Overview
The St. Croix is a stunning National Scenic Riverway located just outside of the Twin Cities, making it the perfect day trip. As you paddle in our 24-foot North canoes, take in views of the rocky palisades lining the shore. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring eagles, great blue herons, and soft-shelled turtles. This day trip is perfect for first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike!
Sample Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Enjoy a 4 hour paddle along this Wild and Scenic River.
8:00 am - Meet at Osceola Landing on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River, see attached for directions. Leave as many vehicles as possible at Osceola Landing, assign vehicles for car pooling and travel to Interstate State Park to begin the trip. 8:30 - 9:00 am - After an orientation to canoeing on the St. Croix, and an overview of safety procedures, load up the canoes and begin the trip down the St. Croix. Paddle past ancient petroglyphs on sheer rock walls. As you pass Eagle's nest campsite, you should keep a close eye out for eagles in the trees and herons wading by the river banks. 10:30 am - Stop for a quick snack break and games along the river banks. 12:30 -1:00 pm - Arrive at Osceola Landing for lunch. While lunch is prepared and served, Wilderness Inquiry staff will conduct a shuttle back to Interstate State Park to pick up any vehicles parked there. 2:30 - 3:00 pm - Say good-byes, load up the equipment and head back to the Twin Cities. The entire trip will be 6-8 miles and easily traversed in 4 hours.
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: Osceola Landing at 9:00 AM (local time)
End: Osceola Landing at 3:30 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip officially begins at Osceola Landing, on the morning of the trip. By car, it is 1 hour northeast of Minneapolis. We recommend that you meet at William O'Brien State Park at 8:00 am to leave vehicles at the take out point. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
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.