Nature

Water

The St. Croix Scenic Byway runs along the St. Croix River, an ideal waterway for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and other water sports. Public parks along the byway offer canoe rentals, camping near the river, swimming beaches and fishing locations.

White water rapids along the Kettle River near Sandstone in the Northern section of the Byway are a favorite of kayakers. Marsh areas such as Crex Meadows and the Rush Lake area near Rush City are wonderful locations for quiet bird watching.

Prairie

Prairies dot the byway, offering visitors a contrast to the forests and rock formations along the route. Whether you are interested in quiet hikes, picnicking, or bird and animal watching, the communities and state parks have a prairie experience for everyone.

Forests

The birch, maple, oak, aspen and basswood forests along the St. Croix Scenic Byway are second-growth forests resulting from heavy logging in the area in the 1800s.

Some White Pine stands can still be found in the Northern areas of the byway. Hiking, camping, picnicking and photography are popular ways to enjoy the beauty of the byway forests.

Rock Formations

The Taylor’s Falls area of the St. Croix river runs through a steep walled gorge formed by glacial melt and river erosion. Along this section of the byway, boaters, canoers and kayakers can view unique rock formations and spectacular views.

Hikers at Interstate Park will notice potholes in the bedrock caused by swirling sands and rock when water once covered the area. Rock climbing is popular in the Taylor’s Falls area and in the Robinson Quarry near Sandstone at the northern end of the byway.