Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the original eight rivers protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It spans approximately 252 miles across Minnesota and Wisconsin. This riverway protects the St. Croix and its tributary, the Namekagon River, offering visitors a beautiful, unspoiled river environment. The Saint Croix serves as a natural border between the two states, winding through diverse landscapes of forests, wetlands, and sandstone cliffs. The area is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including bald eagles, river otters, and several species of mussels. Recreational activities abound, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing among the sturgeons, bass, and walleye. Aside from water-based activities, the riverway provides miles of trails for hiking and exploring. Visitors can enjoy the Riverside Landing and the beautiful Trade River. The historical significance of the riverway, along with its natural beauty, contributes to its designation as a National Scenic Riverway, attracting over half a million visitors each year.
