Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
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| Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway | |
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| IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape) | |
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| Location: | Wisconsin and Minnesota, USA |
| Nearest city: | St. Croix Falls, WI |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 92,738 acres (375.3 km²) |
| Established: | October 2, 1968 |
| Total Visitation: | 521,695 (in 2005) |
| Governing body: | National Park Service |
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is located in eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It protects 252 miles (405 kilometers) of river, including the St. Croix River (on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border), and the Namekagon River (in Wisconsin). The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the eight original rivers designated as a wild or scenic river largely as a result of legislation by Senator Walter Mondale(MN) and more so by Senator Gaylord Nelson (WI) . It is the largest scenic riverway east of the MIssissippi River.
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[edit] Activities
The riverway is a popular destination for canoeing, boating, fishing, camping and hunting.
Camping is provided at both National Park Service-designated sites, at state parks along the river, and in certain sections, anywhere users wish to camp.
The upper St. Croix is a nationally-renowned smallmouth bass fishery. Other fish species present in the riverway include walleye, northern pike, sturgeon, muskellunge and catfish. The Namekagon River upstream of Hayward, Wisconsin is well-known for its brown and Brook trout fishing.
[edit] Management
The riverway is managed overall by the National Park Service. Large areas along both sides of the river are also managed by state agencies, including as state parks and state forests.
[edit] Parks and Public Lands
- Saint Croix State Forest, MN
- Governor Knowles State Forest, WI
- Saint Croix State Park, MN
- Chengwatana State Forest, MN
- Wild River State Park, MN
- Interstate Park (including the Dalles of the St. Croix River), MN & WI
- William O'Brien State Park, MN
- St. Croix Boom Site, MN
- Afton State Park, MN
- Kinnickinnic State Park, WI
- St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, MN
