Wisconsin's National Scenic Riverway Is A Gorgeous Destination For Fall Foliage Lovers

If there's one thing the Midwest has plenty of, it's bodies of water. In fact, in Wisconsin alone, there are over 15,000 lakes and more than 13,500 miles of rivers and streams. With all that water, how can one possibly choose where to explore? Luckily, we'll make the decision easy. For travelers seeking outdoor adventure steeped in beauty and history, look no further than the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Stretching over 250 miles along the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, this protected waterway flows through northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota before meeting up at the Mississippi River. This Riverway is one of the only eight original rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. This status has preserved the river's natural character, while ensuring that generations of visitors can enjoy it in its pristine state.

While this Scenic Riverway is a hot-spot destination for summer travels, unexpected bursts of color await those who plan their visit in fall, as hardwood tree leaves begin to change. In every season, the Riverway is a stunning tapestry of forests, bluffs, wetlands, and wildlife that showcase the best of the upper Midwest's natural landscapes. It's also a great place to enjoy recreational activities like fishing, camping, kayaking, and bird-watching. Aside from natural beauty, the area also holds cultural significance, having long been a home and resource to Native American tribes, and later serving as a key site for the logging industry in the 19th century.

Today, the St. Croix Riverway is a national treasure — a place where people come to escape their busy lives and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or a casual traveler looking for a peaceful weekend away, this waterway offers visitors the chance to slow down and connect with Mother Nature.

While the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a year-round destination, each season brings its own charm. Summer is the most popular time for paddling, fishing, and camping, with long days and warm weather that make being out on the water ideal. In the upper area of the rivers, adventure seekers can enjoy Class I-II rapids. At the same time, more relaxing recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and boating can be found in the lower portion of the river. Springtime at St.Croix brings rushing currents, budding wildflowers, and excellent bird-watching opportunities. But for many, the true magic at this underrated Midwest destination begins in fall. 

From mid-September through mid-October, the Riverway transforms into a corridor of fiery reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows as spruce, tamarack, maple, basswood, and jack pine burst into color. Paddling during this time feels like gliding through a living painting, with the reflection of the foliage mirrored in the calm water. Scenic overlooks along the bluffs found at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls (straddling the Minnesota/Wisconsin border) are a must-visit spot for photographers and leaf-peepers alike. It's also the perfect place to go for a hike, and explore beautiful waterfalls and glacial potholes.

Those not interested in physical activity can enjoy a scenic, narrated paddleboat tour, great for experiencing beautiful fall foliage from the water.  For travelers seeking a quieter, less crowded experience, fall is also one of the best times to visit. The river slows down after the busy summer months, and wildlife is still abundant. Whether you're floating downstream in a canoe, enjoying nature from the comforts of a paddleboat, or sipping cider at a nearby inn, autumn along the St. Croix Riverway captures the essence of the Midwest at its most breathtaking. 

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is easily accessible from both Wisconsin and Minnesota, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. If you're coming from the Twin Cities, both the St. Croix Valley towns of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, are only about an hour drive away. Several highways, including Minnesota Highway 95 and Wisconsin Highway 35, provide convenient access depending on where along the river you'd like to begin your adventure.

When it comes to accommodations, travelers have plenty of options, depending on how rustic or comfortable they'd like their stay. Camping is a favorite choice for many, especially in fall, with numerous riverside campsites available by permit for paddlers, as well as more developed campgrounds and RV sites like those at Interstate Park (on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin side), Waub-o-Jeeg campgrounds at Taylors Falls, Big Rock Creek just north of St. Croix Falls, and many more. For something a bit cozier, nearby towns offer cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals, ranging from rustic retreats to modern amenities with river views. Those looking for a full-service stay can find charming bed-and-breakfasts or inns in towns like St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, or Hayward, all of which provide easy access to the Riverway, as well as local dining and cultural attractions.

No matter where you choose to base yourself, having a car is essential for exploring the length of the river and accessing different recreation sites. Many outfitters also provide shuttle services for paddlers, allowing you to start upstream and finish your journey back where you parked your car. Between its beauty, range of lodging options, and abundance of activities, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway makes for a perfect Midwest escape that blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm.