St. Croix State Park, State park in Pine County, United States
St. Croix State Park is a large protected forest area along a river in Minnesota spanning over 30,000 acres. The park extends for many miles along the St. Croix River and also includes sections of the nearby Kettle River.
The park was established in 1934 as a recreational area during the New Deal, created to provide jobs and give the public access to nature. This initiative helped many people during difficult economic times while protecting the land.
The park holds more than 160 buildings from the 1930s, constructed by workers during the New Deal era. These structures shape the park's character today and tell the story of a time when employment and land conservation worked together.
The park offers over 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking through different types of landscape. Visitors should plan for the park as a large area and bring appropriate footwear and gear depending on their chosen activity.
A 134-step observation tower gives visitors a view of different forest layers, while informational signs explain the tree species and habitats below. This vantage point reveals how the forest appears and functions from different heights.
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