Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Things To Do Near Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Spanning more than 200 miles of waterways and connected lands, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of natural landscapes. Hiking and biking trails wind through woods and reveal stunning views from atop river bluffs. The rivers offer excellent fishing and boating and plenty of opportunities for primitive camping along the shore. 

Hiking Trails

• Indianhead Flowage Trail

  This trail is a level walk through woods and over streams to the river. In the spring, blooming wildflowers paint the path in riotous color. Late summer visitors might be lucky enough to find wild berries growing along the trail, perfect for a snack on the go. Because hunting is permitted in the area, hikers must wear blaze orange during hunting season. 

  Location

  Ice Age Trail sign at Lion’s Park in St. Croix Falls, WI, just off Highway 87

  Length

  0.75 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• St. Croix Trail

  Explore this shoreline trail for an afternoon or pack up your gear and spend the night at one of the primitive campsites along the shoreline. The trail crosses several streams lined with blooming wildflowers in the spring. Observant hikers will notice that beavers in this area have built lodges in the banks of the St. Croix River. Because the river is too wide for them to fully dam, beavers will instead burrow into the river banks to make their homes. The area is also home to several bald eagle nests, so keep an eye on the sky, and you might see one of the majestic birds in flight. Hikers must wear blaze orange for safety during hunting season. 

  Location

  Tamarack Forest Road north of Hinckley, Minnesota

  Length

  12 miles (one way)

  Intensity

  Easy

• Trego Lake Trail

  This triple loop trail runs along the banks of the Namekagon River and Trego Lake. Hikers are treated to stunning overlooks of the 383-acre Trego Lake. The pathway is also a good place to spot a white-tailed deer or ruffed grouse. For safety, hikers should wear blaze orange during hunting season. 

  Location

  2 miles west of 53 on River Road, Trego, Wisconsin

  Length

  3.6 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Taylor Falls Scenic Boat Tours

  Hop aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat and explore the St. Croix River in style. Knowledgeable guides will help you spot points of interest along the journey, including the stone cross rock formation for which the river was named and The Old Man of Dalles. Daily excursions are offered in either 45- or 80-minute durations. Reservations for the daily scenic tours are not required but are recommended. Specialty-themed cruises are also available throughout the year. 

  Location

  220 South St., Taylors Falls, MN 55084

• Interstate State Park

  Interstate State Park offers visitors over seven miles of hiking trails through glacier-carved rock formations, wooded areas, and down to a lakeside beach. The park also offers fishing, hunting, boating, and rock climbing. 

  Location

  1275 WI-35, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

• Wild Mountain

  In the summer, stop by to embark on a wet and wild adventure. With water slides, a splash park, and a lazy river, it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. When you need a break to dry off, check out the go-karts or the alpine slide that runs 1700 feet from top to bottom. If you happen to be traveling during the winter, bundle up and hit the slopes of Wild Mountain for skiing, tubing, and other winter activities. 

  Location

  37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls, MN 55084

Museums

• Folsom House

  Built by lumber baron and six-term state senator William Folsom in 1885, the Folsom House reflects the Greek Revival Style. The home remained in the Folsom family for five generations, and today, visitors to the home will have the unique opportunity to see it much as it was when the Folsom family lived there. Of particular note are the grand piano, Folsom’s extensive library, clothing, and other personal items. 

  Location

  272 W. Government St., Taylors Falls, MN 55084

• Minnesota Transportation Museum - Museum at Jackson Street Roundhouse

  Explore the history of travel at this museum dedicated to regional rail and bus travel. The museum features 50 historic rail cars and a fully operational roundhouse turntable. There are also train rides offered to visitors each Saturday. 

  Location

  193 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55130

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Black Letter Books

  Find your next paperback read or a rare vintage tome to complete your collection at Black Letter Books. This used bookstore offers gently used books, children’s books, and fine collectible editions. 

  Location

  102 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082

• Midtown Antiques

  Midtown Antiques is one of the largest antique malls in the Midwest. Offering items like vintage coins and furniture, there is potential treasure around every corner. With over a million items filling three floors, you’ll need to allow plenty of time to explore Midtown Antiques. 

  Location

  301 Main St. S., Stillwater, MN 55082

• Taylor Falls Drive-In

  Cue up the old rock and roll and drive in for a meal at the Taylor Falls Drive-in. In operation since 1956, the drive-in retains much of its original charm, complete with carhops in poodle skirts and music that will take you back decades. On weekends, you’ll often find classic cars parked at the drive-in. 

  Location

  572 Bench Street, Taylors Falls, MN 55084

• Juneberry Cafe

  Featuring local, sustainable, organic ingredients, you're guaranteed a high-quality meal made with care at Juneberry Cafe. This venue offers to-go meals just right for those out hiking and enjoying nature. The menu includes morning bagel sandwiches and breakfast burritos and hot-pressed sandwiches for lunch.

  Location

  360 Bench Street, Taylors Falls, MN 55084

How To Get To Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

There are several points of access to explore the riverway. Minnesota Highway 95 and Wisconsin Highway 35 run parallel to the lower stretch of the St. Croix River. Highway 63 in Wisconsin runs parallel to the upper Namekagon River. 

Address

401 North Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway encompasses 252 miles of the scenic river stretching through 11 counties and two states. Offering year-round activities, there is always something to do along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. With so much to explore, an RV trip is an excellent way to experience everything the riverway has to offer.