikers. The Deer ticks found here may carry Lyme Disease.
• Biting insects vary by season but may be plentiful, consider wearing repellant.
• Trail surfaces are uneven and may be steep. Watch your step.
• Hunting is allowed along some of the trails, look for postings.

Regulations:

• Bicycles, ATVs and motorized vehicles are not allowed on park trails.
• Berry and mushroom picking for personal use is allowed.
• Flowers and other plants are protected.
• Cultural/historic items are not to be disturbed.

Wildlife abounds within St. Croix National Scenic Riverway due to diverse and high quality habitats, which create a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities along the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. In general, animals are most active in the morning and are best viewed at that time. Muskrats and Beaver are likely to be seen around dusk or dawn. Frogs, Whip-poor-wills and owls can be heard at night along with an occasional coyote or rarely, a wolf howling in the northern third of the Riverway. An early morning paddle is likely to find white-tailed deer coming down to the river for a drink of water.

Mornings find many birds singing and moving about, especially in spring and early summer. It is not unusual to see thirty species of birds during a two-hour paddle or hike along the river. The most commonly encountered birds during the breeding season are Red-Breasted Merganser, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, a variety of woodpeckers, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher and other flycatchers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, Blue Jays, American Crow, Gray Catbird, Veery, American Robin, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Red-Eyed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, and Song Sparrow. Of course, many of these are more often heard than seen so keep quiet and move slowly to increase your chances of seeing them.

Midday and afternoons are best for viewing hawks, eagles and vultures as they soar on columns of rising warm air. Often seen are Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Keep an eye out for Ospreys, Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks nesting along the rivers.

Many turtles can be seen during warm sunny periods as they bask in the sun on rocks and low hanging branches. Look especially at the larger trees that have fallen into the river for Painted Turtles, Map Turtles and the very shy Spiny Softshell Turtle. If you are lucky you will also find Blanding's or Wood turtles, are usually found on the lower half of the Namekagon River.

The high quality of the water and the surrounding wetlands are good for producing lots of frogs and toads. Of the twelve species present, those that are most likely to be seen are American Toad, Leopard Frog, Green Frog, and Wood Frog. Like many birds, these animals are more often heard than seen. Best heard at night in spring and early summer, their choruses could be loud enough to keep you awake until the wee hours of the morning.

Watching wildlife in winter can be more of a challenge. Many animals hibernate or migrate south. Currents, springs and dams keep some parts of the river ice-free and can be good places to watch Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans or River Otters. Tracks in the snow are often the best way to know what has visited the river. The most commonly seen tracks besides those of the River Otter are Red and Gray squirrels, Eastern Cottontail, Red Fox, White-tailed Deer and weasels.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway has one trail for use by horses. Sandrock Cliff Trail, near Grantsburg, Wisconsin, is a five mile long multiple loop trail that follows the river and then turns onto a ridge providing a wide variety of terrain and scenery. Parking for horses is available at the trailhead at Highway 70 or at the Benson Road trailhead. There is no overnight camping with horses. The trail is also open to hikers and is groomed for x-country skiing when there is adequate snow.

More horseback riding options are available in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Wisconsin

The Trade River Horse Trails consist of 35 miles of maintained and marked loop trails that wind through a variety of terrain and forest types. The trails can be accessed from two trailheads. The Trade River Campground trailhead is on Evergreen Avenue five miles west of Highway 87. The second trailhead is four miles south of County Highway O along the St. Croix River on 340th Street. A $10 Wisconsin State Trails Pass is required for riders 16 years and older. Trail passes are available at the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls and the Burnett County Tourism Center in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.

Trails:

• Barrens Loop - 20 miles
• Sunrise Loop - 12
• Wolf Creek Loop - 3

Trade River Campground contains 40 undeveloped, free of charge, campsites. The facilities consist of fire rings and primitive toilet facilities. There are no refuse removal services available so a carry in/carry out policy is observed.

Minnesota:

Wild River State Park is located 14 miles east of I-35 (Exit 147) off State Highway 95 and County Road 12. A Minnesota State Park Pass is required for entry. An annual pass is $20; day passes are $4. Camping fees are $8 per night.

The park has a horse campground with 20 campsites, fourteen of which may be reserved. The other six are first-come, first-served. Twenty miles of horse trails follow even to gentle rolling terrain. Horses are not allowed on groomed ski trails.

St. Croix State Forest

Tamarack River Equestrian Camp is a campground for parties using the forest horse trails. Facilities include 55 campsites, parking area, horse corral, fire rings, picnic tables and outdoor toilets. Potable water is not provided. Camping fees are $9 per night for individual campsites. Group campsites are $30 per group or $2 per person whichever is greater.

