William O'Brien State Park

In the area

  from Explore MN Tourism

Fall Colors

25-50%
Drive down to Lake Alice to catch most of the color change. More details »

Minnesota State Parks and Trails on Facebook Minnesota State Parks Twitter feed

William O'Brien State Park


A great "get away" park only one hour from the Twin Cities, William O'Brien provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills. For anglers, the channels of the St. Croix have northerns, walleye, bass and trout. Ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds. In the winter, snowshoeing, skiing and camping attract enthusiasts.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.


Visitor Alert!

Canoe Rental:

Canoe and kayak rental is suspended until further notice. Please watch the website for updates.

WiFi:

There are service issues with the wireless internet in the Riverway Campground, Beach and Picnic Area, and the Visitor Center. WIFI is still available at the Office, Savanna Campground, and Camper Cabin Area.

Deer Hunt at William O'Brien State Park

The park will be closed to all visitors from November 9 through November 10. The park will be open only to participating hunters. Hunters drawn for the hunt will be notified through mail starting Sept 26.

For more information: State parks during 2013 hunting season.

Park Notes

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

Rental Equipment:

Equipment for Outdoor Fun: Use the park's free equipment, and spend more time outdoors! GPS units, fishing poles and tackle boxes, birding kits, horseshoes, volleyballs, and bocce balls are available to both our overnight and day use visitors. Adults can check out equipment from the park office.

Camper Cabins:

The park has three year-round camper cabins and one seasonal cabin (available April through October). One year-round camper cabin is accessible, and all four have electricity.

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

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 William O'Brien State Park.

Birders:

Bird Checklist This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. at William O'Brien State Park.

Park Highlights

tree Camping/Fishing

tree Canoeing on the St. Croix

tree Cross-country Skiing

tree Naturalist Programs

tree Bird Watching

tree Oak Savanna Restoration


Hours

Best time to contact the park:

Spring, Summer & Fall: Daily starting at 8 AM. If no one is available, please leave a message and we will get back to you.

Winter: Hours will vary. If no one is available, please leave a message.

Contact

16821 O'Brien Trail North
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

tel: 651-433-0500

email: williamobrien.statepark@state.mn.us

Getting There

The park is located 12 miles north of Stillwater, just north of the town of Marine on St. Croix. The park entrance is located right on State Highway 95. After turning onto the park road the ranger station is immediately on your right.
GPS Coordinates:
45 13.521
92 45.827