Wild River State Park
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Wild River State Park is located along 18 miles of the beautiful St. Croix River. The park attracts people who enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, interpretive programs, self-guided trails, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Day visitors can enjoy a leisurely paddle down the St. Croix River from the Sunrise river access to the southern park river access.
The park provides opportunities for semi-modern camping, group camping, equestrian camping, backpack camping, and canoe camping. Visitors who want modern amenities can reserve the guest house which provides a living room, dining room, kitchen, and fireplace. The park also has six camping cabins which include bunkbeds, a table, and benches.
An all-season trail center is a great spot to relax after hiking or cross-country skiing on the 35-mile trail system. A visitor center with exhibits and environmental education programs is open year-round.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Caution: Road ConstructionThe DOT has begun a road resurfacing project on Highway 95, beginning in Taylors Falls and extending past the park to approximately 7 miles east of North Branch. Traffic to the park will be detoured at times so visitors should watch for signs and follow the detour. This construction is expected to last until August 2013. Spring UpdateThe water has been turned on in our main campground (C-D loops) shower building. Due to sidewalk construction the A-B shower building will not be open until a later date. The dump station and drinking fountains are also operating. Late spring snow has left many branches, limbs and even trees across park trails. Clean up efforts are underway, but may take a couple weeks or more. Campsite Numbers ChangedWild River State Park has changed the numbering convention for sites in its main campground. Physical site locations remain the same, but the sites are now listed by number only. View a campground map with the revised numbering system at the following address: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00254_camp.pdf Horse Trails Open May 1The horse trails and campground are open for the season. Snake River Forest Campground OpenThe Snake River Forest Campground, located east of Pine City, is open for the season. Driving DirectionsDo not rely on a GPS unit to find the main entrance/office at Wild River. GPS units direct you to the geographic center of the park (Sunrise Landing area), not to the main park entrance. Please consult a map or call the office for driving directions. |
Park NotesVirtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Gift CardsPurchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Why Visit Wild River State Park?Listen to a brief overview VideosTrumpeter Swans Maple Syruping Teacher ResourcesRequested Naturalist Programs Available Prairie restoration project at Wild River state park A Vanished Forest: outdoor exhibit visitors' guide and teaching ideas. Nevers Dam...The Lumberman's Dam Geocaching Adventures at the ParkWild River State Park St. Croix Puzzlecache Wild River State Park (Way)Points of Interest Wild River State Park History Cache 1 BirdersBird Checklist Firewood Restrictions InformationMinnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. 2013 Spring and Summer ActivitiesThere are some great programs lined up for this summer! Check out our summer sampler |
of park staff and visitors' favorite features and reasons to visit the park. (MP3, 3.25MB)
This article gives a good peek at real maple syruping.
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Hours
Best time to contact the park:
Daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact
39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012
tel: 651-583-2125 Park Naturalist: 651-583-2925
email: wildriver.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
From I-35, take State Highway 95 to County Road 12. Drive 3 miles on County Road 12 to park entrance.