The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway protects over 200 miles of pristine waterways flowing through the glacially carved St. Croix River Valley between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Unlike many national park sites, this scenic riverway is entirely water-focused, with families paddling through ancient forests where the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers have carved their channels through sandstone bluffs for thousands of years. The riverway features some of the cleanest water in the Midwest, supporting over 200 bird species and serving as a critical migratory corridor. Families can explore everything from gentle day paddles to multi-day canoe camping adventures through this wild and scenic landscape.
Junior Ranger Program at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
The Junior Ranger program at Saint Croix focuses on river conservation, aquatic wildlife identification, and water safety education. Kids learn about the riverway's role in protecting clean water while participating in hands-on activities like water quality testing and tracking river animals.
- Canoe or kayak on calm river sections perfect for beginners
- Spot bald eagles, river otters, and painted turtles from the water
- Learn about Native American history and river transportation
Program Details
Best Ages for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Ages 4–8
Younger kids love the hands-on water activities and wildlife spotting that are central to the riverway program. The fishing component through Junior Ranger Angler works well for this age group with adult help. Discovery Backpacks provide excellent tools for exploring shoreline areas safely.
Ages 9–12
This age group truly shines with the water quality testing activities and aquatic wildlife identification components. Kids can handle more independence with the fishing program and understand the conservation messages about protecting clean water. The river ecosystem focus matches perfectly with their growing environmental awareness.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults appreciate the deeper conservation science behind protecting scenic riverways and the connection between land use and water quality. The Junior Ranger Angler program offers more advanced fishing techniques and habitat understanding. Older participants often enjoy planning multi-day paddling adventures after completing the program.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Multiple access points exist along both rivers, with main visitor centers in Trego, Wisconsin and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin providing parking and information. No entrance fees or reservations required for river access, though some boat landings may have seasonal restrictions. Plan to arrive early during peak summer weekends as popular launch sites can fill quickly.
Van & RV Notes
Several riverside campgrounds accommodate larger RVs up to 40 feet, though our Sprinter fits comfortably at most sites along the riverway. Wild River State Park and Interstate State Park offer the most amenities for van families, while primitive camping along the river requires advance planning. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, but water and sewer availability varies by location.
Best Time to Visit
May through September offers the warmest weather and most reliable water conditions for family paddling. Early spring brings high, fast, and cold water from snowmelt that's challenging for families, while late fall and winter see ice formation starting in December. July and August provide the most comfortable water temperatures but also the heaviest crowds on weekends.
How Long to Spend
Plan a full day to combine Junior Ranger activities with actual river time, whether paddling or fishing from shore. The program works beautifully as preparation for longer paddling adventures, and families often return for multi-day camping trips after their first visit.
Don't Miss
The Osceola Loop of the Ridge View Trail provides stunning river valley views and takes only 1-2 hours, making it perfect for families who want to see the riverway from above. Water quality testing activities at the visitor centers truly engage kids in understanding why this waterway stays so clean and clear.
Fun Facts for Kids
The St. Croix River was one of the original eight rivers protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968
These rivers support over 200 bird species, including bald eagles that nest along the bluffs
The water is so clean that families can often see the bottom even in deeper pools
Ice fishing is popular in winter when temperatures can drop below zero and the rivers freeze over
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See all Junior Ranger badges
Track your family's progress across every National Park Service site
View Badge Tracker