St. Croix County: River Landscapes and Trails
Accommodation in St. Croix County
In St. Croix County, river bluffs and wooded uplands meet trails with a variety of uses. Activities on the Wildwood Trail change with the seasons: In winter, the trail can be used for snowmobiling; in spring, summer, and fall, for jogging, cycling, and hiking. Protected areas, parks, and cultural offerings also shape the possible focus of a trip.
River Landscapes and Protected Areas
Eckert Blufflands County Park covers nearly 170 acres. Its landscape includes wooded uplands, deep ravines, and former farmland. It also features river bluffs more than 100 feet high and over half a mile of shoreline along the St. Croix River.
Other protected areas offer different attractions. Rush River Wildlife Area lies in the southern part of the county and covers 121 acres; 1.2 miles of shoreline along the Rush River are protected there. In the north, on the border with Polk County, lies the 129-acre Deer Park Wildlife Area, with grassland and oak savanna. The Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area project spans 15 townships in St. Croix and Polk counties.
St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area encompasses the confluence of the Apple River and St. Croix River. There is a carry-in boat access to the St. Croix River on Rice Lake Road. Distinct from this area is St. Croix Islands State Natural Area, which encompasses the Apple River delta. In the northern part of the county, there is also the 77-acre New Richmond State Habitat Area.
Parks and Trails
The county park system includes more than 1,500 acres of green space available to residents and visitors, and offers 92 overnight campsites. Individual parks differ considerably in size and landscape: Glen Hills Park covers 700 wooded acres surrounding 78-acre Glen Lake. Homestead Parklands is located on the northern part of Perch Lake. Watercraft rentals are offered there on weekends and holidays; availability may vary. If you plan to rent, it’s best to check ahead.
Troy Beach is a five-acre day-use park on the St. Croix River, which is designated as a National Scenic Riverway. Orf Family Overlook is a 15-acre park with hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities. The county’s forest areas also offer hiking trails and a parking lot.
The type of trail is also important when choosing an activity. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail crosses both the St. Croix Crossing Bridge and the historic Lift Bridge. Cross-country skiing is possible in the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area, but there is no designated ski trail. The Paperjack Greenway trail system on the grounds of the New Richmond Heritage Center covers 11 acres and is open at all times for self-guided exploration and recreation.
Another development concerns the Highway 35 Off-Road Trail: The first section, completed in fall 2024, is 0.98 miles long and runs between North End Road and Old Highway 35, near the future entrance to Eckert Blufflands Park. Further construction phases are planned. The completed section and planned extensions are therefore at different stages.
Culture and Events
The Octagon House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Octagon House Museum offers private and group tours. Those interested in art as well as the landscape can find theater, music, dance, and visual arts at the Phipps Center for the Arts.
The St. Croix County Fair combines a tradition maintained over generations with a five-day festival. The program includes agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, and entertainment; there are also more than 12 rides and food stands. Since the annual program may change, it is a good idea to check the dates and current offerings before visiting.
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