Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

09/11/2026

The northernmost parking lot and co-located boat ramps at Osceola Landing will close next week as part of the upcoming Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge replacement project.

The parking lot and boat ramps will be used as a staging area and river access point for construction equipment for the duration of the Hwy 243 bridge replacement project.

During this time, the rest of Osceola Landing will be open for visitor use including alternative parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, trail, and other river access points. The bridge replacement project is being managed through partnership between the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation:

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy243osceola/
Project hotline: 651-333-4161
Project email: [email protected]

09/04/2026

Love the Namekagon? Give back to the river that gives us so much.

Join us on Saturday, September 12th for our annual Namekagon River Cleanup! Help care for this special place by joining friends, family, and fellow Riverway stewards for a fun and meaningful day outdoors. Participants will be working both on and off water, collecting trash from within the river and at river landings. Volunteers will meet in Hayward to sign in before heading out to their assigned river or land cleanup sites.

Advanced registration is required.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://wildriversconservancy.org/event/2026-namekagon-river-cleanup/

We look forward to seeing you there!

NPS Photo / Wintersteen

09/01/2026

Stay alert, stay visible!

September marks the start of some of the early hunting seasons in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. If you're out with your dog or hiking your favorite trail, it's a great time to think about visibility.

During hunting season, wearing blaze orange helps both people and pets stand out. Orange is rare in most natural settings and contrasts strongly with forest greens and browns, making you easier for hunters to see - even at a distance.

Stay safe while you enjoy the outdoors this fall.

For more information about hunting within the Riverway, visit the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/hunting.htm

NPS Photo / Peterson

08/28/2026

Who doesn't love a two-for-one deal?

As part of National Park Week, August 30 is World Junior Ranger Day - but we're getting the celebration started a day early.

Join us this Saturday, August 29 from 6:30-8:00 pm at William O'Brien State Park for a joint Junior Ranger Night. Curious minds can pull off the ultimate two-for-one mission: becoming both a Minnesota State Parks & Trails Junior Ranger AND a St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Junior Ranger in one evening.

Two parks. Two badges. One night of Junior Ranger Fun.

Event Details:
William O'Brien State Park - Walter F. Mondale Day Use Area at Shelter One
Saturday, August 29 | 6:30-8:00 pm
All ages are welcome. Minnesota State Parks vehicle admission is required.
Questions? Call 715-483-2291.

NPS Photo / Nate Toering

08/25/2026

As the National Park Service celebrates 110 years, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway reminds us just how deep a place's story can go.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is defined by many remarkable values. As one of the original eight rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, we’re home to some amazing scenery. Among the most striking and unforgettable sights on the Riverway are its breathtaking geologic features.

The geologic story of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is rich and spans roughly a billion years, dating back to when the North American continent began to split apart. The Midcontinent Rift ultimately failed, but not before lava flowed from within and cooled, forming basalt.

These ancient basalt formations are contrasted by more recent formations. About 500 million years ago, this area was covered by a vast inland sea. During this time period, sediments were gradually deposited on the sea floor, eventually forming sedimentary rock.

About 10,000 years ago, as the last ice age was coming to an end, large glacial lakes formed as ice retreated. A torrential outflow from Glacial Lake Duluth exposed these basalt and sedimentary formations and helped shape this dramatic landscape.

Today, well after the fire and ice that shaped this landscape have faded into the past, park visitors enjoy the peaceful scenery left behind. In this image, a park ranger paddles past a cliff face during an outreach event focused on connecting veterans to the healing power of the Riverway.

NPS Photo / Pete Wintersteen

08/10/2026

Parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota are in moderate to severe drought conditions, leading to low water levels throughout much of the Riverway. Depending on the type of river activity you have in mind, some sections of the Namekagon or St. Croix Rivers may offer more optimal conditions than others. To help plan your trip, you can find links to river level gauges on our website, linked below. You’re also welcome to contact our team by phone or visit one of our visitor centers for help planning your trip.

St. Croix River Visitor Center:

Address: 401 N. Hamiliton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI
Phone: 715-483-2274
Hours: Open daily, 10:00am-5:00pm, through October.

Namekagon River Visitor Center:

Address: W5483 US-63 Trego, WI
Phone: 715-635-8346
Hours: Open Thursday through Monday, 10:00am-5:00pm, through Labor Day.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/current-conditions.htm

Send a message to learn more

08/03/2026

Mosquito free Monday

While exploring the river, you may have noticed your fair share of dragonflies. Zipping around us, these insects feast on the plethora of mosquitoes and other tiny bugs that also call the riverway home. Large dragonflies, like the twelve-spotted skimmer pictured above, can consume over 100 mosquitoes in a single day. With an appetite like that, it’s no wonder it needs a break! Luckly for us the best time to spot a dragonfly is when it’s resting.

This common dragonfly often rests on a prominent perch within its territory. Its bulging eyes allow it to see in almost 360-degree vision. Even when startled, the twelve-spotted skimmer may dart off only to return within a few minutes. These dragonflies are fiercely territorial and will defend their homes from other males of their species. If you spot one, look for the distinct black and white spots found on the wings, it’s unlikely you will see another male around! Female twelve spotted skimmers lack the distinct white coloration on their wings that males do. If you end up startling one, don’t chase it. Since these dragonflies are territorial, they will often return to the same perch within a few minutes. Be patient and you may find yourself eye to eye with one of nature’s most impressive hunters!

Alt: a twelve spotted dragonfly perches on a twig above some leaves. Photo credit: NPS/Dawson Cabe

07/15/2026

Beginning Monday, July 20, Hwy 243 will be closed at Hwy 95. The nearest place to cross the river will be at Hwy 8 in Taylors Falls, MN/St. Croix Falls, WI. Osceola Landing will be accessible only from the WI side of the river. This closure is expected to extend until mid-August. To follow this temporary closure visit MN DOT:

Hwy 95 in Franconia Township project resources

07/13/2026

Extreme Heat Warning - The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that includes every county in the Riverway. This warning extends through Thursday evening. Daytime temperatures are expected to range in the low- to mid-90s with heat indices around 100. Additional information, including the most recent forecasts, are available via the National Weather Service.

For more information follow: https://www.weather.gov/mpx/

07/03/2026

With the recent hot weather and lack of rainfall, the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are running at low to extremely low water levels in many stretches.

Because of these conditions, boat ramps may be difficult to use for launching and retrieving boats. In some stretches, paddling a canoe or kayak may be challenging, and you may need to drag canoes or kayaks through shallow sections.

River users are encouraged to exercise caution when visiting the rivers this holiday weekend. Carry plenty of drinking water and leave a float plan with friends or relatives before heading out. If you observe any unsafe conditions or illegal activities, including the use of fireworks within the Riverway, please call 1-800-PARKTIP (1-800-727-5847).

Image: A lone boater on the St. Croix floats on calm blue water, surrounded by green shoreline vegetation under a blue sky with puffy white clouds.