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Saint Croix National Scenic RiverwayThe yellows of a setting sun are reflected on the water divided by a a dark shoreline
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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Swimming
The clean waters and sandbars of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers provide enticing opportunities to cool off on a hot day.

The National Park Service maintains no designated swimming beaches. WI Interstate Park and William O'Brien State Park both have beaches on lakes near the river.

All rivers present hazards to swimmers. Currents make swimming more difficult, which may cause swimmers to overestimate their abilities. A river's bed is dynamic; sandbars and drop-offs may not remain in the same place. For this reason jumping from bridges, cliffs or rope swings is not allowed.

Swimming is banned from the Highway 8 bridge at St. Croix Falls downstream to the boat launch at Wisconsin Interstate Park due to dangerous conditions and 30 previous fatalities. Swimming is not recommended near the former site of Nevers Dam as undertows and eddies exist.

Young children can drown in relatively shallow water. Do not leave them unattended and have them wear a lifejacket when in or on the water.
Two mussels or clams on sand. They are yellowish brown with greenish stripes  

Did You Know?
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is home to 40 species of native mussels. Throughout the United States their populations are considered highly threatened. The Higgins Eye Pearly mussel is on the endangered species list.

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Last Updated: November 07, 2006 at 16:39 EST