Overview
Share a fun-filled camping experience with your family along the beautiful and historic St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Paddle 24-foot North canoes down the easy-flowing water, viewing ancient petroglyphs on the cliffs along the way. Close to the Twin Cities, the river is a great location for a weekend family getaway. Relax and enjoy games and activities on the banks of the St. Croix, covered with pine, balsam, and birch that offer respite from the warm sun. This is a great vacation for those who want to enjoy a scenic and easygoing getaway with the family. The St. Croix offers something for everyone.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Depart Interstate State Park and begin your paddle down the St. Croix.
Meet at Minnesota's William O'Brien State Park in the morning and travel together with your group to your St. Croix River entry point at Interstate State Park - Minnesota. After a group orientation, unload gear, repack into Duluth packs, and get to know your surroundings as you embark down river amongst large basalt walls, carved into a canyon by ancient glacial meltwaters. Settle into your first campsite among towering white pines and spruce trees.
Day 2: Search for bald eagles and great blue herons as you paddle to Osceola Landing.
Rise to the aroma of coffee and breakfast before breaking camp and traveling downstream. 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 as we progress down the river. Take a break from paddling to stop for lunch and go for a swim. Arrive at your campsite near Osceola Landing. Set up camp, enjoy dinner and a fire under the stars, right on the banks of the river.
Day 3: Enjoy one last morning paddle and say farewell to your trip mates.
Take a mid-morning paddle to your 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.
Dates & Fees
| 2023 Dates | Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: The river banks are generally low throughout this section of the river. Sand bars are frequent, and some rocks are scattered along the route. There are no portages. Routes will depend on the water levels at the time of the trip.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Boat Launch TBD at 10:00 AM (local time)
End: Boat Launch TBD at 1:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip will begin at 10:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM at the same location. This trip's starting and ending locations will be determined based on group mix and available permits. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport the night before your trip, and flying out no earlier than 5:30 PM on the last day of the trip.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes - we believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips only and typically not available for international trips. Click here to apply for financial aid. This website also shows a list of trips that are currently eligible for financial aid. Check back often, as this list is updated regularly! Call 612-676-9400 for more information.
Will I see any wildlife on this trip?
The river is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. As you paddle you may see turtles, hawks, bald eagles, beavers, otters, and deer. You can print a checklist of common animals on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s website, here: https://www.nps.gov/sacn/learn/nature/upload/common-animal-checklist.pdf.
I’ve never camped or canoed before. Will I be able to do this trip?
Yes! This is the perfect destination for paddlers of all experience levels, abilities, and ages.
Is the St. Croix River a National Park?
The St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway is a unit of the National Park System. It is one of the eight original national Wild and Scenic Rivers, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.