St. Croix State Park
Minnesota’s Largest State Park: 34,000 Acres of Rivers, Forests, and Wilderness
St. Croix State Park is a colossus of the Minnesota state park system — at 34,037 acres, it’s the largest state park in the state, larger than many national parks. Nestled between the St. Croix National Scenic River and the Wild and Scenic Kettle River, this vast wilderness offers 127 miles of hiking trails, 211 drive-in campsites, housekeeping cabins, and some of the finest river paddling in the Upper Midwest. If you want genuine backcountry solitude without leaving Minnesota, St. Croix is your park.
Paddling: Two Wild and Scenic Rivers
The park is uniquely positioned at the confluence of two protected rivers, offering paddling experiences ranging from calm, scenic flatwater to exciting Class I rapids.
River Comparison
| River | Character | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix River | Calm, scenic, wide | Canoe touring, families, wildlife | 8 canoe landings within the park |
| Kettle River | Easy rapids, narrower | Kayaking, more adventure-oriented | Multiple access points |
Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals are available through Pardun’s Canoe Rental, located inside the park. Day trips and multi-day canoe-camping trips with various route lengths are available. The park’s 10 primitive canoe-in campsites make overnight paddling trips especially rewarding.
Hiking: 127 Miles of Wilderness Trails
With 127 miles of trails, St. Croix has more trail mileage than nearly every other Minnesota state park combined. The trail system traverses river bluffs, deep forests, marshlands, and open meadows.
Trail Highlights
| Trail/Area | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundance Self-Guided Trail | 1.0 mile | Easy | Park history, wildlife, habitat education |
| River Bluff Trails | Various | Easy–Moderate | St. Croix River overlooks |
| Interior Forest Trails | Various | Moderate | Remote, wildlife-rich |
| Equestrian Trails | 75+ miles | Varies | Open to horses and hikers |
Many trails are also open for horseback riding, mountain biking (on designated paths), and cross-country skiing in winter.
Camping: From Drive-In to Canoe-In Wilderness
St. Croix’s camping options span the full spectrum from modern RV sites to primitive backcountry experiences.
Campground Overview
| Type | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-In Family Sites | 211 (81 electric) | 3 campgrounds, modern facilities |
| Canoe-In Sites | 10 | Primitive, riverside, paddle-access only |
| Backpack Sites | 2 | Remote wilderness camping |
| Walk-In Sites | 4 | Short walk from parking |
| Equestrian Sites | 40 | Horse-friendly amenities |
| Housekeeping Cabins | 6 (seasonal) | Full kitchen, beds, electricity |
| Guest Houses | 2 (year-round) | Larger groups, heated |
| Group Centers | Multiple | Dining halls, lodging, group activities |
Winter camping is also available for the adventurous. The group centers with dining halls make St. Croix especially popular for scout troops, retreats, and family reunions.
Wildlife
The park’s immense size supports exceptional biodiversity. White-tailed deer, black bears, timber wolves, and bald eagles all inhabit the park. River otters play in the Kettle River, and the diverse forest habitats attract over 200 bird species throughout the year.
Visitor Information
Getting There
St. Croix State Park is located at 30065 St. Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 55037, approximately 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities via I-35 to Highway 48.
Fees
A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required: $7 daily or $35 annual.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) for river paddling and swimming. Fall (September–October) for spectacular forest foliage and quieter trails. Winter for cross-country skiing and peaceful solitude across 34,000 acres of snow-covered forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Croix State Park really the largest in Minnesota?
Yes! At 34,037 acres, St. Croix is by far the largest state park in Minnesota. To put that in perspective, it’s larger than Manhattan (22,830 acres) and bigger than several U.S. national parks. With 127 miles of trails, you could hike here for weeks without repeating a route.
Can I rent canoes inside the park?
Yes! Pardun’s Canoe Rental operates inside the park and offers seasonal canoe and kayak rentals. They also provide shuttle service for longer trips. Day trips and multi-day canoe-camping routes are available on both the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers.
Are there bears in the park?
Yes, black bears are present in the park. Store food properly using the bear-proof lockers at cart-in/canoe-in sites, or keep food in a hard-sided vehicle at drive-in sites. Bears are typically shy and avoid humans, but practice standard bear awareness precautions.
