Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

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A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.
One of many beautiful views of the St. Croix River
A woman paddles a kayak past cliffs on a forested river.
Paddling is an excellent way to experience the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Kayakers pass impressive cliffs.
The scenic Dalles of the St. Croix River provide dramatic backdrops for paddlers.
A fast river flows over large rocks in a forested landscape.
There are opportunities to paddle stretches of fast and slow water on the Riverway.
A man holds a large fish while sitting in a boat near a forested shore.
The fishing is spectacular on the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
A man stands next to a river watching a sunset.
Watch scenic sunsets from shoreline campsites.
Photos: National Park Service

About Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

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.

Quick Facts

State Wisconsin
Designation National Scenic Riverway
State Code WI,MN
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is located in Wisconsin.

Operating Hours

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers are open all-day, year-round except for periods of dangerous water conditions. Access to landings and trails is seasonal.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

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

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 401 North Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI, 54024
Phone 7154832274
Email SACN_Info@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Animals Birds Fish Natural Sounds Trails Water Trails

Things To Do

Paddling The Riverway

Paddling The Riverway

Paddling the rivers of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers offer many paddling options. Choose an easy stretch or one with challenges. Plan a…

Explore the Ridge View Trail, Osceola Loop

Explore the Ridge View Trail, Osceola Loop

The Osceola Loop of the Ridge View Trail winds through a dappled forest high above the St. Croix River.

Visitor Centers

Namekagon River Visitor Center

When open, visitors can view exhibits, pick up park publications, Junior Ranger booklets, and maps, and watch the park movie. Park rangers staff an information…

Hours: Hours of operation are Thursdays through Mondays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.

St. Croix River Visitor Center

Hours of operation are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily including all federal holidays. The St. Croix River Visitor Center is open seasonally, from mid-April…

Hours: This facility is open to the public everyday 10 am - 5 pm from mid-April through October.

Campgrounds

Lower St. Croix District

19, primitive, Leave No Trace campsites are located on this reach from below Highway 8 down to the Boom Site Landing near Stillwater, Minnesota. An…

19 Sites

Middle St. Croix

57, primitive, Leave No Trace campsites are located on the St. Croix River from Riverside Landing to Highway 8 at St. Croix Falls - Taylors…

57 Sites

Namekagon District

67, primitive, Leave No Trace camp sites are located on the Namekagon River from Namekagon Dam to the confluence of the St Croix River and…

67 Sites

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