The river has three distinct types of scenic landscape, depending on where you are. The water at Afton feels wider, and the trees are greener. Hudson to Stillwater bustles with active water lovers. And then heading north, the area feels calmer. Almost like being in the north woods.
St. Croix River Bridges
The St. Croix is home to three very distinct bridges in a short footprint. The Arcola High Bridge, at the most northern point that you can access. The iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge. And the newest modern St. Croix River Crossing Bridge that connects Minnesota and Wisconsin. Click on the links below to learn more about the history and features of each of these distinct bridges.
St Croix River Crossing Bridge
In addition to checking out the bridges, views of historic downtown Stillwater architecture is a fun highlight. Be sure to count the steeples – St. Michael’s, St. Mary’s and the historic Washington County Court house, all of which can be viewed from the water. The views from the St. Croix river are stunning.
History of the St. Croix
The St. Croix River was originally an important fur trade route from the Mississippi River to Lake Superior. The river valley was also home to both the Dakota and Ojibwe Indians. In 1837 a treaty opened the area to settlement by Euro-Americans. The St. Croix River changed to become a logging hub between the 1850’s until the early 1900’s. Timber was in demand and the river valley was rich in white pine. The logs were driven downriver to sawmills or made into rafts to be floated to the Mississippi River. The logging industry ended in the early 20th century, with the last logs passing through in 1914.
Today this riverway is a popular destination for canoeing, camping, boating, and fishing. It is beautiful playground for outdoor enthusiasts in large part due to the protections of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The Lower St. Croix, the riverway below Stillwater, was added in 1972. The 52-mile stretch of scenic riverway runs from Taylors Falls, Minnesota to where it meets the Mississippi River in Prescott, WI.
To learn more about the history of Stillwater and the beautiful St. Croix River valley visit the following sites:
Washington County Historical Society
Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife
Nestled in the St. Croix River valley, the historic town of Stillwater boasts unsurpassed natural beauty every season of the year. The St. Croix River is home to a tremendous amount of wildlife. Leaping fish, eagles, and dozen of species waterfowl are just some of the beautiful animals that make the St. Croix River their home. There are even rare occasions when a black bear and her cubs were spotted hiking through the bushes just north of the boom site. Keep your eyes wide and pack your binoculars to take it all in.
Common wildlife found in the St. Croix River:
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- Fish: Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass
- Reptiles: Northern Water Snake, Softshell Turtles
- Birds: Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Owls, Osprey
- Mammals: White-tailed Deer, Racoons, Beavers, Muskrats, River Otters
For more information on the wildlife around the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway check out the National Park website – Animals and Wildlife Viewing.