(Lower) St. Croix River

Minnesota and Wisconsin

Designated Reach: June 17, 1976. The segment from the confluence with the Mississippi River upstream 25 miles.

Classification/Mileage: Recreational — 25.0; Total — 25.0 miles.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which includes its major tributary the Namekagon, was established in 1968 as one of the original eight rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The lower 52 miles were added to the system in 1972. Together they form a riverway that offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a wilderness-like experience and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities within easy reach of a major metropolitan area. On the upper portion of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, rapids challenge the canoeist, although none of the Riverway's waters are classified as whitewater. At the lower end, where the rivers widen out as Lake St. Croix, power and sail boating are popular. Anglers, campers, picnickers, swimmers, and birdwatchers enjoy its variety of scenes throughout.

The Lower St. Croix River was the first riverway segment added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program by Congress in 1972. The designated segment extends 52 miles along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, from Taylor's Falls Dam to its eventual confluence with the Mississippi River. The last 25 miles of the river is a wide, gently flowing river that ends at the Mississippi and is jointly administered by the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Lower St. Croix is a popular riverway for recreational enthusiasts, who enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, rock climbing, and hiking along its scenic shores.