St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park facts for kids
Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park is a big park, covering 579 acres, located in Washington County, Minnesota. It sits right next to the beautiful Saint Croix River, just outside Denmark Township. This makes it the southernmost public park along the amazing Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.
The park first opened its doors in 1996. Before that, in the 1940s, an architect named Thomas Ellerbe bought and developed the land. It later became a park for employees of the Control Data Corporation. Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park is one of seven regional parks in Washington County. It's known for its rolling prairies, wooded areas, and stunning bluffs overlooking the river. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helps manage this special place.
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Park History and Nature
Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park sits on land shaped by ancient glaciers, much like other parts of Washington County. This means the ground has unique features left behind by ice. The park is home to some rare and beautiful habitats, including surviving prairies and oak savannas. Prairies are open grasslands, and oak savannas are grassy areas with scattered oak trees. The park also stretches along the Saint Croix River for almost three-quarters of a mile, offering great views and river access.
Fun Things to Do
Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy.
Camping Adventures
The park has 73 campsites, perfect for spending a night or more under the stars. Some sites are just for tents, while others are set up for RVs. There's even a playground right next to the campsites, so kids can have fun while camping.
River Access and Fishing
A dock and boat landing are available on a small inlet of the Saint Croix River. An inlet is a small arm of the sea, lake, or river that extends inland. This is one of five free public boat landings on the Lower Saint Croix River. The river here is a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can try to catch different types of fish, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, and sturgeon.
Hiking and Biking Trails
If you love to explore, the park has four miles of hiking trails. These trails wind through the open prairies, into the peaceful woods, and along the scenic Lower St Croix River Valley. There's also a one-mile paved biking trail that connects the park office to the campground, perfect for a short bike ride.
