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National Scenic Riverway · Wisconsin and Minnesota

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin and Minnesota. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Scenic Riverway
StateWisconsin, Minnesota
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
Campgrounds3
Nearest national parkVoyageurs (195 mi)
Closest airportMSP (70 mi)
A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.
One of many beautiful views of the St. Croix River Photo: NPS / Pete Wintersteen

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a national scenic riverway run by the National Park Service in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. 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.

Camping

Campground Sites Booking From RVs Amenities
Namekagon District 67 First come n/a No water, cell signal
Middle St. Croix 57 First come n/a No water, cell signal
Lower St. Croix District 19 First come n/a No cell signal

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Minneapolis, Saint Paul International Airport / Wold, Chamberlain Field (MSP) Minneapolis, MN No road route 70 Large hub
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) Eau Claire, WI No road route 72 Regional
Duluth International Airport (DLH) Duluth, MN No road route 79 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • St. Croix River Visitor Center: Daily, 10:00AM - 5:00PM. This facility is open to the public everyday 10 am - 5 pm from mid-April through October.
  • Namekagon River Visitor Center: Mon 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Hours of operation are Thursdays through Mondays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Voyageurs, about 195 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?

No entrance fee.

Where is Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?

In Wisconsin, Minnesota. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Minneapolis, Saint Paul International Airport / Wold, Chamberlain Field, about 70 miles away.

Can you camp at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?

Yes, at 3 campgrounds the park service lists.

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