The historic site at Arcola Mills — on the river a few miles north of Stillwater — is open to the public this month as an “experimental” visitor center for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. I visited the site last Sunday with my family and found it peaceful and quiet, despite the gorgeous day when apple orchards were overflowing.

Click on the photos to see larger versions.

Schedule of Events

The Park Service distributed the following events listing:

Raptor Display.  Arcola will host raptors from Warner Nature Center. See the birds up close and learn about raptor ecology from Warner Nature Center docents.

• Sunday, October 9, 9:30 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, October 15, noon to 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 16, noon to 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 29, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 30, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Saving the Mower and Van Meier Mansion on Sunday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m. Rolf Dittmann, historic restoration contractor for the mansion, will share fascinating stories of the reconstruction process.

Guided Nature Hikes with Naturalist Julia Bohnen on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. on October 15 and 16.  Hike the Arcola Mills Nature Trail to learn more about the unique ecology of Arcola.

Birds of Minnesota on Saturday, October 22 from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Naturalist Matt Schuth will share intriguing facts about the birds of
Minnesota illustrated with his collection of nests, eggs and other bird artifacts. Drop-in any time between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

All programs are free and open to the public.

Pontoon rides available

Join a National Park Ranger on a pontoon boat for a one hour program about the St. Croix River.  Enjoy the fall scenery and learn about the  history of logging on the river.

Programs are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays:  October 1 and 15, and at 1:00 p.m. on the following Sundays: October 2, 9, and 16.

Space is limited and reservations are required.  Call the St. Croix River Visitor Center at (715) 483-2274 to make a reservation.  Callers can reserve up to four seats on the pontoon.  Children attending the program must be ten years or older. Life jackets will be provided and must be worn at all times.