Wild River State Park

In the area

  from Explore MN Tourism

Fall Colors

25-50%
Wild River State Park is a beautiful place to see fall... More details »

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Wild River State Park


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!

Campsite Numbers Changed

Campsites in the main campground have been renumbered (physical site locations are the same). Revised campground map.This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Horse Trails Close November 1

The horse trails and campground are open until November 1.

Snake River Forest Campground Open

The Snake River Forest Campground, located east of Pine City, is open for the season.

Park Notes

Be fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park.

Virtual Tour:

Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Panoramic tour | Snapshot tour

Why Visit Wild River State Park?

Listen to a brief overview This link leads to an podcast. of park staff and visitors' favorite features and reasons to visit the park. (MP3, 3.25MB)

Videos

Trumpeter Swans
Watch a short video on opportunities to see these impressive birds on your next winter visit to Wild River State Park.

Maple Syruping
Maple Syrup: Sweet and Sustainable This link leads to an external site. This article gives a good peek at real maple syruping.

Teacher Resources

Requested Naturalist Programs Available This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Prairie restoration project at Wild River state park

A Vanished Forest: outdoor exhibit visitors' guide and teaching ideas.

Nevers Dam...The Lumberman's Dam This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (30 pages, 1 MB) - An illustrated history of a St. Croix River logging era landmark

Geocaching Adventures at the park

Overview of all the geocaching opportunities at the park This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Wild River State Park (Way)Points of Interest This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.
These virtual caches will ensure that you don't miss a thing on your visit to Wild River State Park.
Note: These are virtual caches. There is no physical 'box' at the end. This cache is not a part of the Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Avian Adventure.

Wild River State Park History Cache 1 This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.
Discover Wild River State Park's past throughout this extremely advanced puzzle challenge.
Note: This cache is not a part of the Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Avian Adventure. This is a separate geocache activity for Wild River State Park only.

Gift Cards

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card.

Don't move firewood!

Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Wild River State Park.

Birders

Bird Checklist This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. at Wild River State Park.

2013-2014 Fall and Winter Activities

There are some great programs lined up for this season! Check out our fall and winter events sampler This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. for highlights.

Park Highlights

tree Camping

tree Canoeing

tree Cross-Country Skiing

tree McElroy Visitor Center

tree Nevers Dam Overlook

tree Wildlife/Wildflowers


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 the park entrance.

Do not rely on a GPS unit to find the park's main entrance! 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 if you need additional driving directions.