Wild River State Park

Minnesota (Chisago County)

Stretching along 18 miles of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Chisago County, Wild River State Park offers one of Minnesota’s most rewarding riverside wilderness experiences across its 6,574 acres. The park takes its name from the untamed character of the St. Croix River, which cuts through dense hardwood forests and rocky bluffs that feel worlds away from the Twin Cities, just 90 minutes to the south.

Hikers can explore over 35 miles of trails winding through oak savannas, pine forests, and riverside meadows. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers to the forest floor, while fall transforms the river corridor into a blazing panorama of color. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over in winter, with groomed trails offering quiet passage through snow-draped woods. Paddlers find excellent canoeing and kayaking on the St. Croix, with put-in points accessible from within the park.

Birders will appreciate the park’s location along the Mississippi Flyway, where bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, and dozens of warbler species make regular appearances. The old-growth remnants along the river bluffs support plant communities found nowhere else in the region.

The park offers both drive-in and backpack campsites, along with a guesthouse and modern group camp for larger parties. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and peak fall color season, typically mid-September through early October.

Visit in autumn for the best combination of comfortable temperatures, stunning foliage, and thinner crowds along the trails.