





Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Wisconsin Β· Minnesota
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.
About Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a national scenic riverway located in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Access to the Riverway is year-round. Early spring temperatures can reach into the 40's resulting in high, fast, and cold water from melting snow and ice. Summers are warm and humid. Severe weather can be experienced anytime from mid-spring through late summer. Fall colors begin in late September with high temperatures averaging in the 60's. Winter can set in early with high temperatures in the teens, lows falling below zero, and occasional heavy snow. The rivers can begin to freeze over by early December.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches for over 200 miles in northwest Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota. The Namekagon River flows entirely in Wisconsin while the St. Croix River serves as a border between the two states for much of its length. With many different access points there are numerous opportunities for day trips as well as multi-day paddling adventures. Visitor centers are located on the Namekagon River in Trego, Wisconsin, and on the St. Croix River in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Saint Croix is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Boating, Motorized Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, and 17 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Saint Croix
π Visitor Planning Tips for Saint Croix
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Saint Croix before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βVerify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Saint Croix can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Saint Croix get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Saint Croix. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Croix
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby

Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mileβ¦

Ice Age
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passesβ¦

North Country
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciersβ¦