Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking an
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe St. Croix and Namekagon rivers are open all-day, year-round except for periods of dangerous water conditions. Access to landings and trails is seasonal.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 7154832274 · SACN_Info@nps.gov
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches for over 200 miles in northwest Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota. The Namekagon River flows entirely in Wisconsin while the St. Croix River serves as a border between the two states for much of its length. With many different access points there a
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Bear Creek Trail, Ice Age Trail, Matthew Lourey State Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Nearby sites
St. Croix Wetland Management District
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Aarongunnar / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Eau Galle Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
