St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside sits along the banks of the St. Croix River in Washington County, Minnesota, preserving one of the most significant chapters in the state’s logging history. This wayside marks the exact spot where billions of board feet of white pine logs were sorted and corralled during the great lumber era of the 1800s — massive floating booms stretched across the river here, giving the site its name. Designated as a state park unit in 2016, it offers visitors a compact but deeply rewarding outdoor experience where history and natural beauty converge.

The St. Croix River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, is the undisputed star here. Visitors come for riverside hiking along wooded trails that wind through mature hardwood forest, with overlooks offering sweeping views of the river valley. Birdwatching is excellent — bald eagles, great blue herons, and warblers are regular sightings along the riparian corridor. Fishing access to the St. Croix draws anglers after smallmouth bass and walleye. In winter, the trails welcome snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Camping information for this wayside is limited, so plan to use nearby Afton State Park or William O’Brien State Park if you need overnight accommodations.

The best time to visit is fall, when the river bluffs erupt in color and the summer crowds thin out. Spring wildflower season is another standout window. Expect a quiet, contemplative experience — this isn’t a sprawling state park but a meaningful stop that rewards those who appreciate where nature and history intersect.