Sauk River
sauk RIVER Overview
The Sauk River originates in Lake Osakis in western Todd County and flows 122 miles across central Minnesota, providing an enjoyable paddling experience for all skill levels. The river flows through a variety of areas ranging from swamps to rich hardwood forests. There are numerous parks, accesses, and campsites, including many natural features of interest. There are no major rapids.
sauk River Character
The Sauk River enters the Mississippi River on the north end of St. Cloud, just above the Sauk Rapids of the Mississippi. Numerous waterfowl can be seen in state-managed wildlife areas as the river winds along this section. The river then begins to broaden its banks and deepen its valleys as its course continues. Midway along its path, near Richmond, the river forms a "Chain of Lakes" where more than 80 miles of continuous shoreline are encountered over a river length of less than 8 miles. As the river continues, a variety of granite outcrops and small hills provide a scenic landscape along the shores. Near St Cloud, the river gradient increases and a series of rapids occur until the river joins with the Mississippi.
sauk river Landscape
A variety of plant life is found along the course of the Sauk River, ranging from naturally restored prairie grasslands to thick hardwood forests. The river starts in flat swamp vegetation with flora common to many Minnesota wetlands. Prairie-type grasses and flowers are then encountered on the banks and fields above the river. Near the Spring Hill County Park, a naturally restored prairie field is preserved. Oaks, elms, silver maples and willows are the most common trees through most of the valley. One of the most interesting sights along the Sauk River is an elevated tamarack bog on the north bank of the river near Rockville, which provides beautiful golden scenery in the fall.
sauk river Fish and Wildlife
Because of the shallow depth of the river and the somewhat poor water quality, game fish are not very abundant in the Sauk River. Redhorse and sucker are found in most parts of the river. However, in the "Chain of Lakes" area, fishing is very popular with a variety of fish being caught. Panfish, walleye and northern are the most common to anglers in this area. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern can also be found where the river enters the Mississippi.
Abundant waterfowl are found in and around two state managed wildlife areas south of Sauk Centre. The marshy swampland that borders the river is prime habitat for a variety of waterfowl. Early in the morning, it is possible to see deer feeding along the river in some wooded areas. Gray fox, red squirrels, and chipmunks are common in the wooded sections, along with an occasional woodchuck, muskrat, or beaver. There have been sightings of such less common animals as otter and mink.
A variety of birdlife in the Sauk Valley makes for very interesting birdwatching. The forests and grasslands are home to most of the birds native to central Minnesota. Cardinals, woodpeckers and many songbirds are common. Grouse, pheasant and partridge are some of the more popular gamebirds found near the Sauk. Birds of prey such as various hawks, owls and an occasional bald eagle can also be seen when canoeing the river. Along most of the river it is common to see great blue herons.
sauk river History
In 1847, the Mississippi Chippewa ceded their lands about the Sauk River to the United States for the purpose of establishing a homeland for the Winnebagoes, who at the time were being removed out of Wisconsin. However, due to continued skirmishes between the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and the Dakota, the Winnebagoes were placed in constant danger. By their request, the United States relocated the Winnebagoes to south-central Minnesota, then to South Dakota and finally Nebraska. Some of the Winnebagoes, however, returned to Wisconsin despite their removal.
The river is named after the Sauk tribe, also called the Sac or Meskwaki, some of whom had come to the area (mostly settled by Sioux or Chippewa) after the Black Hawk War. The wars between the Sioux and the Chippewa, spurred on by the French fur traders who often sided with the Chippewa, resulted in the establishment of a common hunting grounds to divert conflict between the tribes. This somewhat unsuccessful "neutral" area was bordered by the Crow River on the south and the Sauk on the north. Early interventions by the white man marked the ensuing decline of Indian populations in this area.
The fur traders were the first Europeans into this area, representatives of both the Hudson's Bay Company and French interests, pursuing the fur trade as early as the late 18th century. Abundant beaver and other fur types were paramount to these fur traders. The development of the Red River Valley and points in between Minneapolis – St. Paul and Winnipeg provided the first push for settlement in the area. By the late 1850s numerous settlements started to develop along the Sauk River and adjacent areas. The Red River Trails required various fording points across the river, and some of these sites are still visible today upon close inspection. Waite's Crossing near the Knights of Columbus Park in St. Cloud is marked by a commemorative stone explaining the existence of an important crossing at this point.
As increased settlement took place, fur trading took a backseat to agriculture and the logging industry that were becoming more important for the region. Logging of the hardwood forests soon became a vital interest, and the Sauk River provided a corridor for the passage of wood from western and central Stearns County to the rapidly developing St Cloud area. The granite industry likewise flourished with this growth, and the numerous granite outcrops along the river as well as many other sites in the county were obvious targets for exploitation of this resource. Prominent evidences of this industry still exist today along the Sauk as well as in the "Granite City" of St. Cloud.
Throughout this time, the development of a substantial agricultural economy provided for the development of mills along the Sauk. The river provided another resource to the area in this manner. With the advancement of railroads to the area, the small mills along the river declined in usefulness; however, evidence of these sites exist today along the river, with a large mill still operating where the Sauk enters the Mississippi.
sauk river Map
geoPDF map of the Sauk River
sauk River Gauges
Sauk River near St. Martin, CR12
(RM 47.2)
(RM 5.4)
sauk river Shuttle and Rental Services
Saint Cloud State University Outdoor Endeavors
102 Halenbeck Hall, 720 4th Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301; 320-308-3772. Canoe and kayak rental. Shuttle service available on the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers by appointment.
sauk River trips
The first suggested trip is a 4.5 mile long trip putting in at the Knights of Columbus Park (RM 4.5) (R) and floating down to the Heim’s Mill carry-in access (RM 0.0) (L), where the Sauk River has its confluence with the Mississippi River. This is a 3.7 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 21 minutes. The river gradient is a very steep 8.9 feet per mile drop along this stretch which can make fishing difficult.
The above trip could also be extended to 7.6 miles by is putting in at MIllers Landing (RM 7.6) (R) and floating down to the Heim’s Mill carry-in access (RM 0.0) (L). The gradient between Millers Landing (RM 7.6) and the Knights of Columbus Park (RM 4.5) (R) slows to a more manageable 3.2 feet mile drop, but then speeds up again for the last stretch (see above). The bicycle shuttle is 6.4 miles long taking 35 minutes.
Another trip to consider is putting in at the County Hwy 121 bridge (RM 10.1) and floating 5.6 miles down to the Knights of Columbus Park (RM 4.5) (R). This trip has a 3.2 foot per mile river gradient. The bicycle shuttle is 4.8 miles long and takes about 25 minutes.
A slow 6.1 mile long float can be done by putting in at the City of Rockville's Eagle Park (RM 16.2) (L) and taking out at the County Hwy 121 bridge (RM 10.1). This is a 5.5 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 27 minutes. The river gradient is a nice 2 feet per mile.
Putting in at the Frogtown Park in Cold Spring (RM 21.8) (L) and taking out at Eagle Park (RM 16.2) (L) gives you a 5.6 mile long trip. The bicycle shuttle is 5.2 miles long taking 29 minutes. The river gradient for this stretch is 2.5 feet per mile.
The last suggested trip is actually through the chain of lakes in the City of Richmond area. You put in at the trailer access off of County Road 22 (RM 30.2) and paddle your way through the lakes taking out at the Frogtown Park in Cold Spring (RM 21.8) (L). This is a 8.4+ mile long trip (depending upon how much of the shoreline you fish). The "river" only drops about 1 foot along this stretch. The bicycle shuttle is 5.7 miles long and takes about a half hour.
I have not included any more floats upstream of this area at this time as the prime smallmouth fishing appears to be in the lower section.