Approximately 20 miles of horse trails exist within St. Croix State Forest. The Willard Munger trail, a multi-use trail open to horseback riding, also passes through the forest towards Duluth.

St. Croix State Park

The park is fifteen miles east of Hinckley on State Highway 48. As Minnesota's largest state park, St. Croix contains 75 miles of horseback trails and a horse camp area consisting of a corral for 100 horses. The trails are open from April 15th until the first snowfall. The Willard Munger trail also passes through the park providing further horseback riding opportunities.

Entrance fees are $20 for an annual permit and $4 for a day pass. Camping fees are $12 a night.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway does not have any bicycle trails. Bikes are not allowed on any of the National Park Service hiking trails. Biking on public roads is popular in some areas, precaution should be taken as roads are shared with automobiles.

Biking in Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Trails Pass Bicyclists, equestrians, and cross-country skiers over the age of 16 using certain Wisconsin state trails must have a trail pass. Daily passes can be purchased for $3; $10 for an annual pass.

Gandy Dancer is a 98-mile multi-use recreation trail from St. Croix Falls to Superior, Wisconsin. It is a former railroad bed with a flat terrain and a limestone base. The southern portion of the trail from St. Croix Falls to Danbury, Wisconsin is limited to hiking and biking from April through November. A Wisconsin State Trails Pass is required for riding the Trail between St. Croix Falls and Danbury.

The northern portion runs 51 miles from Danbury, through eastern Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. This segment offers a wilder, more remote experience. Hiking, mountain biking and ATV use is permitted. No pass is needed to use this section of the trail .

Biking in Minnesota

Willard Munger Trail The Willard Munger Trail is a collection of multi-use recreational trails in eastern Minnesota. It passes through St. Croix State Park and St. Croix State Forest on its way from Hinckley to Duluth. No fee is charged for bicyclists using the trail but a state park permit will be required if accessing the trail from St. Croix State Park

Afton State Park -4 miles of bike trails

St. Croix State Park - 5 miles of paved bicycle trails, bike rentals available. Also has access to the Willard Munger Trail.

St. Croix State Forest - the Willard Munger Trail can be accessed from within the state forest.

Wild River State Park has approximately 3 miles of bicycle trails.

William O'Brien State Park provides access to Washington County trails

Washington County Bike Trails Segments of two loop trails offer views of the St. Croix River.

Loop 1:consists of 29.7 miles of moderate terrain with some long, steep grades. This ride begins at Square Lake Park and goes through farmland, wooded areas and offers views of the St. Croix River.

Loop 2: consists of 16.7 miles of moderate terrain and steep grades. This route also begins at Square Lake Park and passes the site of the Northwest's first territorial prison, a wayside rest area and the Boomsite Scenic overlook on the St. Croix.

The Gateway segment of the Willard Munger trail travels a distance of 18 miles from St. Paul to Pine Point Park. This trail follows an old railroad grade from an urban to a rural environment.

The woods and waters that make up the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway play host to a rich variety of wildlife. Native peoples have hunted this area for centuries, and modern-day hunters continue this tradition. The enabling legislation that designated the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers as part of the Wild & Scenic Rivers System provided for the continued, traditional practice of hunting within the Riverway.

Hunting opportunities are diverse and abundant along the Riverway. Many waterfowlers enjoy luring ducks and geese toward decoy spreads at the various cattail and wild rice flowages of the Namekagon or backwaters of the St. Croix River, while others choose to drift the river for jump shooting opportunities. Deer and bear are pursued throughout the Riverway with archery equipment, black powder rifles, and modern firearms. Upland bird hunters find plenty of action in grouse and woodcock coverts. Most recently, wild turkey populations have soared throughout much of the Riverway, prompting both spring and fall hunts in certain zones.

No matter what the quarry or season, all hunting must be in accordance with state regulations – both for Minnesota and Wisconsin. Be well acquainted with both state regulations before hunting.

Hunters are encouraged to visit the closest Riverway Visitor Center or Ranger Station to clarify questions of park boundary locations or other issues. Private property exists within the Riverway and can only be hunted with permission of the landowner. National Park Service (NPS) Rangers patrol Riverway land during hunting season, as do state conservation officers, to detect violations and enforce regulations.

In some instances, National Park Service regulations may be more stringent than state laws. Regardless of whether you hunt in Wisconsin or Minnesota, the following activities are prohibited on NPS lands.

