Wild River

MAIN CAMPGROUND WITH SUMMER TRAILS SUMMER TRAILS WINTER TRAILS 2021, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources MAP AND GUIDE: WILD RIVER STATE PARK 39797 PARK TRAIL CENTER CITY, MN 55012 CHISAGO COUNTY 651-583-2125 WILDRIVER.STATEPARK@STATE.MN.US VISITOR TIPS Wild River State Park opened to the public in 1978, protecting natural, cultural and recreational resources along the St. Croix River. A large portion of the park (nearly 5,000 acres) was donated by the Northern States Power Company (Xcel Energy). The land was once home to Ojibwe and Dakota people before European settlers logged and farmed it. Today, the park’s second-growth forest, oak savanna and prairie landscapes support diverse plant and wildlife species. Enjoy the park’s thirty-five miles of trail or paddle along its eighteen miles of river shoreline. In winter, experience the quiet splendor of the valley on ski or snowshoe trails. • Keep sites and fire rings clean of food scraps and trash to discourage raccoons and other animals. • Help keep our rivers clean. Check your watercraft for aquatic invasives before and after launching. • In an emergency call 911. • Non-emergency sheriff number: 651-257-4100. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? • Stop at the visitor center to explore exhibits and get a great view of the St. Croix River Valley. • Hike to the Nevers Dam overlook to see where the world’s largest pile-driven dam once stood. • Watch for wildlife on a hike along the scenic St. Croix River. PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. VEHICLE PERMITS Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk. PETS WELCOME Keep on 6-foot or less leash; pick up after; attend at all times; not allowed in buildings or on beaches. − TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Old Logging Trail (Universal Trail) 3 miles one-way Flat • Asphalt path • Bicyclists share this trail seasonally This beautiful, wooded trail links the trail center, visitor center, picnic area and campground. It also offers full access for all non-motorized uses (except horseback riding). Classic skiers use the trail in winter. Amik’s Pond Loop 1-mile loop Mitigwaki Loop 1-mile loop One large hill and then flat • Gravel • Grass Enjoy a flower-filled walk down to the river and take in the hillside scenery. Watch for eagles near the river. Mostly flat • Grass • Gravel Loop through oak woods on a ridge above Dry Creek. A spur trail connects the visitor center with the trail center. This trail is groomed for classic cross-country skiing in the winter. Deer Creek Loop 3-mile loop A mix of flat and hilly • Grass • Sand • Horseback riders share this trail seasonally Cross the scenic Deer Creek bridge, step through a prairie, and walk beneath trees that border the river. Part of this trail was once the historic Point Douglas to Superior Military Road (Old Military Road). This trail is groomed for classic cross-country skiing in the winter. Highland Hills Trail MORE TO EXPLORE AT THE PARK • Borrow a GPS, birding kit or fishing equipment from the visitor center. • Paddle the St. Croix River. CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in campground during quiet hours. FIREWOOD Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood in the park. HORSEBACK RIDING OR SKIING? Horse passes and ski passes are required for all participants 16 and older. Passes can be purchased at the park office. Horseback riders may only use designated trails. . CURIOUS ABOUT THE ST. CROIX RIVER STATE WATER TRAIL? GO TO: MNDNR.GOV/WATERTRAILS 2-mile loop Steep terrain • Grass Hike under oak trees and scattered white pines near the park office. Steep hills and rugged terrain make this a challenging hike or expert skate ski loop. • Take in a free naturalist program. LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT: MNDNR.GOV/WILDRIVER A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE AT THE PARK OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV. Enjoy the beauty of the river along one of the park trails. • The river has dangerous currents and deep drop-offs. Swimming is not recommended. • Hikers are welcome on all summer trails. In winter, only use designated hiking or snowshoeing trails. No hiking on ski trails. SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... ABOUT THE PARK MORE INFORMATION Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. • Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and hit the winter trails. • Stay awhile by reserving a campsite, group campsite, horse campsite, cabin or the guest house. This information may be available in alternative format upon request.