Explore This Park

• Plan Your Visit
  • Basic Information

Basic Information

Welcome to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.

 

Good planning makes a great paddling experience for everyone.

NPS/Jacobowski

Planning a trip? This information can help make it safe and fun.

 

Operating Hours & Seasons

• Visitor centers and park facilities.

Goods & Services

• Paddling equipment rentals, fishing guides, paddleboat tours, shuttle services, and more.

Current Conditions

• River levels!

Weather

• Local forecasts.

Permits & Reservations

• Camping on the lower St. Croix River.
• Event, commercial filming, and research permits.
• Reserve the Osceola picnic shelters.

Fees & Passes

• Entrance to the Riverway is free.
• For entrance to other national parks: America the Beautiful passes.
• For fourth graders: Every Kid in a Park passes.

Here are some pulldown menus for quick reference:

 

Physical Address

401 North Hamilton Street
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

Directions

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches for over 200 miles in northwest Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota. The Namekagon River flows entirely in Wisconsin while the St. Croix River serves as a border between the two states for much of its length. With many different access points there are numerous opportunities for day trips as well as multi-day paddling adventures. Visitor centers are located on the Namekagon River in Trego, Wisconsin, and on the St. Croix River in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers are open all-day, year-round except for periods of dangerous water conditions. Access to landings and trails is seasonal.

Standard Hours

• Sunday: Open 24 hours
• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours

Weather

Access to the Riverway is year-round. Early spring temperatures can reach into the 40's resulting in high, fast, and cold water from melting snow and ice. Summers are warm and humid. Severe weather can be experienced anytime from mid-spring through late summer. Fall colors begin in late September with high temperatures averaging in the 60's. Winter can set in early with high temperatures in the teens, lows falling below zero, and occasional heavy snow. The rivers can begin to freeze over by early December.

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway - $0.00

Free entrance to national park visitor centers. Free entrance to national park facilities and lands. There may be charges to enter state, county, and private lands within the boundaries of the Riverway.

Visitor Centers

Namekagon River Visitor Center

The National Park Service operates this seasonal visitor center where people can view exhibits, pick up park publications, Junior Ranger booklets, and maps, and watch the park movie. Park rangers staff an information counter and offer trip planning assistance for the Namekagon and upper St. Croix rivers. The visitor center is located near the Namekagon River with picnic tables and a demonstration garden surrounding the building.

St. Croix River Visitor Center

The National Park Service operates this seasonal visitor center where visitors can view exhibits and aquarium, pick up park publications, Junior Ranger booklets, and maps, and view the park film. Park rangers offer trip planning assistance for the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. The park headquarters offices are also located in this building. It is located next to the St. Croix River where a fishing dock, picnic tables, and demonstration garden complete the grounds.