πŸ•οΈNational Park Data
A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.
A woman paddles a kayak past cliffs on a forested river.
Kayakers pass impressive cliffs.
A fast river flows over large rocks in a forested landscape.
A man holds a large fish while sitting in a boat near a forested shore.
A man stands next to a river watching a sunset.
National Scenic Riverway

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Wisconsin Β· Minnesota

πŸ’°
Entrance Fee
Free
πŸ•
Hours
All Day
πŸ“
Location
St. Croix Falls, WI
πŸ“ž
Visitor Center
7154832274

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.

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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.

πŸ’° 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.

πŸ₯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.

βœ… Boating
βœ… Motorized Boating
βœ… Camping
βœ… Canoe or Kayak Camping
βœ… Fishing
βœ… Freshwater Fishing
βœ… Fly Fishing
βœ… Hands-On
βœ… Citizen Science
βœ… Hiking
βœ… Hunting and Gathering
βœ… Hunting
βœ… Paddling
βœ… Canoeing
βœ… Canoe or Kayak Camping
βœ… Kayaking
βœ… Junior Ranger Program
βœ… Tubing
βœ… Wildlife Watching
βœ… Birdwatching
βœ… Park Film

πŸ“¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Saint Croix

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πŸŽ’ Trail Essentials

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πŸ₯Ύ Activity-Specific Gear

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πŸ§₯ Apparel & Layers

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πŸ’‘ Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

πŸ“‹ Visitor Planning Tips for Saint Croix

  • β†’Beat 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.
  • β†’Verify 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.
  • β†’Secure 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.
  • β†’Leave 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.
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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

The entrance fee for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is Free per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

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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.

πŸ”οΈ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio β†’

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