Attractions and Places To See in St. Croix County - Top 12

St. Croix County offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit Willow Falls within Willow River State Park, known for its scenic trails and impressive gorge. Other natural highlights include Kinnickinnic State Park, Interstate State Park (Wisconsin's oldest state park), and the St. Croix River itself, a National Scenic Riverway. For wildlife and restored prairies, explore Casey Lake Wildlife Area or St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area.

Yes, the county is rich in history. Notable landmarks include the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, a rare vertical-lift bridge connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can also see the impressive St. Croix County Courthouse, built in 1910, and several historic homes like the William H. Phipps House and the John S. Moffat House, which now hosts the St. Croix County Historical Society Museum.

Many attractions are family-friendly. Willow Falls in Willow River State Park is a popular spot for all ages. For more active fun, Wild Mountain Recreation Area and Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation offer alpine slides, go-karts, waterparks, and winter sports. Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park provides opportunities to interact with animals, and Crystal Cave offers guided tours through its passages.

St. Croix County is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous trails for hiking, running, and cycling. For running, explore routes like the St. Croix River loop from Afton State Park or the Stillwater Lift Bridge – St. Croix Crossing Bridge loop from Stillwater. Cycling options include the Gateway State Trail loop or the Oxbow Trails loop from Hudson. Mountain biking trails are available near Kinnickinnic State Park and Willow River State Park. For more details on routes, visit the Running Trails in St. Croix County, Cycling in St. Croix County, and MTB Trails in St. Croix County guides.

Yes, some attractions offer accessibility. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a scenic experience over the St. Croix River. The St. Croix Crossing Bridge also features pedestrian and bicycle paths with scenic overlooks that are generally accessible.

For breathtaking views, visit the St. Croix Crossing Bridge, which offers three scenic overlooks of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Stillwater Lift Bridge also provides great views of the St. Croix River. Additionally, Kinnickinnic State Park offers stunning views of the Kinnickinnic River, and Interstate State Park features ancient cliffs and the Dalles of the St. Croix River.

St. Croix County provides several excellent locations for wildlife viewing. The St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area, located at the confluence of the Apple and St. Croix rivers, is an excellent spot for birding and observing various wetland habitats. Casey Lake Wildlife Area, with its restored prairie and wetlands, also offers opportunities to see local wildlife. Franconia Bluffs Scientific Natural Area is recognized for its high biodiversity and hosts a variety of rare birds.

Yes, the region features several local breweries and wineries. You can visit Dancing Dragonfly Winery, Chateau St. Croix, and Deer Lake Winery for wine tasting. For craft beer, check out Trap Rock Brewing Company or Rush River Brewing. The historic Dalles House Supper Club also offers a unique dining experience.

The St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway, is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with scenic bluffs and paddle-in campsites. Willow River State Park also features a designated swimming area. Kinnickinnic State Park is popular for fishing and canoeing. Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours offer historical paddleboat experiences on the St. Croix River.

When winter arrives, Wild Mountain Recreation Area and Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation become popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding. Many of the state parks, including Willow River State Park, offer beautiful scenery for winter hiking and snowshoeing, with Willow Falls being particularly stunning when frozen or covered in snow.

Absolutely. Willow River State Park is renowned for its well-maintained hiking trails that lead to Willow Falls. Kinnickinnic State Park offers trails suitable for all skill levels with views of the Kinnickinnic River. Interstate State Park, Wisconsin's oldest state park, is the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, featuring trails through ancient cliffs and unique rock formations. Several County Forests also provide hiking and hunting access.

To delve into local history, visit the St. Croix County Historical Society Museum, housed in the historic John S. Moffat House. The New Richmond Heritage Center, situated on the Marcus Sears Bell Farm, also provides insights into the region's past. The Kinnickinnic Church, a Greek Revival-style church built in 1868, now serves as a museum, offering another glimpse into the area's heritage.