St. Croix County
Accommodation in St. Croix County
St. Croix County combines distinctive river landscapes with extensive parks, seasonal trails and a diverse range of cultural offerings. The St. Croix River shapes several special places, while forests, lakes, gorges and open grasslands provide a variety of experiences. The question for you is therefore less about finding a single highlight than about choosing the right rhythm for your stay: active days on trails and by the water can be combined with museums, art and local events.
Riverbanks, Forests and Varied Landscapes
Eckert Blufflands County Park contains nearly 170 acres of wooded uplands, deep gorges, former agricultural land, river bluffs more than 100 feet high and over half a mile of riverfront along the St. Croix River. The Rush River Wildlife Area protects 1.2 miles of Rush River shoreline and covers 121 acres in the southern part of the county. In northern St. Croix County, on the border with Polk County, the 129-acre Deer Park Wildlife Area features grassland and oak savanna.
Glen Hills Park offers further landscape views, with 700 wooded acres surrounding 78-acre Glen Lake, as does Homestead Parklands on the northern part of Perch Lake. The St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area encompasses the confluence of the Apple River and St. Croix River; the St. Croix Islands State Natural Area encompasses the Apple River delta. Together with the county park system, which includes more than 1,500 acres of green space for residents and visitors, this creates a broad range of nature experiences.
Those who enjoy switching between different activities while traveling will find several specific options. The Wildwood Trail can be used for snowmobiling in winter and for jogging, cycling and hiking in spring, summer and fall. Cross-country skiing is possible in the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area without a designated trail. The associated project area extends across 15 townships in St. Croix and Polk Counties. Orf Family Overlook includes a 15-acre park with hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching. Bass Lake is home to sunfish, walleye, crappie, northern pike and largemouth bass.
Trails, Water and Special Excursion Destinations
The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail crosses both the St. Croix Crossing Bridge and the historic Lift Bridge. This makes it a distinctive choice for anyone who wants to combine landscapes and structures along one trail section. At the St. Croix Islands Wildlife Area, there is a carry-in boat access point on Rice Lake Road. Troy Beach is a five-acre day-use park on the St. Croix River, which is designated as a National Scenic Riverway.
Homestead Parklands can also be included in planning a water-focused day: Watercraft rentals are available there on weekends and holidays. The forest areas of St. Croix County also include a parking area and hiking trails. Depending on your preferred focus, you can choose between a hike, landscape observation, an excursion to a body of water or a seasonal activity without limiting your stay to a single travel idea.
Culture and Shared Discoveries
The Octagon House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Octagon House Museum offers private and group tours. The Phipps Center for the Arts focuses on theater, music, dance and visual arts. The St. Croix County Fair is another highlight: a five-day celebration maintained across generations, featuring agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, entertainment, more than 12 rides and food stands.
The New Richmond Heritage Center grounds include the 11-acre Paperjack Greenway trail system. It is open at all times for self-guided exploration and recreation. For further orientation in the area, you can also explore Hudson and New Richmond.
The Right Vacation Rental for Your Travel Plan
When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home in St. Croix County, it is worthwhile to determine your preferred daily itinerary in advance. If trails, birdwatching and varied landscapes are the main focus, the natural areas, parks and seasonal trails are a good fit for an active travel plan. Those who also want to include culture can consider museum tours, the Phipps Center for the Arts, the Heritage Center or the County Fair.
This keeps St. Croix County interesting even with a changeable itinerary: A hike or excursion to the river can be followed by a day devoted to art or museums. On weekends and holidays, watercraft rentals at Homestead Parklands provide an additional concrete option. Choose your vacation apartment or vacation home based on the experience profile you expect to make the most use of during your stay.
For the overarching travel overview: Wisconsin.
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