Overview
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches roughly 252 miles along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers, forming one of the original eight rivers protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The riverway is jointly administered by the National Park Service and spans the border between northwestern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, from the headwaters of the Namekagon River near Cable, Wisconsin, downstream to Prescott, Wisconsin, where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi.
The landscape is defined by clear, free-flowing water, sandstone bluffs, wooded shorelines, and a surprising quietness given its proximity to the Twin Cities metro area. The lower St. Croix, between Stillwater, Minnesota, and Prescott, is wider and more accessible to motorized boats and day visitors, while the upper reaches and the Namekagon corridor remain genuinely remote.
The riverway is not a single park with a central entrance but a linear protected corridor. Communities including Trego, Grantsburg, Stillwater, and St. Croix Falls serve as practical gateways. The NPS maintains several visitor contact stations; verify current hours on the official NPS site before visiting.
Before You Go
No international visa information applies here — this is a domestic US destination. Travelers from outside the United States should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US immigration authority (USCIS / US Department of State) for entry requirements.
Permits and Regulations
No entrance fee is charged to access most of the riverway corridor itself. Some campsite reservations may require fees; verify current reservation requirements through Recreation.gov or the NPS riverway page before your trip. Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings at many sites, but conditions can change — check for any active fire restrictions.
What to Bring
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required by law for all paddlers; children must wear them at all times on the water.
- Water filtration or sufficient drinking water — river water should be treated before drinking.
- Insect repellent, particularly May through August when mosquitoes and black flies can be intense.
- Weather-appropriate layers; river corridor temperatures can drop sharply at night even in summer.
- Wisconsin and Minnesota fishing licenses are sold separately and required for fishing in their respective waters; verify current regulations with each state's DNR.
Getting There
The riverway has no single gateway airport. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the largest and most practical air hub, located roughly an hour's drive from the lower St. Croix corridor near Stillwater. Eau Claire (EAU) and La Crosse (LSE) airports serve travelers focusing on the upper Wisconsin sections, though flight options are limited compared to MSP.
A personal vehicle is effectively necessary for most visitors. The riverway corridor parallels sections of US-8, Wisconsin Highway 35 (the Great River Road), and Minnesota Highway 95. These state highways pass through or near gateway towns and provide access to boat landings, trailheads, and campgrounds. There is no scheduled public transit serving the riverway's rural sections.
Canoe and kayak outfitters in towns such as Trego, Danbury, and Stillwater can arrange shuttle services between put-in and take-out points, which is essential for multi-day downstream paddling trips. Confirm availability and pricing directly with outfitters before your visit.
Getting Around
Paddling is the defining mode of travel along the upper St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. Both rivers are generally accessible to canoes and kayaks; the Namekagon in particular is a narrower, shallower river suited to paddling rather than motorized craft. The lower St. Croix, below the confluence at Gordon Dam, is wider and accommodates motorized boats as well.
For land-based exploration, a vehicle is essential to move between the dispersed boat landings, hiking access points, and towns. The corridor does not have a continuous riverside road. Some segments have gravel forest roads that may require caution in wet conditions.
Bicycling is possible on roads passing through the corridor, and some local trails exist near gateway towns, but there is no dedicated multi-use trail running the full length of the riverway. Check with local visitor centers for the most current trail information.
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from primitive river campsites to motels and bed-and-breakfasts in gateway towns. NPS-managed campsites along the river are primarily accessible by paddlers; many are first-come, first-served, though some can be reserved through Recreation.gov — verify availability before your trip.
Statepark campgrounds at Interstate State Park (Wisconsin side) and Wild River State Park (Minnesota side) provide developed camping with flush toilets and showers at certain facilities; check the relevant state park agencies for current availability and fees.
For indoor lodging, the towns of Stillwater (MN), St. Croix Falls (WI), and Cable (WI, near Namekagon headwaters) have motels, inns, and short-term rental options. Stillwater has the widest range given its size and tourism infrastructure. Verify specific properties and current rates through general booking platforms, as room availability and pricing change seasonally.
Things to See & Do
Paddling
A multi-day canoe or kayak trip on the Namekagon or upper St. Croix is the signature experience. The rivers move at a gentle pace through largely undeveloped forest, with numerous NPS-managed campsites accessible only by water. Outfitters along the corridor offer canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle logistics.
Fishing
Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, and trout attract anglers to different sections of the riverway. The Namekagon is particularly noted for its trout fishing. A valid Wisconsin or Minnesota fishing license (depending on which water you are fishing) is required; verify current season dates and regulations with the relevant state DNR.
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Several hiking opportunities exist near the river corridor, including trails around Interstate State Park (at St. Croix Falls) and Straight Lake State Park. Bald eagles are commonly seen along the river year-round, and great blue herons, otters, white-tailed deer, and black bear are also present. The potholes at Interstate State Park — carved by glacial meltwater — are a distinctive geological attraction.
Scenic Driving
Wisconsin Highway 35, the Great River Road, parallels the lower St. Croix and offers views of the river and bluffs. The town of Stillwater, Minnesota is known for its Victorian-era downtown, lift bridge, and riverboat history and makes a worthwhile stop on the lower corridor.
Food & Drink
Gateway towns provide most dining options. Stillwater, Minnesota has the greatest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars, reflecting its status as a popular day-trip and weekend destination from the Twin Cities. Expect everything from casual pub food to sit-down dining along its main street.
St. Croix Falls, Trego, and Cable are smaller communities with more limited but practical options — diners, supper clubs, and convenience stores. If you are embarking on a multi-day river trip, plan and pack all food supplies before launching; there are no resupply points along the remote river sections.
Local supper clubs are a Wisconsin tradition worth experiencing in gateway towns — typically serving Friday fish fry, prime rib, and old-fashioned cocktails in a relaxed setting. Hours and days of operation vary; call ahead or check locally.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is unreliable along significant portions of the riverway, particularly the upper St. Croix and Namekagon. Do not rely on a smartphone for navigation or emergency contact while on the river. Download offline maps and carry a paper map.
Emergency Services
Emergency services are provided by county sheriff departments in the surrounding counties of both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Dial 911 for emergencies. Response times to remote river locations can be lengthy. The NPS maintains ranger patrols during the paddling season; contact station locations and hours vary — verify locally.
Weather
Severe summer thunderstorms are common in the region and can develop quickly. Lightning on open water is a serious hazard; paddle to shore and wait out storms. Spring and fall temperatures can be cold, especially at night. Always check the forecast before launching.
Leave No Trace
The riverway depends on voluntary stewardship. Pack out all trash, use established fire rings only, and respect the primitive character of riverside campsites.
Safety
Drowning is the most serious risk on the riverway. Wearing a properly fitted PFD at all times on the water is strongly advised regardless of swimming ability. Some river sections have fast water, rapids, and strainers (submerged logs or debris) that can be hazardous, especially during high water in spring.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are prevalent throughout the region from spring through fall. Wear long pants and sleeves in wooded areas, use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin on clothing, and check yourself thoroughly after any time in vegetation.
Black bears are present in the corridor, particularly in the upper Wisconsin sections. Store food in bear-resistant containers or hang it away from campsites. Do not leave food unattended.
