Wild, Scenic and National River · NPS · WI, MN
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Photo: NPS / Pete Wintersteen, The St Croix River from Osceola Bluff Autumn
Alerts and conditions
Information Increased Bear Activity in the Riverway
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
Park Closure North Parking Lot at Osceola Landing to Close for Bridge Construction
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.
Overview
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.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
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
Plan your visit
Hours
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway: 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.
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.
Visitor centers
Campgrounds
- Namekagon District (67 sites)
- Middle St. Croix (57 sites)
- Lower St. Croix District (19 sites)
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 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.
Phone: 7154832274
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Zz FWS · 27 miles
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area NPS · 63 miles
- Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 65 miles
- Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 67 miles
- Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 75 miles
- Chequamegon National Forest USFS · 75 miles