Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
WI,MN

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Hours

Open 24 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway at a glance

Best time
June–September
Trip length
Half day–2 days
Don't miss
Explore the Ridge View Trail, Osceola Loop
Nearby city
St. Croix Falls, WI

Explore this park

About Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

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.

2 current NPS alerts

  • Information: Increased Bear Activity in the Riverway
  • Park Closure: North Parking Lot at Osceola Landing to Close for Bridge Construction

Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway page on nps.gov

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.

  • Summer

    are warm and humid.

  • 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.

Severe weather can be experienced anytime from mid-spring through late summer. The rivers can begin to freeze over by early December.

Operating Hours

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers are open all-day, year-round except for periods of dangerous water conditions. Access to landings and trails is seasonal.

  • MondayAll Day
  • TuesdayAll Day
  • WednesdayAll Day
  • ThursdayAll Day
  • FridayAll Day
  • SaturdayAll Day
  • SundayAll Day

Common questions

Planning Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.

Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.