Class I St. Croix River, MN

St. Croix River - Minnesota

The St. Croix River (French: Holy Cross) is a tributary of the Mississippi River.  It flows for approximately 169 miles in the US states of Wisconsin and Minnesota.  This river detail page focuses on the Minnesota section, however the whole river is a National Scenic Riverway under the protection of the National Park Service.  The St. Croix River was one of the original eight rivers to have significant portions placed under protection by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.  

The St. Croix River is a popular venue for outdoor recreation.  Common uses include: boating, fishing, camping, canoeing and kayaking.  Highways along both sides of the river offer scenic drives punctuated by small towns offering restaurants, shopping, historic tours and other common tourist activities.  

Public lands along the Minnesota St. Croix River include: Saint Croix State Forest, Saint Croix State Park, Chengwatana State Forest, Wild River State Park, Interstate Park, William O'Brien State Park, the St. Croix Boom Site and Afton State Park.  

The St. Croix River offers beautiful Midwestern scenery, culture and recreational opportunities where a user can escape the busy city and suburb lifestyles of nearby St. Paul and Minneapolis.  Fishing, boating, hiking, scenic drives and other activities are abundant along this Wild and Scenic River.