• Canoeists paddle by tree lined shores

    Saint Croix

    National Scenic Riverway WI,MN

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  • High Water

    The rivers are running high and fast and the water is cold. Be prepared and cautious if venturing out on the rivers! Watch for debris and low clearance under bridges.

  • 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.

Things To Know Before You Come

Before you come to the Riverway, You should be aware of seasonal road construction, accessibility considerations and safety concerns. You should also be aware of the following regulations that are in place to ensure the preservation of the Riverway for future generation and an enjoyable experience for all of the park's visitors. Weather can not only affect your comfort, it can affect river levels, pay attention to it. If you will need resources outside of the park during your visit check the list of tourism offices and area attractions for suggestions.

 
  • The Park is "Pack-in, Pack-out." This means that there are no garbage cans or trash receptacles anywhere in the park, including the landings. Please be prepared by bringing containers to pack in and out your trash, do not litter or throw it into toilets.
  • Each person in a water vessel needs an approved life jacket. Children under 13 are required to wear a life jacket.
  • Campfires are allowed only in metal fire rings. Campfires must be out and cold before you leave the area. Be prepared to douse your fire before you leave the campsite.
  • Individual Campsites accommodate a maximum of 8 people and 3 tents. Group sites accommodate a maximum of 16 people and 6 tents. Please be courteous when selecting a campsite, if you are a small group, do not occupy a group site that may be needed by a larger group of campers.
  • Do not bring firewood to the Riverway that originates from more than 25 miles away. Firewood can spread invasive non-native pests such as emerald ash borer and gypsy moths that can have negative impacts on the local ecology.
  • The cutting of live vegetation is strictly prohibited. Dead and down wood may be collected for campfires from shoreline areas, however, it cannot be collected from islands.
  • Visitors are allowed to harvest and eat berries and mushrooms in the Park, but collecting freshwater mussels, mussel shells or wildflowers is prohibited.
  • Please do not bring glass containers to the Riverway. Broken glass cuts feet.
  • Disposing of human waste in the River is prohibited. Between Hwy 8 and Soo High Bridge portable toilets must be packed-in and out and used.
  • It is illegal to shoot or possess fireworks on lands and waters within the Riverway.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

A complete list of Park regulations is included in this compendium and more information is available on the Park Laws and Policies Page.

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.