William O’Brien State Park
Twin Cities’ Gateway to the Wild St. Croix River
William O’Brien State Park offers the easiest access to the St. Croix National Wild and Scenic River from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with 1,653 acres of wooded hills, restored prairies, and quiet river bottomlands just 45 minutes north of downtown St. Paul. The park combines 12 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, a full-service campground with 124 sites, and canoe/kayak rentals for exploring one of America’s most pristine rivers. Whether you’re seeking a quick nature escape from the city or a multi-day camping and paddling adventure, William O’Brien delivers an accessible yet genuinely wild experience.
Canoeing and Kayaking the St. Croix
The St. Croix River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and William O’Brien provides one of the best starting points for exploring it. The park offers a public boat ramp and seasonal canoe/kayak rentals from the park office.
Paddling Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rentals Available | Mid-May through October |
| Half-Day Rental | $15 (canoe or kayak) |
| Full-Day Rental | $25 (canoe or kayak) |
| Shuttle Service | Available for upstream launches |
| Boat Ramp | Public ramp in park |
Important: Swimming is not allowed in the St. Croix River due to strong currents. For swimming, head to Lake Alice within the park, which has a sandy beach in a calm, shallow setting.
Hiking: 12 Miles of Forest, Prairie, and River
Despite the park’s proximity to the metro area, the trail system feels surprisingly remote, winding through habitats that range from oak savannas to wetland marshes.
Trail Guide
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Trail | 1.6 miles loop | Easy | St. Croix River views, accessible |
| Woodland Edge Trail | 5.0 miles | Moderate | Hills, beaver pond, small lake |
| Prairie Overlook Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Restored grasslands, scenic views |
| Wetland Trail | 1.0 miles | Easy | Marsh wildlife: frogs, songbirds, muskrats |
| Southern Trails | 3.0 miles | Moderate | Quieter section, snowshoeing in winter |
A paved bicycle and wheelchair path runs the full length of the park paralleling Highway 95. In winter, all 12 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing, and snowshoes are available for rent at the park office.
Camping: 124 Sites from Tent to RV
William O’Brien’s two campgrounds offer some of the most accessible river camping near the Twin Cities.
Campground Comparison
| Campground | Sites | Season | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverway | 114 | Mid-Apr to Mid-Oct | RVs up to 60 ft, 30-amp electric, flush toilets, showers, dump station |
| Savanna | Open | Year-round | 50-amp electric, vault toilets in off-season |
| Camper Cabins | 4 | 3 year-round, 1 seasonal | Sleeps 5-6, electricity, fireplace, some ADA |
| Walk-In Sites | 2 | Seasonal | Secluded tent camping |
| Group Camps | 4 | Seasonal | 35-50 people each, riverside locations |
Wildlife and Nature
The park’s position along the St. Croix River corridor supports an impressive diversity of wildlife. Bald eagles, great blue herons, and kingfishers hunt along the river. White-tailed deer browse the forest edges at dawn and dusk. The Wetland Trail is especially productive for birders, with cattail marshes alive with red-winged blackbirds, wood ducks, and the occasional great egret.
Visitor Information
Getting There
William O’Brien State Park is located at 16821 O’Brien Trail North, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047, approximately 45 minutes north of St. Paul via Highway 95.
Fees
A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required: $7 daily or $35 annual.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May–June) for wildflowers and comfortable paddling temperatures. Fall (September–October) for river valley foliage. Winter for cross-country skiing through the quiet, snowy landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in the St. Croix River at William O’Brien?
No, swimming in the St. Croix River is not allowed due to strong currents. Instead, Lake Alice within the park has a sandy swimming beach in a calm, shallow setting.
Do I need to bring my own canoe?
No! Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park office from mid-May through October. Half-day rentals cost $15 and full-day rentals cost $25. Shuttle service is also available for upstream launches.
How close is this park to the Twin Cities?
About 45 minutes from downtown St. Paul via Highway 95, making it one of the closest “wild” river parks to the Twin Cities metro area. It’s perfect for day trips or quick weekend getaways.
