July 31, 2018

St. Croix River

What had been planned as a somewhat relaxing day driving into Wisconsin to visit the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center so Chloe could earn her Junior Ranger badge became another jam packed touring day. I’m blaming that helpful Ranger at the Mississippi River Visitor Center. He suggested the added activities.

St. Croix is another small but nice visitor center. They have a film, interesting displays and a beautiful native garden. Their displays cover the plant and animal life on the river, the seasons of the St. Croix, and the recreational opportunities of which there are many. The National Park Service and several state parks protect large areas of the river so it is possible to canoe and camp along the river for miles. A section of the Ice Age Trail runs right along the property (trail is under construction as they join existing pieces, similar to the North Country Scenic Trail).

Just downstream from the visitor center is a hydro-electric dam.

Looking toward the Hydro-Electric Dam

We toured everything they had, checked out the river and searched for Monarch caterpillars in their native garden. Chloe earned her Junior Ranger badge and we ate our bagged lunch on their patio before heading out again

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