Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway - Things To Do (U.S. National Park Service)

A turquoise kayak, orange jacket and yellow lifevest makes for a colorful picture of a woman paddling a kayak.

NPS Photo

A kayaker, with safety gear, enjoying a paddle

A wonderful way to see the Riverway is to get out on the water. Recreational opportunities abound for canoeing, kayaking, motor boating, sailing and fishing. If you want to get even closer to the water, here is information on swimming and tubing. Wildlife viewing excels from either water or land.

Need help getting on the water? We have a number of commercial businesses we work with which provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Riverway. This includes renting a canoe or kayak that is shuttled to and from the river for you; Or having a guide take you fishing. You can even sit back relax and enjoy the scenery on a paddleboat. We refer to these businesses as outfitters.

Man walking down a dirt trail through a spring woods. The new leaves are yellowish-green.

NPS Photo

A spring walk through the woods looking for wildflowers.

If you aren't able to get out on the water, there is still plenty of activities you can enjoy on land, along the river. Throughout the Riverway there are places to camp, hike and picnic. Bicycling and horseback riding are available nearby. Hunting in the Riverway is allowed, while trapping is restricted. The potential to see wildlife is always around the next corner, so however you choose to do it, enjoy some time outdoors.

Remember to be Safe while enjoying these activities, more...

A snowy foreground with ski tracks and a skier in the distance on the ice by a rock cliff.

NPS Photo

Winter solitude on skis

In winter the Riverway is a different place, from the light and the sounds, to the wildlife, to the activities you can enjoy. Snowmobile trails cross the river connecting to both states. For a more leisurely pace, other winter activities can help you enjoy the outdoors.