St. Croix Falls

City of Trails

© Kirk Anderson

ST. CROIX FALLS Adventure Starts in St. Croix Falls

Situated along the picturesque St. Croix River, historic St. Croix Falls boasts a regional professional theatre, a thriving downtown, a modern library, nationallyranked schools, and all-season trails. All in all, it’s a wonderful place to live, visit or do business.

St. