The lower St. Croix River tends to be a placid river of quiet tree-shaded backwaters. On this stretch of the river you can experience an awesome day or overnight trip from the metro area. The lower St. Croix is designated as a wild and scenic river. There are no major rapids. This page covers the Lower St. Croix River from State Hwy 70 southward to Stillwater, Minnesota. The Upper St. Croix River segment is covered under the Wisconsin section. The St. Croix River along this stretch forms the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin so special fishing regulations are in place. As a Minnesota resident you do not need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish this river, even if you are fishing along the Wisconsin shoreline and visa versa. The Angler's Guide contains detailed information to help you untangle the regulations. Verify specific fishing regulations for Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The upper and lower stretches of the St. Croix river were formed at different times, by draining waters from different glacial lakes. Within the stretch from the State Highway 70 bridge to William O'Brien State Park lies the long-ago meeting place of the two rivers, the St. Croix Dalles at Taylors Falls. Here, water draining from glacial Lake Duluth drilled a deep narrow path through hard igneous rock to join the previously formed lower river. Rocks and gravel swirling in river eddies carved out the Dalles' potholes which are stone wells up to 60 feet deep. Pines cling precariously to rock walls that tower as high as 200 feet above the deep river. The St. Croix's depth here averages 70 feet, but holes are as deep as 100 feet. Today the Dalles area is preserved in the Interstate Parks of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Just above the park, and under and just south of the U.S. Highway 8 bridge, is a short, but strong stretch of rapids. Standing waves about 3 feet high at normal water levels and up to 5 feet at high water can swamp an open canoe. However, there are few obstacles such as rocks to make the rapids dangerous. The easiest path for an open canoe is along the right side of the rapids. Just above these rapids is a hydroelectric dam which does require a portage.
The lower St. Croix River flows through a heavily wooded, steep-sided valley with occasional sandstone and limestone bluffs. Winding side channels and shaded backwaters offer opportunities for quiet exploration and channel catfish angling. Springs and small streams entering the river create miniature deltas and valleys.
Below the (Minnesota) William O'Brien State Park the St. Croix River flows through a heavily wooded, steep-sided valley with occasional sandstone and limestone bluffs. Dozens of islands, winding side channels and shaded backwaters offer opportunities for quiet exploration. The Soo Line Railroad bridge (RM 31) is an imposing steel arch bridge more than 150 feet above the river. Towering stone piers a mile downstream are all that remain of another old railroad bridge.
South of the railroad bridge is the St. Croix Boomsite Park, several long narrow islands where millions of logs were sorted and floated downriver to mills during the state's logging heyday in the last half of the 19th century.
On the precipitous sandstone cliffs bordering the west bank of the river three miles north of Stillwater the Dakota Indians carved and painted vermillion figures and images, long since erased by time and man. Indian burial mounds were once numerous in the lower St. Croix valley, but over the years most have been lost to agriculture and construction.
At Stillwater the river widens and deepens into Lake St. Croix, formed by a natural bar at the river's junction with the Mississippi. The lake is bounded by steep wooded slopes, whose bluffs are topped with numerous permanent and seasonal homes. However, south of Bayport to Afton the bluffs recede on the Minnesota side, and large, nearly level terraces take their place.
The Lower St. Croix River has little prime waterfowl habitat and hunting pressure is light. However, waterfowl which may be found in the area are mallard, wood duck, ring-necked duck and blue-winged teal. Upland game birds include ruffed grouse and woodcock.
The most plentiful game animal is the white-tailed deer. Other wildlife along the St. Croix River include beaver, raccoon, otter, mink, muskrat and fox. In addition to catfish, the St. Croix River harbors walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie and sauger.
The beautiful character of the St. Croix River has earned the river its status as Minnesota's first stream in the national wild and scenic rivers system. Administered by the National Park Service, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was designated in 1968 to preserve the scenic qualities of the river and to provide adequate access for recreational users.
Maps for the St. Croix River can be found at the National Park Service website.
St. Croix River at St. Croix Falls, WI
(RM 53.2)
St Croix River at Stillwater, MN36
(RM 23.9)
Andrew's Riverwood Canoe and Kayak
25499 Sawmill Avenue, Shafer, MN 55074; 715-222-2288. Canoe and kayak rental with free shuttle. Park at the Osceola landing, launch from the Wisconsin Interstate Park and canoe or kayak to your vehicle. (Highway 8 to Osceola Landing.)
710 South Highway 35 (Highways 8 & 35), Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024; 651-270-1561. Canoe rental and shuttle service available at this location and also at Wild River State Park. Wildlife and nature tours of St. Croix Valley.
