Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
 Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Location in Wisconsin
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Wisconsin and Minnesota, USA |
| Nearest city | St. Croix Falls, WI |
| Area | 92,738 acres (375.3 km2) |
| Established | 2 October 1968 |
| Visitors | 521,695 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway |
| Type: | Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | October 2, 1968 |
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a special protected area in the United States. It includes parts of eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. This riverway protects about 252 miles (406 km) of two important rivers: the St. Croix River and the Namekagon River. It also protects the land right next to these rivers.
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway was one of the first eight rivers chosen for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system helps keep rivers natural and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Two senators, Walter Mondale from Minnesota and Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, worked hard to make this riverway a protected place. It is the largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River. It stretches across many counties in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Contents
Fun Things to Do
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a great place for outdoor adventures. There are many activities you can enjoy here.
Fishing
The upper part of the St. Croix River is famous for its smallmouth bass fishing. You can also find other types of fish like walleye, northern pike, sturgeon, muskellunge, and catfish. The Namekagon River, especially upstream from Hayward, Wisconsin, is known for its brown and brook trout fishing.
Boating and Camping
Besides fishing, many people love to go canoeing, boating, and tubing on the rivers. If you like camping, there are many places to set up a tent. The National Park Service has special camping spots. You can also camp at state parks along the river. In some areas, you can even camp almost anywhere you like!
Hiking and Winter Sports
The riverway has many hiking trails for you to explore. In the winter, some of these trails are perfect for cross-country skiing. It's a great way to see the snowy landscape.
How the Riverway is Managed
The National Park Service takes care of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. They work to protect the rivers and the land around them. The main office and visitor center are in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. There's also another visitor center in Trego, Wisconsin that opens during the summer. State parks and forests along the river also help manage different parts of the riverway.
Nearby Parks and Public Lands
Many other parks and public lands are located near or along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. These places offer even more opportunities to explore nature. Some of them include:
- Saint Croix State Forest, MN
- Governor Knowles State Forest, WI
- Saint Croix State Park, MN
- Chengwatana State Forest, MN
- Wild River State Park, MN
- Interstate Park, MN & WI
- William O'Brien State Park, MN
- St. Croix Boom Site, MN
- Afton State Park, MN
- Kinnickinnic State Park, WI
- St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, MN
