Which national parks are within a day's drive of Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (1 h 43 min), North Country National Scenic Trail (2 h 29 min), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (3 h 6 min), Ice Age National Scenic Trail (3 h 53 min), Grand Portage National Monument (4 h 26 min), Voyageurs National Park (4 h 28 min).

A blue river winds through a valley lined with trees in autumn color.

NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St.

Photo: NPS / Pete Wintersteen / NPS

MN · WI

states

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Large canoes and crews paddle down the river amidst autumnal color.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National River & Recreation Area · Minnesota

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National Scenic Trail · Michigan

North Country National Scenic Trail

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National Lakeshore · Wisconsin

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National Scenic Trail · Wisconsin

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National Monument · Minnesota

Grand Portage National Monument

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway◆◆this park

National Park · Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park

Driving times from Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

BirdwatchingBoatingCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoeingCitizen ScienceFishingFly FishingFreshwater FishingHands-OnHikingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingMotorized BoatingPaddlingPark FilmTubingWildlife Watching

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?: Popular activities include Birdwatching, Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Canoeing.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (1 h 43 min), North Country National Scenic Trail (2 h 29 min), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (3 h 6 min), Ice Age National Scenic Trail (3 h 53 min), Grand Portage National Monument (4 h 26 min), Voyageurs National Park (4 h 28 min).