Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, National Wild and Scenic River in Wisconsin and Minnesota, United States
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a protected river system that spans two states and connects the Saint Croix and Namekagon rivers in the Upper Midwest. The waterway flows through forested country with varied shorelines offering multiple activities for visitors.
The river gained protection in 1968 when Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, making it one of the first waterways to receive this federal designation. This legislation marked a turning point in how the nation protected natural rivers.
Native American peoples lived here for thousands of years, using the rivers as pathways for trade and establishing places of spiritual importance. Today you can find traces of their presence throughout the region.
You can access camping areas, hiking trails, and fishing spots at multiple locations along the river, with information stations at key points. Check conditions before you go, as water levels and weather can change throughout the year.
The system is home to several fish species that are rarely found in rivers east of the Mississippi, including smallmouth bass and sturgeon. These populations reflect the health of the water and the river's relatively wild state.
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