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Interstate State Park or Wildwood RV Park & Campground, Taylors Falls, MN 55084; 800-447-4958 or 651-465-6315. Rental canoes and kayaks available from the state park or campground. Free shuttles back to your car at the end of your trip.
Stillwater, MN 55082. 651-280-7299. Guided history and wildlife kayaking tours that include kayaks, paddles, lifevests, guide, water, and snack.
808 14th Ave Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. Provides guided family, women's, and private 3-day camping and canoeing trips from Interstate State Park to William O'Brien State Park. Also serves the Mississippi River.
N7550 Canfield Dr., Trego, WI, 54888. 715-635-3300 or 715-635-3211
Trip Locations: Gordon Dam Landing to Boom Site Landing, Namekagon River.
Services: Canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and tube rentals. Shuttles for non-renters. Groceries and food service. Campsites.
305 River St., Osceola, WI, 54020. 715-222-2288
Trip Locations: Gordon Dam Landing to Boom Site Landing, Namekagon River.
Services: Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.
Wildwood Campground, 20078 Lake Blvd., Shafer, MN, 55074. 651-465-6315
Trip Locations: Highway 70 Landing to Boom Site Landing.
Services: Canoe and kayak rentals. Large group services.
Trips for the Lower St. Croix River segment will only be shown above Stillwater at this time. This area is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Certain boating guidelines must be followed when using the river within the confines of this protected area. For canoe and kayak anglers these guidelines can be an added bonus to enjoying this area as they may limit the exposure you may experience with boaters found on other rivers this size. Namely, personal watercraft, such as jet skis are not allowed upstream of the Boom Site landing (RM 25). In addition, slow-no wake zones are enforced within 100 feet of all shorelines, including islands, and within 100 feet of all swimmers and on all of the river in this area whenever the Stillwater gauge reads 683.0 (Mean Sea Level) (Call 651-290-5861 for automated gauge level readings). The river does not have much of a gradient in this lower area so it is possible to easily paddle upstream and float back downstream from many of the landings if water levels are not too high and fast.
National Park Service Map 10 - High Bridge to Boom Site Landing
National Park Service Map 9 - Osceola to High Bridge
The put in point for this trip is the Boom Island Landing (RM 25) (R) just north of Stillwater and taking out at Lakeside Park (RM 20~) (R) which is just south of the Xcel Engergy Allen King Power Plant south of Stillwater. This is a 5 mile long float through a mostly urban setting. It is suggested that this first trip be done in the early morning on a weekday to avoid the high river traffic that can occur later in the day and on weekends. This is a 5.9 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 34 minutes.
This suggested trip puts in at the Marine Village Landing (RM 35.4) (R) located in the town of Marine on St. Croix and takes out at Boom Island Landing (RM 25) (R) for a 10.4 mile long trip. It is suggest that this trip be completed in the early morning on a weekday as the Boom Island Landing parking lot fills fast on weekends. The High Bridge is encountered at RM 39.5. No upstream boat traffic is allowed beyond this point to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels. This is a bicycle shuttle of 9.9 miles taking about 52 minutes.
A little bit longer trip can be done by putting in at William O'Brien State Park (RM 36.7) (R) (State vehicle permit required) and taking out at Boom Island Landing (RM 25) (R) for a 11.7 mile long trip. This is a long 12.3 bicycle shuttle taking 67 minutes. A vehicle shuttle would take 18 minutes.
If you wish to experience an even longer float you can put in at the Log House Landing (RM 39.0) (R) site and float down to the Boom Island Landing (RM 25) (R) for a 14 mile long trip. This is also a very long 13.1 mile bicycle shuttle taking 69 minutes. A vehicle shuttle is 18 minutes.
A popular put in and take out place is the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R) just off of State Hwy 243. You can start there and have a 6.5 mile long float to the Log House Landing (RM 39.0) (R). The Soo Line Railroad Swing Bridge is encountered at RM 41. This requires a 7.8 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 44 minutes. A vehicle shuttle will take only 10 minutes.
This float can also be 8.8 miles long by starting at the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R) and floating down to the William O'Brien State Park (RM 36.7) (R) (State vehicle permit required). This is a 10.3 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 57 minutes. A vehicle shuttle takes 15 minutes.
Another option is to put in at the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R) and float down river 10.1 miles to Marine at St. Croix taking out at the Marine Village Landing (RM 35.4) (R). This is a 11.3 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 62 minutes. A vehicle shuttle takes 15 minutes.
National Park Service Map 8 - Hwy 8 to Osceola Landing
A very popular float for many canoeists and kayakers is the 6.0 mile long trip from the Minnesota Interstate State Park trailer access (RM 51.5) (R) (State vehicle permit required) down to the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R). The river gradient is very slow along this stretch and the scenery is awesome! The bicycle shuttle is 8.4 miles long taking 48 minutes. A vehicle shuttle takes 12 minutes (one way).
A shorter 3.8 mile long trip can also be done by putting in at the Franconia Landing (RM 49.3) (R) and taking out at the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R). The bicycle shuttle is 6.3 miles long taking about 37 minutes.
During periods of lower water levels and flows you can also put in at the Osceola Landing (RM 45.5) (R) and paddle upstream easily and float back to the landing.
National Park Service Map 7 - Hwy 70 to Hwy 8
This next segment of recommended trips may involve showing river access on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin shorelines to give you the most options to enjoy this segment of the river. Options for both bicycle and vehicle shuttles will be offered as many of the shuttle distances are quite long.
The first suggested trip is along the Minnesota shoreline, putting in at the Wild Rivers State Park landing (RM 62.8) (R). You will need a Minnesota vehicle permit to enter the park and use this landing. You then float 8.3 miles down to the west bank Lion's Park Landing (RM 54.5) (R). The river has a 0.25 foot per mile gradient along this stretch. A bicycle shuttle is 11.3 miles long and takes about 1 hour.
A similar trip can occur on the Wisconsin side of the river by putting in at Nevers Dam Landing (RM 63.8) (L) which is a mile further upstream of the Wild River State Park across the river. You then take out at the east Lion's Park Landing (RM 54.5) which is right across the river from the west Lions Park Landing. This is a 9.3 mile long trip. The 9.2 mile long bicycle shuttle is along river road and takes about 48 minutes. Not only is this float a bit longer, the shuttle time is shorter, the put in point more secluded, and it does not require any park fee.
The next float puts in at the Sunrise River Landing (RM 71.8) (R). (A National Park Feed may be required to use this landing) on the Minnesota side of the river. Taking out at the Wild Rivers State Park landing (RM 62.8) (R). (You will need a Minnesota vehicle permit to enter the park and use this landing.) gives you a 9 mile float through some great smallie country. The bicycle shuttle is 9.9 miles long and takes 46 minutes. A vehicle shuttle takes 19 minutes.
Again, a similar trip can be accomplished on the Wisconsin side of the river by putting in at Sunrise Ferry Landing (RM 71.8) (L) and taking out at Nevers Dam Landing (RM 63.8) (L) for a 8 mile long float. These two landings are both secluded and free, however the bicycle shuttle is 13.4 miles long and takes 67 minutes. A vehicle shuttle would be 26 minutes.
There are three options for this next trip, all of which take out at the Sunrise River Landing (RM 71.8) (R). (A National Park Feed may be required to use this landing) on the Minnesota side of the river. The first option puts in at the Rush City Ferry Landing (RM 80.4) (R) and is a 8.6 mile long float down to Sunrise Landing. The second option puts in at the Old Railroad Bridge Landing (RM 82.0) (R) and is a 10.2 mile long trip. The third option puts in at Stevens Creek Landing (RM 84.8) (R) and is a 13 mile long trip down to Sunrise Landing. The first option bicycle shuttle is 14.5 miles long taking 70 minutes, the second option bicycle shuttle is 16.5 miles long taking 80 minutes, and the third bicycle shuttle is 19.5 miles long taking 93 minutes. Realizing that these are very long bicycle shuttle you may want to consider having a friend join you and team up to perform a vehicle shuttle. A vehicle shuttle would take 24 minutes, 29 minutes, and 34 minutes respectively for these three options.
The last suggest trip on the Minnesota side of the river is putting in at the Hwy 70 Landing (RM 89.7) (L) and taking out at the Rush City Ferry Landing (RM 80.4) (R). This is a nice 9.3 mile long float. This is a 13.6 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 67 minutes. A vehicle shuttle takes 27 minutes.
Moving back to the Wisconsin side of the river, you can put in at County Road D Landing (RM 80.4) (L) (right across from the Rush City Ferry Landing) and take out 8.6 miles downstream at the Sunrise Ferry Landing (RM 71.8) (L) (right across the river from the Sunrise Landing). These landing do not require any fees, are probably a bit more secluded, and offer a shorter bicycle shuttle of 9.8 miles long between them taking 48 minutes. A vehicle shuttle would be 24 minutes long.
The last suggested float for this part of the river on the Wisconsin side is putting in at the Hwy 70 Landing (RM 89.7) (L) and taking out at the County Road D Landing (RM 80.4) (L). This is a 9.3 mile long float. The bicycle shuttle is 11.8 miles long taking 60 minutes. A vehicle shuttle is 20 minutes long.