Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Designation: National Scenic Riverway
Location: Wisconsin, Minnesota
📘 Park Overview
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 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.
Images
One of many beautiful views of the St. Croix River
Credit: NPS / Pete Wintersteen
Paddling is an excellent way to experience the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Credit: NPS Photo / Konopacz
The scenic Dalles of the St. Croix River provide dramatic backdrops for paddlers.
Credit: NPS Photo / VanTatenhove
There are opportunities to paddle stretches of fast and slow water on the Riverway.
Credit: NPS Photo / Schaeppi
The fishing is spectacular on the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
Credit: NPS Photo / Butler
Watch scenic sunsets from shoreline campsites.
Credit: NPS Photo / Schaeppi
One of many beautiful views of the St. Croix River
Credit: NPS / Pete Wintersteen
Paddling is an excellent way to experience the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Credit: NPS Photo / Konopacz
The scenic Dalles of the St. Croix River provide dramatic backdrops for paddlers.
Credit: NPS Photo / VanTatenhove
There are opportunities to paddle stretches of fast and slow water on the Riverway.
Credit: NPS Photo / Schaeppi
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 1
Sunny
High: 52°F | Low: 31.1°F
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 7.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 5.9
Sunrise: 05:57 AM
Sunset: 08:17 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 32°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 2
Sunny
High: 56.5°F | Low: 30.1°F
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 6.1
Sunrise: 05:55 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 35.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 3
Partly Cloudy
High: 61.6°F | Low: 42°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 5.2
Sunrise: 05:54 AM
Sunset: 08:20 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (98%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 44°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (2)
Freeze Warning issued April 30 at 8:54PM CDT until May 1 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Effective: Apr 30, 2026 9:54pm
Expires: May 1, 2026 8:00am
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected.
* WHERE...In Minnesota, Chisago County. In Wisconsin, Barron, Polk,
Rusk, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, and St. Croix Counties.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
Frost Advisory issued April 30 at 8:54PM CDT until May 1 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
Effective: Apr 30, 2026 9:54pm
Expires: May 1, 2026 8:00am
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, southeast, southwest,
and west central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
401 North Hamilton Street
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
🏤 Mailing Address:
401 North Hamilton Street
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
📞 Voice Phone: 7154832274
📞 Fax Phone: 7154833288
✉️ Email: SACN_Info@nps.gov