{"id":"nps-sacn","slug":"saint-croix-national-scenic-riverway","name":"Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway","designation":"National Scenic Riverway","category":"river","categoryLabel":"Wild, Scenic and National River","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"SACN","designation":"National Scenic Riverway","sourceId":"nps-sacn"}],"states":["WI","MN"],"stateNames":["Wisconsin","Minnesota"],"location":{"lat":45.70019235,"lon":-92.36126685},"bbox":[-92.8942,45.4084,-91.1398,46.2624],"acres":{"value":70679,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=46.2624&b_tl_lng=-92.8942&b_br_lat=45.4084&b_br_lng=-91.1398","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Saint%20Croix%20National%20Scenic%20Riverway","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/FDF3ACBD-9525-5BD1-4CEC071C9F2BD6DE.png","title":"The St Croix River from Osceola Bluff Autumn","alt":"A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.","caption":"One of many beautiful views of the St. Croix River","credit":"NPS / Pete Wintersteen","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/67DD34AA-0176-149E-8C70F3A8899D6AAD.jpg","title":"Osprey over the Namegakon","alt":"A large bird flying with partly cloudy skies beyond","caption":"Ospreys are a common and welcome sight in the riverway.","credit":"NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/2E4BD3B0-0FAD-884B-A4AD6008D16E5594.jpg","title":"Painted Turtle Reflection","alt":"A turtle on a log protruding from calm, reflective water.","caption":"The riverway is home to abundant wildlife","credit":"NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/2E6C3E7F-04F7-827F-7BBC3A193868ECD5.jpg","title":"River Mirror","alt":"A scene of trees, clouds, and blue sky is reflected over calm water","caption":"Two hundred and forty miles of pristine river await the intrepid explorer","credit":"NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/2ED0C67A-F909-836D-063BC8A02EC00151.jpg","title":"Minnows in River Grass","alt":"A school of minnows swimming in river grass","caption":"A whole other world thrives beneath the surface of the water","credit":"NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen","source":"NPS"}],"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"],"topics":["Animals","Birds","Fish","Natural Sounds","Trails","Water Trails"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"St. Croix National Scenic Riverway","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"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.","weatherInfo":"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.","contacts":{"phone":"7154832274","email":"SACN_Info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Namekagon River Visitor Center","description":"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 counter and offer trip planning assistance for the Namekagon and upper St. Croix rivers. The visitor center is located near the Namekagon River off Highway 63 in Trego, WI.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/visitor-centers.htm","lat":45.90482200049896,"lon":-91.81650500000347},{"name":"St. Croix River Visitor Center","description":"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 through October. When open, visitors can view exhibits, pick up park publications, Junior Ranger booklets, and maps, and view the park film. Park rangers offer trip planning assistance for the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. The park headquarters offices are also located in this building along the St. Croix River.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/visitor-centers.htm","lat":45.41615500012723,"lon":-92.64648199944116}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Namekagon District","description":"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 on the St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to Riverside Landing. All sites are free. No permit required. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping sign and metal fire ring. Sites are available first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/namekagon-river.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":67},{"name":"Middle St. Croix","description":"57, primitive, Leave No Trace campsites are located on the St. Croix River from Riverside Landing to Highway 8 at St. Croix Falls - Taylors Falls. All sites are free. No permit required. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping sign and metal fire ring. Sites are available first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/middlestcroix.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":57},{"name":"Lower St. Croix District","description":"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 annual camping permit is required to camp. The District also consists of Minnesota and Wisconsin state park properties with campgrounds.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/lowerstcroix.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":19}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"zz-fws-zz","km":43},{"slug":"mississippi-national-river-and-recreation-area","km":102},{"slug":"mille-lacs-national-wildlife-refuge","km":105},{"slug":"sherburne-national-wildlife-refuge","km":108},{"slug":"rice-lake-national-wildlife-refuge","km":120},{"slug":"chequamegon-national-forest","km":120}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=sacn"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.622Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Increased Bear Activity in the Riverway","text":"Bears have been seen approaching campsites in the Riverway in search of food. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear‑resistant containers, locked vehicles, or properly hung bags. Food should never be stored in tents. Stay alert and report safety concerns to 1‑800‑PARK‑TIP","url":null,"updated":"2026-09-15 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-0C611E84-A8D0-4FBE-8A9B-2BC146B31A8B"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"North Parking Lot at Osceola Landing to Close for Bridge Construction","text":"The northernmost parking lot and co-located boat ramps at Osceola Landing will close week of 9/14 as part of the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge replacement project. The parking lot and boat ramps will be used as a staging area and river access point for construction equipment for the duration of the Hwy 243 bridge replacement project. During this time, the rest of Osceola Landing will be open for visitor use including alternative parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, trail, and other river access points.","url":null,"updated":"2026-09-11 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-C10038C6-1BC2-4D42-A224-D99066419DA8"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/saint-croix-national-scenic-riverway/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/saint-croix-national-scenic-riverway.geojson"}