Paddling the St. Croix River with Riverwood Canoe & Kayak - Minneapolis

Paddling the St. Croix River with Riverwood Canoe & Kayak

Minneapoliseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for beginners and moderately fit paddlers comfortable sitting and paddling for a few hours.

Overview

Discover the ease and beauty of paddling Wisconsin’s St. Croix River with Riverwood Canoe & Kayak Rental. Their shuttle service gets you on the water quickly so you can focus on the river and the scenery.

Details

The St. Croix River corridor near Osceola, Wisconsin, offers a rare blend of calm waters and rugged natural beauty, making it a prime destination for paddlers of all levels. Riverwood Canoe & Kayak Rental provides a seamless shuttle trip down this iconic river, delivering an accessible, hands-off way to enjoy up to several hours on paddle-friendly currents. Situated just west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, the St. Croix River is part of the National Scenic Riverway, celebrated for its lush mixed hardwood forests, towering bluffs, and clear waters that host a diverse range of wildlife.

The shuttle service from Riverwood is more than a rental—it’s a well-organized adventure that handles all the logistics, from transporting you and your paddlecraft to the river’s upper reaches, to retrieving you at the take-out points. This means you can focus fully on the experience: drifting past limestone cliffs etched with centuries of geological history, spotting white-tailed deer or osprey overhead, and soaking in the peaceful rhythm of the river’s flow. On the water, expect an easy to moderate paddling experience with stretches wide enough for family or group outings.

Riverwood has earned its local reputation through decades of consistent, friendly service tailored to families, groups, and solo adventurers alike. Users highlight how staff provide detailed pointers about key points of interest along the river as well as local dining spots for after your paddle. Drop-off and pick-up run smoothly, critical for group outings—as one reviewer noted, Riverwood can shuttle large fleets with professionalism and ease. With fair pricing and expert local knowledge, Riverwood Canoe & Kayak Rental offers a rare chance to experience Wisconsin’s St. Croix River with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.

Adventure Tips

Reserve your shuttle in advance

Riverwood’s shuttle service is popular, especially on weekends, so booking ahead ensures your spot and smooth pickup/drop-off.

Bring waterproof bags for gear

Keep your phone, snacks, and extra layers dry with waterproof bags or dry sacks during the trip.

Wear sturdy water shoes

You’ll likely push off and land on rocky shorelines, so closed-toe water shoes provide protection and traction.

Plan for changing weather

Weather can shift quickly along the river corridor; pack a lightweight rain jacket and sun protection.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Ruins of early 20th-century logging camps along the riverbank
  • Secluded sandbars perfect for short rest stops or picnics

Wildlife

  • Osprey hunting overhead
  • White-tailed deer drinking at river edges

History

The St. Croix River served as an important route for loggers during Wisconsin’s timber boom in the late 1800s, shaping communities like Osceola.

Conservation

The river corridor is protected under National Scenic Riverway designation, ensuring water quality and habitats remain intact for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning calm
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Near Osceola riverbanks
  • Bluff overlooks accessed via short hikes along the river
  • Points near historic logging ruins

What to Photograph

Reflections on water
Birds in flight
Colorful autumn leaves

Recommended Gear

Personal flotation device (PFD)

Essential

Required safety gear to wear at all times on the water.

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Protects valuables and electronics from splashes and brief submersion.

Sun hat and sunscreen

Essential

Protects from intense sun exposure on open water stretches.

summer specific

Light rain jacket

Keeps you dry during sudden showers along the river corridor.

spring|fall specific