Via the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway:
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Ranger Dale Cox addresses a group of Junior Rangers on the banks of the river. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)
“Explore, Learn, and Protect!” The Junior Ranger motto will ring out this summer at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway as children participate in activity-based programs about rivers and fishing. Park rangers and volunteers will present these free programs regularly throughout the summer at the two park visitor centers.
Children can earn a St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Junior Ranger Badge as they:
- Learn ways that biologists study the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers.
- Make observations with hand lens, binoculars, thermometers, and GPS units.
- Discover the habitat and animals that live under the surface of the river.
- Discover the shoreline habitat and animals that live there.
- Learn the proper way to wear a life jacket.
- Meet a park ranger and take home an activity book.
Children can also earn a badge based on a new national program, “Let’s Go Fishing.” Explore national parks and national wildlife refuges while learning to have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences. This program can start your child on a life-long appreciation of fishing.
Children can earn a Junior Ranger Angler Badge as they:
- Learn about many aspects of fishing, fish, and the underwater habitats they live in.
- Protect native fish and the habitats on which they depend.
- Practice how to cast a line and make proper fishing knots.
- Learn how to wear a life jacket.
- Meet a park ranger and take home an activity book.
Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5 to 13, although people of all ages can participate, and earn a badge and certificate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are welcome. Help us prepare for programs by calling in advance if you plan to bring more than 6 children.
Wear outdoor clothes, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and bring something to drink. Programs will last up to an hour and indoor activities will be presented on stormy days.
Programs presented at the St. Croix River Visitor Center:
401 N. Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, 715-483-2274
- St. Croix Riverway Junior Ranger Program on Saturdays at 10:00 am. Dates: June 9, 16, 23, 30. July 7, 14, 21, 28. August 4, 11, 18, 25.
- Junior Ranger Angler Program most Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. Dates: June 27. July 4, 11, 18, 25. August 1, 8, 15, 22.
Programs presented at the Namekagon River Visitor Center:
W5483 US Highway 63 Trego, Wisconsin 715-635-8346
- St. Croix Riverway Junior Ranger Program on most Thursdays at 10:00 am. Dates: June 7, 14, 28. July 5, 12, 19, 26. August 2 and 9.
Programs presented at East Howell Landing:
Contact the Namekagon River Visitor Center for directions or visit www.nps.gov/sacn for maps.
- Junior Ranger Angler Program on Sundays at 10:00 am. Dates: June 3 and 17. July 15 and 29.
Programs presented at Earl Park Landing:
Contact the Namekagon River Visitor Center for directions or visit www.nps.gov/sacn for maps.
- Junior Ranger Angler Program on Sundays at 10:00 am. Dates: June 10 and 24. July 8 and 22. August 5.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, was established by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968. It is one of a group of eight rivers in the country which first received this recognition. For over 200 miles, the St. Croix and its tributary, the Namekagon, flow through some of the most scenic and least developed country in the Upper Midwest.
For additional information on the Riverway, please visit www.nps.gov/sacn or call (715) 483-2274.