• Hunting is prohibited within 500' of any Riverway building, administrative compound, or public use facility and 100' of any designated campsite, or 50' of any road.
• Shooting across or toward any public hiking trail is also not allowed.
• The construction of permanent treestands is not allowed. Stands must be portable, of a design that does not damage the tree, and must be removed at the end of each day's hunt. Screw-in ladder steps are prohibited, as is brushing out shooting lanes.
• Motorized vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles of all types are prohibited on NPS lands.
• Transporting unregistered game animals into a neighboring state by boat or other conveyance is a violation of state and federal law.

Closed to Hunting

Some federal land has been closed to hunting for safety reasons. In general these areas are: near Fairy Falls and along Highway 95 in Stillwater and Washington County, adjacent to Camp Sunrise in Chisago County, adjacent to Wild River State Park, and adjacent to Wild Mountain Recreation Area.

Hunters are reminded to put safety first, and to respect the rights of private landowners as well as the rights of non-hunters using public lands.

The following is an approximation of some of the upcoming hunting seasons for Minnesota and Wisconsin near the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Minnesota

• Ruffed Grouse: Mid September through the first of the year.
• Sharp-tailed Grouse: In Open Zone Mid-September – late November
• Pheasant: Statewide Mid-October – first of the year
• Wild Turkey: Fall Season begins mid-October
• Woodcock: Statewide Late September – early November
• Crow: Statewide Mid July through mid October
• White-tailed Deer: Bow- Mid September through late December
  Gun Begins in early November
  Muzzleloader- Late November through early December
• Bear: Early September through mid October
• Jackrabbit, Cottontail, and Snowshoe Hare: Mid September through late February
• Squirrels, Gray and Fox: Mid September through late February
• Waterfowl: Varies.

Wisconsin

• Ruffed Grouse: Zone A (Northern) Mid-September through late December.
  Zone B (Western) Mid September through late January
• Bobwhite Quail: Statewide Mid October through early December
• Sharp-tailed Grouse: Mid October through early November
• Pheasant: Statewide Mid October through late December
• Woodcock: Statewide Late September through early November
• Wild Turkey: Fall season Early October through early November
• Crow: Statewide Mid September through mid November and mid January through mid March
• White-tailed Deer: Bow – mid September through mid November and late November to early January
  Gun – mid November through late November
  Muzzleloader – Late November through early December
• Bear: Early September through mid October
• Jackrabbit: Statewide Mid October through mid November
• Cottontail Rabbit: Northern Zone: Mid September through late February
  Southern Zone: Mid October through late February
• Squirrels, Gray and Fox: Statewide Mid September through late January
• Waterfowl: Varies.

Refer to full and official hunting regulations for complete information.

Railroad Memories Museum
N8425 Island Lake Rd.,Spooner, WI

A former railroad depot filled with railroad artifacts.

Washburn County Historical Museum
U.S. Hwy 63, Springbrook, WI

Local history museum housed in St. Mary Magdaline Catholic Church.

Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery
State Hwy 70, Spooner, WI

The largest muskellunge hatchery in the world; which includes an educational visitors center.

A 401 acre sanctuary which sponsors a number of classes, camps, and programs.

Chequamegon Area Mountain Biking Trails

Over 300 miles of trails in and around the Chequamegon National Forest.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

1,522,485 acres of protected forest with multi-use trails and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.

North Country National Scenic Trail

A nationally protected scenic trail that passes through the northeast and the north central United States.

National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
10360 Hall of Fame Dr., Hayward, WI

A complex featuring fish mounts and fishing artifacts part of which is housed inside a giant Muskie sculpture.

Log Museum
Park Avenue, Birchwood, WI

The Log Museum holds a collection of logging memorabilia as well as a hand carved replica of a logging camp operation.

Northwest Company Fur Post

Experience life at an 1804 fur post and Indian encampment. Costumed living history interpreters demonstrate pelt handling, cooking and other tasks of post and Ojibwe life. Visitor Center

Crex Meadows
102 East Crex Ave., Grantsburg, WI 54840

Crex Meadows is a 30,000-acre wildlife management area. See trumpeter swans, sharp-tailed grouse and Karner Blue butterflies. Self-guided auto tour.

Fort Folle Avoine
8500 County Rd U, Danbury, WI 54830

Open May 25 thru September 1 Reconstructed fur trading post and Woodland Indian Village. Annual fur trade rendezvous held.

Hinckley Fire Museum
106 Old Hwy. 61 South, Hinckley, MN 55037

The museum interprets the story of the Great Hinckley fire of 1894 with artifacts, hands-on exhibits and a powerful video. May 1st thru Mid-October

Willard Munger State Trail

America's longest paved trail is available year-round for biking, walking, snowmobiling, horseback riding and in-line skating.

