• 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.

The Lower St. Croix

A wooded Cliff Rock outcropping on a river bend.

The Dalles are one the St. Croix's most distinctive features

NPS

Below Highway 70, the St. Croix becomes much broader than its upper stretches, making for a much more forgiving paddle for newcomers. Along the way there are many islands, back channels and sloughs to explore when the water is high. With such a large viewshed, the abundant wildlife can be seen on land or in the sky. As the river gets closer to its mouth at the Mississippi, the banks rise into bluffs and there are gradually more signs of development. This lowest section of river is just a quick hour drive from the Twin Cities and can make for a wonderful day trip with relatively little planning.

  • The St. Croix Dalles, just below Highway 8, is one of the Riverway's greatest treasures and not to be missed. The Dalles is a deep gorge of basaltic rock that formed thousands of years ago and features vertical cliffs and spectacular potholes. It can be explored by foot in the Minnesota or Wisconsin Interstate Park or by float.
  • For 10 miles below Highway 70, the sand and gravel river bottom creates excellent small-mouth bass fishing. There are also many landings in this section to gain easy access for an evening of angling.
  • The St. Croix Falls hydroelectric dam creates a ten-mile reservoir beginning at Nevers Dam landing, making the river much slower and broader. This depth of water invites more motorboat traffic in this area. To continue downriver from St. Croix Falls requires a strenuous 1.5 mile portage around the hydroelectric dam.
  • The Stillwater Islands area, between the Soo Line High Bridge and Stillwater, is popular with houseboats, cabin cruisers, pontoons, and fishing boats. The islands are favorite places to spend summer weekends.
  • Paddle boats offer another way to see the St. Croix. Scenic Tours are available through the Dalles and in Stillwater. Check the list of outfitters to find paddle boat tours.

See Pictures of the Lower St. Croix River.

Ranger Recommended Paddles on the Lower St. Croix:

Highway 70 to County O Landing (Near Grantsburg)
Minnesota or Wisconsin Interstate Park to Osceola (Near St. Croix Falls / Taylors Falls)

Interactive Maps of the Lower St. Croix:

Map 7 - Highway 70 to Highway 8 [pdf]
Map 8 - Highway 8 to Osceola [pdf]
Map 9 - Osceola to the Soo Line High Bridge [pdf]
Map 10 -The Soo Line High Bridge to Stillwater [pdf]

Paddling Guides - detailing water features by rivermile:

Lower St. Croix Paddling Guide

Return to Plan your Visit

Did You Know?

Two mussels or clams on sand. They are yellowish brown with greenish stripes

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is home to 40 species of native mussels. Throughout the United States their populations are considered highly threatened. The Higgins Eye Pearly mussel is on the endangered species list.