Lined with old-growth white pine, great sandstone bluffs and sandy beaches, the St. Croix is a beautiful paddle relatively close to the Twin Cities metro area. Discover the delights of this pristine gem on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. Learn which species carry the names 'Elephant Ear,' 'Pistol Grip,' and 'Higgins Eye' in this wild and beautiful landscape that never fails to enchant. Keep an eye out for soaring eagles, great blue herons, white-tailed deer and soft shell turtles. This is an unforgettable adventure for everyone from first-timers to seasoned paddlers!
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1: Meet at William O'Brien State Park in the morning and travel together with your to the put-in at Interstate State Park. Unload gear, repack into Duluth packs, participate in a canoe orientation, have lunch, then get out on the water. Explore the pristine backwater areas that comprise the floodplain of the St. Croix. On the way to your first night's camp near Eagle's Nest see ancient petroglyphs on the sheer rock wall.
DAY 2: Travel downstream past sandstone cliffs. Be on the lookout for bald eagles that grace the trees and sky. Great Blue Herons wade silently near the shoreline and peregrine falcons watch your progress down the river. Take a break from paddling to stop for lunch and go for a swim. You may also choose to take a hike up to an old settlers cave. Spend the night on Big Island just past the historic Turntable railroad bridge.
DAY 3: Enjoy a relaxing morning then paddle a short distance to the take-out point at William O'Brien State park. Look for wintergreen and wildflowers. Eat one last lunch together before packing for the trip home. The trip officially ends in the early afternoon. Those who use WI's van transportation will return to Minneapolis in the late afternoon.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The rivers banks are generally low, sand bars are frequent, and some rocks are scattered along our route. There are no portages. There are several route choices on the St. Croix; we will pick the best one based on the water levels at the time of the trip.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 17-foot Old Town Tripper canoes, which hold two to three paddlers, plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 3-6 hours of paddling depending on the weather. The total distance traveled varies, but will be approximately 17 miles. To protect the environment, WI uses "Leave No Trace" camping techniques.
WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 40 F in the evening to 100 F during the day. Rainfall can vary and you should expect the possibility of rain.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 10 to 12 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary canoeing and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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The St. Croix and Namekagon River system was one of the first rivers to be preserved as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation protects 250 miles of river corridor for its scenic and recreational values. While paddling this river system we'll experience several ecosystems and abundant plant and animal life.
Aquatic mammals such as otters, mink, beavers and muskrats make their homes in the riparian zone and feed on the rivers fish and vegetation. During the mornings and in the evenings we may glimpse white-tail deer, or the shy black bear, as they forage along the river banks. Overhead we'll spot eagles, osprey, hawks and vultures. A mixed forest of maples, cottonwoods, willows and pines attracted 19th century loggers to the region. They cleared the timber and used the river to transport the logs.
In the early 20th century farming was the livelihood for most settlers as the forests were all but cleared. The farming industry was short lived due to poor soil conditions and the ensuing depression. In the mid 1930's government relief programs assisted the farmers and the failing local economy by purchasing their lands and creating recreation areas. Acquired farmland became known as the St. Croix Recreational Demonstration Area and an era of preservation and conservation followed.
If you are interested in a family vacation that provides kid-friendly camping this is one of the best vacations with teens that you could do. This kid-friendly vacation is one of the active family vacations that will give you a lifetime of memories.
With the 1968 National Wild and Scenic designation, the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers will always be preserved as a wilderness for all to enjoy.
For more information, visit these links:
National Park Service - St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Birds of the St. Croix Valley: Minnesota and Wisconsin
Minnesota DNR - Upper St. Croix River
AllMinnesota.com
Learn about the benefits of taking your kids camping
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