Things to do nearSaint Croix River

The Saint Croix River stretches roughly 170 miles from its headwaters in northern Wisconsin to its confluence with the Mississippi near Prescott. Congress designated most of this corridor as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968, making it one of the original rivers protected under that landmark legislation. The decision preserved the forested bluffs, wetlands, and prairies that line the banks and give the river its enduring sense of remoteness.

On the water, paddling is the defining activity. Calm stretches in the lower river suit beginners and families, while the dramatic Dalles of the Saint Croix near Taylors Falls offer swift currents and striking geological scenery. Guided kayaking trips introduce first-timers to reading the current and spotting the eagles and great blue herons that patrol the shoreline year-round.

Anglers prize the river for its clear, cold water and diverse fish populations. Fishing charters operate along accessible stretches, targeting walleye and smallmouth bass through the warmer months. Hikers find well-maintained trails on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides, passing through state parks that protect the most dramatic sections of the gorge.

The Saint Croix River earns its reputation as one of the Midwest's finest natural escapes, offering genuine wilderness character within a short drive of the Twin Cities metro area.