St. Croix State Park
State Hwy 48 (15 miles E of Hinckley, MN)

St. Croix State Park is Minnesota's largest park, with over 33,000 acres of forests, meadows, marshes and streams. Twenty-one miles of the St. Croix National Scenic River form the eastern boundary.

Governor Knowles State Forest
325 Hwy 70, Grantsburg, WI 54840

The St. Croix Family Campground is located east of the St. Croix river on State Hwy. 70. The State Forest has two hiking trails, a horse trail and three interpretive trails.

1855 Folsom House
272 W Government Street, Taylors Falls , MN

Tour the 1855 Folsom House Museum Open daily except Tuesdays on Angel Hill. Guided tours 1-4:30 PM. Five generations of Folsom Family history in this Greek Revival House with original furniture. $4 Adults, $1 Children 6-12. Monthly events to celebrate its 150th anniversary. A MN Historical Society site. Group reservations welcome.

Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park
Hwy 8 East of St. Croix Falls, WI

Walk through the wooded park and view domestic and wild animals including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Pony rides are available as well as petting and feeding areas.

Franconia Sculpture Park
Junction Hwy 8 and 95 South of Taylors Falls, MN

Take a guided tour through an outdoor, rotating collection of over 60 contemporary sculptures that have been created by local, national, and international artists. "Kids Make Sculpture" workshops are also offered to children ages 4 to 18.

Gammelgarden Swedish Museum
Scandia MN

Inner Tubing the Apple River
Somerset, WI

Floating opportunities abound for a relaxing trip with several outfitters in Somerset. The Apple River is a tributary to the St. Croix River

Marine Mill Site
Located on Judd Street in the center of Marine on St. Croix, MN. Accessible from Minn. Hwy. 95, 11 miles north of Stillwater.

Ruins of the once huge sawmill, interpretive signs, pathways, and an overlook above the ruins provide visitors with a glimpse of the history of this once active industrial site.

Minnesota Interstate Park
Located in Taylors Falls, MN on Hwy 8/95

At least 10 different lava flows are exposed in the park, along with two distinct glacial deposits, and traces of old streams valleys and faults. During the summer, hike the trails and explore the glacial potholes that make this park unique. Camping, picnicking and canoe rentals available.

Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway
Hwy 35 and Depot Road, Osceola, WI

Board a vintage passenger train at the historic Osceola Depot and experience rail travel through the St. Croix Scenic Riverway as it was in the first half of the 20th Century.

Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Junction Hwy 8 and 95 Taylors Falls, MN

Take a relaxing cruise aboard an authentic paddlewheel boat through the scenic Dalles of the St. Croix River. Evening dinner cruises are available which include a narrated scenic tour through the Dalles, a buffet style meal, and live entertainment.

Stonehouse Museum
241 - 5th Street, Marine on St Croix, MN

Traces the local history of the St Croix Valley Settlers from the 1800's housed in Marine's former jail.

Wild River State Park
39797 Park Trail Center City, MN 55012

North of Taylors Falls, near Almelund MN from State Highway 95 to County Road 12. Drive 3 miles on County Road 12 to park entrance.

The park attracts people who enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, interpretive programs, self-guided trails, and cross-country skiing. Camping and cabins available.

William O'Brien State Park
16821 O'Brien Trail North Marine-on-St. Croix, MN. Located two miles north of Marine on St. Croix, on Minnesota Highway 95.

Provides quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills, camping, picnicking, swimming beach and canoe/boat launch.

Wisconsin Interstate Park
St. Croix Falls WI 54024

The Park is in St. Croix Falls,WI, on Wisconsin Highway 35 just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 8.

Camping, Picnicking, swimming and hiking some of the nine miles of trails found throughout the park. See glacial landscape features and the Dalles of the St. Croix.

Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, MN 55033

Afton State Park
6959 Peller Ave. South Hastings, MN 55033

Trails traverse remnant and restored prairies and are perfect for hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. The park offers a swimming beach, backpack campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
10191 St. Croix Trail Hastings, MN 55033

A 579-acre Regional Park with boat launch, campgrounds, picnic shelters and trails.

Wardens House Museum and Washington City Courthouse
602 North Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082

The Warden's House Museum was built in 1853 as the residence of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden. The museum consists of 14 rooms decorated in the late 19th and early 20th century style

Historic Octagon House
1004 Third Street Hudson, WI 54016

The Octagon house has Victorian era furnishings. Also included are the Garden House with its 19th Century farm life, domestic arts, and general store; and the Carriage House, which includes a blacksmith shop, small gift shop, and research center for the St. Croix County Historical Society.