william o’brien state park

Greg is the founder and editor of St. Croix 360, a website he founded in 2011 to share river stories. He writes about conservation, recreation, history, arts, and much more. As of 2026, Greg is also working on a new book to be published by the University of Minnesota Press, which will focus on the human and natural history of the entire St. Croix River watershed. He grew up in Stillwater and today lives in May Township with his wife, poet Kate Seitz, two children, dog, and guinea pig.

William O’Brien State Park lake and river access to be reconstructed after accidental drainage

Lake Alice and boat landing will be reopened once repairs are completed in fall 2027.

February 18, 2026
River Radio: St. Croix 360 joins conservation conversation

Founder Greg Seitz and other guests interviewed about local environmental topics.

November 14, 2025
William O’Brien State Park to close during special hunt on November 15 and 16

O’Brien will close to facilitate harvest intended to prevent overpopulation.

October 17, 2025
River landing at William O’Brien State Park temporarily closed

Low water and sediment from Lake Alice drawdown have clogged channel.

September 8, 2025
Lake at William O’Brien State Park suddenly drained due to bad valve

Equipment malfunction causes Lake Alice to lose all its water.

August 12, 2025
River access and day use area at William O’Brien State Park to reopen

Park manager says renovations are nearly complete and campground, boat launch, day use area, and hiking trails will soon be available again.

April 11, 2025
William O’Brien State Park riverside section closed for year

Construction project to upgrade and renovate facilities will affect campgrounds, day use area, and busy boat launch.

March 22, 2024
Improvements and closure plans updated for William O’Brien State Park

Lower part of park will close this fall for one year of construction.

June 2, 2023
William O’Brien State Park riverside area to close for year and a half to update access

Project will close boat launch, campgrounds, and more between spring 2023 and fall 2024.

September 9, 2022
Man dies in river of apparent drowning at William O’Brien State Park

Father of two claimed by St. Croix in tragic turn on a summer weekend.

June 18, 2021