National Park Service Aquatic Biologist Byron Karns doing a dive demo at Minnesota Interstate State Park
Via the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Celebrate the St. Croix River with the St. Croix Sojourn, a day of on-river activities and presentations scheduled for Saturday, July 14. Hosted by the National Park Service, Minnesota State Parks, and Wisconsin State Parks, this event features family fun, river stewardship, and watershed learning.
Enjoy the day with a self-guided, 6-mile paddle down the historic and scenic St. Croix River. State park naturalists, park rangers, and volunteer artisans will be available at stops along the way to share stories of the river valley’s past, its unique geology, and the inspiration of its scenic beauty.
A passport stamp booklet will be available to allow participants to receive a special reward at the end of the trip. Children can also participate in an on-river virtual scavenger hunt and special activities at the landings!
Sojourn participants should plan to start their trip between 10:00 a.m. and noon at either Wisconsin Interstate State Park (St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin) or Minnesota Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls, Minnesota). Access to the state parks requires a valid annual or daily vehicle pass.
Stations will be available between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All stations are free and open to the public. Presentations include:
Dive Demo (Scuba Divers and Underwater Camera):
See the underwater world with the help of two certified divers who will share a fish’s view of the St. Croix. Main Landing, Minnesota Interstate State Park (river mile 51.5).
Northwoods Logging
Millions of white pine logs floated down the St. Croix River highway during the 1800s. Learn how these trees were cut and transported! Blast Island (river mile 50.9).
Geology of the St. Croix Dalles
The narrow gorges of the St. Croix are a gift from time. Stop and hear how fire and ice both had a hand in creating the unique rock formations found here. Sand Island (river mile 50).
Freshwater Mussels
The diversity of native mussels in the St. Croix River is seen in few places worldwide. Explore the life of some of the best neighbors you never knew you had! Eagles Nest (river mile 48.3).
Voyageur’s Tale
Meet a fur-trader and discover the colorful group of people who came from half a world away during the 18th and 19th centuries and why they paddled and portaged the dangerous canoe routes of North America. No Name Island (river mile 46.1).
End your trip at Osceola Landing, which will feature artists at work, a digital scavenger hunt, kayaking demonstrations, and St. Croix Junior Ranger activities. Activities at this location will be available to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and are also accessible for visitors without watercraft. Osceola Landing is located on Highway 243, across the river from Osceola, Wisconsin.
Canoes, kayaks, and other equipment are not provided. For more information on this event or a listing of canoe and kayak outfitters and shuttle services, visit the National Park Service website athttp://www.nps.gov/sacn. Additional information can be requested via email at sacn_interpretation@nps.gov; or by calling 715-483-2274.
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