Via the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway:
Riverside Trail, William O’Brien State Park (Greg Seitz, St. Croix 360)
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the St. Croix River Valley with some fresh coffee, good conversation, and a healthy morning walk next to the St. Croix River. Park rangers and naturalists from the National Park Service and Minnesota and Wisconsin State Parks will lead these walks (with coffee provided!) one Sunday each month, May through September.
Sunday, May 18, 9:00 a.m. Ridgeview Trail – Chisago Loop
This 1 ½ mile loop trail traverses basalt rock outcroppings with some scenic views of St. Croix River backwaters. Meet the Park Ranger at the Chisago Loop Trailhead, located just north of Osceola, Wisconsin, 1 mile west of Wisconsin Highway 35 on Polk County Road S.
Sunday, June 15, 9:00 a.m. Railroad Trail at Minnesota Interstate State Park
Explore the abandoned route of the Northern Pacific Railway as we follow the Railroad Trail approximately ¾ mile out to a lovely sandstone outcropping and ¾ mile back. Meet the Park Ranger at the Taylors Falls Community Center parking lot, located off of Government Street (behind the Adium Gas Station) in Taylors Falls.
Sunday, July 20, 9:00 a.m. Riverside Trail at William O’Brien State Park
Take a stroll along the beautiful St. Croix River and Lake Alice. On this 1 ½ mile loop, we will explore some of the plants and animals that live in this river floodplain habitat. Meet in the picnic grounds. There is no charge for the hike, but an annual or daily Minnesota state park vehicle pass is required to enter the park.
Save the date for these hikes occurring later in the year:
- Sunday, August 17 at Afton State Park
- Sunday, September 21 at Wisconsin Interstate Park
Each walk will be on a developed trail and last about 1 to 1 ½ hours at a leisurely pace. Uneven terrain exists in places on some of these trails, so participants are asked to wear comfortable walking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, and to bring water, snacks or other items as needed.
These morning walks are free and open to all members of the public. Walks may be cancelled in the event of threatening or inclement weather. For more information, please call the St. Croix River Visitor Center at 715-483-2274.
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