Via the St. Croix Valley Interpretive Association:
There is no shortage of exciting river recreation opportunities throughout the St. Croix River Valley. On Saturday, July 28th, the St. Croix Valley Interpretive Association is joining forces to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and to highlight the awesome summer recreation that exists here.
From dawn until dusk, get your adventure on, and journey throughout the St. Croix River Valley to #FindYourPark and #MakeYourSplash.
Schedule of Events
SUP on the St. Croix
Hudson, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Come, explore the beautiful St. Croix River with the St. Croix River Association from a new vantage point –standing on top of it! Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) provides an opportunity to get out on the water and a full-body workout at the same time. This introductory SUP session give you a chance to try paddleboarding in the protected no-wake zone waters of Hudson, WI.
Registration: https://supstcroix.eventbrite.com (8 person maximum, so register now!)
Location / Meeting Place: The North end of Hudson Lakefront Park at the swimming beach, parking lot entrance on the corner of 1st St and Vine St. Park in lot or on 1st St.
Cost: $4
How to Catch a Lake Creature
William O’Brien State Park, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Drop by this ongoing exploration station to see what lives in Lake Alice. Use one of the park’s nets to try your hand at capturing a creature or two, or just come investigate what others have found. You might be surprised at what you discover! Most people spend 15-30 minutes at this station. Find this station near the Fishing Dock on Lake Alice between 1:30 and 3 p.m. This program is free, but an annual or daily Minnesota state park pass is required on all vehicles entering the park.
Location / Meeting Place: Fishing Dock on Lake Alice, Marine on St. Croix, MN
Cost: Free!
Birding for Beginners
William O’Brien State Park, 7 to 8 p.m.
Birds are everywhere, but they’re often so fast and sneaky that it’s hard to tell what they are. Join the naturalist and learn to identify common birds by sight and song. The next time you see or hear one in the yard you might impress your friends with its name! We’ll provide binoculars and bird books for you to use during our half mile bird walk. This program is best for ages 4 to adult. Meet at the Lake Alice Swim Beach at 7 p.m. This program is free, but an annual or daily Minnesota state park pass is required on all vehicles entering the park.
Location / Meeting Place: Lake Alice Swim Beach, Marine on St. Croix, MN
Cost: Free
What’s in the St. Croix River?
Wild River State Park, 2 p.m.
What are those bugs swimming in the St. Croix? Also, what is a macroinvertebrate? Prepare to get your feet wet as you will get a chance to scoop up aquatic life and find out what they mean for a healthy river. You will have a chance to study it close up and identify it. A number of nets will be provided.
Location / Meeting Place: Meet at the river access main boat landing parking lot.
Driving directions or Google map link: https://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=45.524211,-92.754468
Cost: FREE; although you will need a MN State Park vehicle permit. (Daily is $7)
Age Limit: None
What to bring or expect: Shoes/shorts to get wet in the river
Falcons of the Driftless
Kinnickinnic River State Park, 11 a.m. to noon
How fast can a falcon fly? What makes them different from an owl or an eagle? What does it take to become a falconer? Bring your questions and curiosity about raptors!
Location / Meeting Place: Croix Parking Lot, W11983 820th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022
Driving directions or Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/Gu4Xow2JyuT2
Cost: FREE, vehicle admission into the park is required.
Age Limit: None
What to bring or expect: A comfortable seat and your questions
Geology of Willow River State Park: Half a billion years in the making
Willow River State Park, 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Come meet University of Wisconsin-River Falls Geology Professor William Cordua. He will bring the geological history of the park alive with his 30 minute presentation. Bring in any fascinating rocks that you might have and he will help you identify them.
Location / Meeting Place: Nature Center, 1034 County Rd A, Hudson, WI 54016
Driving directions or Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/vQMyTgoye4S2
Cost: None, vehicle admission into the park is required
Age Limit: None
What to bring or expect: Your willingness to learn and questions!
The Importance of Monarch Butterflies
Willow River State Park, 3 to 4 p.m.
Join Hudson locals, Karla & Mark Newman, who are passionate about helping Monarch Butterflies. They raise butterflies in hopes that they will brave the journey to Mexico and begin a new generation. Meet the “Super Generation”, eggs and caterpillars at different stages, and learn how you and your family can help this critical species survive.
Location / Meeting Place: Park Nature Center, 034 County Rd A, Hudson, WI 54016
Driving directions or Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/vQMyTgoye4S2
Cost: None, vehicle admission into the park is required
Age Limit: None
What to bring or expect: Be prepared to go outside and look for monarch butterfly eggs or caterpillars during the 2nd portion of this event.
Aquatic Quest Geocaching
Minnesota Interstate Park, 10 to 11 a.m.
Set out on a digital treasure hunt as you discover how to use a GPS unit with the naturalist. All materials and know how will be supplied before you test out your new skills with a special geocaching challenge. Then, look for the park’s official Aquatic Quest geocache for a collectible card.
Location / Meeting Place: South Entrance, outside the park office
Driving directions or Google map link: 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Cost: The program is a free, but a Minnesota State Park pass is required on all vehicles ($7 per day).
Age Limit: This activity is best for ages 8 through adult. Younger participants are welcome to follow along.
What to bring or expect:Good walking shoes and a sense of adventure.
Flashlight Hike
Wisconsin Interstate Park, 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Discover the nighttime animals of WI on a one mile family-friendly flashlight hike around the Lake ‘O the
Dalles.
Location / Meeting Place: Beach House at Lake ‘O the Dalles
Driving Directions: Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, WI on Hwy 35, just ½ mile south of Hwy 8
Cost: An admission sticker is required for this event
Age Limit: All ages are welcome
Bring: A flashlight (and bug spray) to use as we hike over a rocky terrain with occasional steps. Not
recommended for strollers, but toddlers have walked the trail in the past. There will be frequent stops as we watch for hidden animals along the trail.
