Riverway Junior Ranger

You can earn a junior ranger badge and certificate.

NPS/Jacobowski

Are You the Next Riverway Junior Ranger?

"Explore, Learn, and Protect!" The Junior Ranger motto is declared often at the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway to encourage youth to explore, learn, and protect their national park.

To earn a badge and become a Riverway Junior Ranger, pick up a booklet at any of the Riverway Visitor Centers, or get a jump start now by downloading the booklet. You can also receive one in the mail by calling the park at 715-483-2274 or request them by email [e-mail]. To earn the badge, complete 10 or more activity pages.

Completing the activities will take time and so we encourage you to explore and learn about the Riverway by exploring the Riverway website and visiting park rangers at the Riverway Visitor Centers.

After completing the activities including the Life Jacket Activity (when at a visitor center), return your completed booklet to the ranger at the visitor center desk for them to look over your work and take the pledge to earn your badge.

If you don't have time to finish the booklet during your visit, completed books can be mailed to the park and a ranger will review your work and return it to you with a badge.

 

Not Available to Visit?

Start earning your badge by downloading the booklet or requesting one by calling the park at 715-483-2274 or email us at [e-mail], completing the activities, and take part in two ranger-led video programs.

We have four ranger-led videos available for you to choose from (see below).
Please note: the Riverway Junior Ranger video is required to watch.

• Riverway Junior Ranger
• Making a Dragonfly Puppet
• Leave No Trace
• Let's Go Birding!

 

After completing the activities in the junior ranger booklet and watching two videos, you will have completed the requirements to become a St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Junior Ranger! Please mail your completed booklet to the St. Croix River Visitor Center and we will send you your badge and your completed booklet.

Mail your completed booklet to:

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Attn: Junior Ranger Program
401 North Hamilton Street
St Croix Falls, WI 54024

You can also scan your completed booklet and send it to [e-mail] to receive your badge. Please include your full name and mailing address in your reply.

 

Two young boys using binoculars to look over the St. Croix River.

NPS Photo

Additional Resources

• Check out a Discovery Backpack from one of the visitor centers filled with gear to explore the park. The backpack is available for day-use only and free to use.
• Every Kid Outdoors
• Special Invition for 5th Graders
• Explore Junior Ranger Activity Books
• Junior Ranger Online
• Suggested Reading

 

Jump-start Activities

Participate in a Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Download the Scavenger Hunt pictured below, and draw, photograph and find as many of these nine items as you can. These can be found at the park, in your backyard, in books, on National Park websites (including this one!), or you can use photos you've already taken. Once completed post your images on your Facebook page and tag #ShareMyStCroix or #ShareMyNamekagon to share your results!