Is Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway worth it?
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway delivers over 200 miles of clean, navigable river corridor straddling Wisconsin and Minnesota, and it does so for free.
This is genuinely one of the best paddling destinations in the Midwest, full stop. The combination of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers means you can string together multi-day canoe camping trips or simply float a lazy afternoon on a tube. Fishing, birdwatching, and hiking round out the offering. The breadth here is real, not inflated.
Who it is for
Paddlers of all skill levels, canoe campers, fly fishers, and families looking for a low-cost Midwest wilderness experience will find this exceptional. Travelers expecting dramatic landscapes or iconic western scenery should recalibrate expectations toward river forest solitude.
Highlights
- Multi-day canoe or kayak camping along a protected wild river corridor with designated water access points
- Fly fishing and freshwater fishing across two distinct river systems with varied current and habitat
- Tubing and casual paddling options that make the riverway genuinely accessible for kids and beginners
- Birdwatching along forested riverbanks that support diverse wildlife in a largely undeveloped corridor
Editor's tipSpring paddling means high, fast, and cold water from snowmelt, which can be dangerous even for experienced paddlers. Plan your trip for late June through early September if you want calmer conditions and reliable access to landings and trails.
