Come explore Minnesota’s largest state park, St. Croix with over 34,000 areas. Located 15 miles east of Hinckley on Hwy 48. St. Croix was established in 1943 after the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) transformed these lands into group camps, roads, and campgrounds. During the depression the CCC was a federal program established to provide employment during the Great Depression. Many of the buildings and structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

The habitats consist of both aspen and conifers, which benefits wildlife including black bear, bobcats, coyotes, beaver, raccoons, gray and red fox, and deer. Eastern timber wolves are also found in the park but are not commonly seen. Many species of birds thrive here: warblers, flycatchers, eagles, owls, and osprey are common along the St. Croix.

St. Croix is nestled between the St. Croix National Scenic River and the Wild and Scenic Kettle River. Explore the beautiful rivers by canoe and don’t forget a fishing pole! There are eight canoe landings within the state park available on a first come first serve bases. No reservations required. Don’t have a canoe or don’t want to bring one? Call Pardun’s Canoe Rental located within the state park from Memorial Day weekend to end of September at (320) 384- 0508.

St. Croix has activities available all year round. During the summer cool off at Lake Clayton Beach swimming area which includes a playground for the kids to enjoy. Enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the 100-foot Fire Tower. Hike any of the 127 miles or bike the 5.5-mile paved bike trail. Bring your horse and enjoy the 75 miles of wide flat trails at St. Croix State Park or if you are interested in more of a narrow-rugged trail, spend time on the 25 miles at the St. Croix State Forest located east of the state park. Want to spend a night or up to 14 nights check out the 215 campsites with 71 electric sites, 40 equestrian sites, 6 housekeeping cabins open seasonally, 2 guesthouses open year-round, and two large group centers for weddings, reunions, or church gatherings. May through September, come and take in a naturalist program teaching you and your kids about wildlife, fire, and other educational programs.

In the winter enjoy the 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails with connection to the Chengwatana and St. Croix State Forest. You can also ride all the way into Hinckley on the trail system. Need a place to warm up, stop at the All Season Trail Center chalet building. The building includes heat, picnic tables, restrooms, and two fire pits to cook lunch on. Not interested in snowmobiling, enjoy the 11 miles of groomed ski trails, or take a hike on the plowed roads or snowshoe anywhere throughout the park. We just ask that you don’t snowshoe on groomed trails. Camping is still available during the winter. The All Season Trail Center houses the snowmobile campers and sites are available at Riverview Campground for everyone else. There is also connection to the ski and snowmobile trails from the guesthouses.

Summer Features

• 127 miles of hiking trails
• 75 miles of horse riding
• 5.5 miles of paved bike trail
• 10 primitive canoe in sites
• Swimming beach
• Playground at beach
• Volleyball courts
• Horseshoe pits
• River Fishing on the St. Croix and Kettle River
• Fire Tower

Winter Features

• 80 miles of snowmobile trails inside the park. Joins up with the St. Croix and Chengwatana State Forest.
• 12 miles of classic ski trails
• 6 miles of snowshoe trails
• Plowed roads are open for hiking

Vehicle Permits

St. Croix State Park offers many recreational opportunities within 34,000 acres. The annual vehicle permit is your passport to all Minnesota State Parks for one full year. Passes are non transferable and must be attached to the front passenger side of the windshield

• $35 Annual
• $26 Additional Annual
• $12 Disability Annual
• $30 Motorcycle Annual
• $7 Daily

Download the Facility Brochure
Download the Summer Map (PDF)
Download the Winter Map (PDF)