• Canoeists paddle by tree lined shores

    Saint Croix

    National Scenic Riverway WI,MN

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  • High Water

    Sections of the lower St. Croix River are running higher than normal for this time of year. Be prepared and cautious if venturing out on the river, and watch for debris and other obstacles in the water.

  • Wells Closed

    Beginning in 2013, water will no longer be available at McDowell Bridge Landing, Riverside Landing, and the Marshland District Office on Highway 70. Please plan accordingly and bring an adequate supply of water.

Animals

A badger, white and brown, is covered in reddish sand from digging a hole. Only his left ear is dirt free.

A Badger Pauses from his Work

Henry Katorik

An abundance of wildlife exists within the Riverway. Knowing specifically what species reside or travel through the Riverway can be a challenge. Resource management staff, researchers, and scientists are actively trying to learn what species are found here. At this site you will find the current list of animal species. This site will be updated, as new information becomes available.

Species lists are available for amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, mollusks and reptiles. Also check out some of the videos of the freshwater mussels- one of the park's most unique and endangered residents and an indication of the river's cleanliness. Additional information is also available about bird species of the riverway, their habitats and good locations to find them (or go "birding").

If during your visit you should see wildlife that you thought was unusual or unique tell a ranger or send us an e-mail. Who knows you might add a new species to one of our lists.

You may print a check list of some of the common animals in the park if you wish.

Did You Know?

What looks like a striped fish with several tails is actually the opening of the mussel shell which is hard to see.

Mussels rely on fish to carry their young around until they are old enough to drop to the river bottom. To attract the fish and attach their young, mussels put on displays that make fish think they are fish or other food. The mussel shell, which is all we normally see, is now barely visible.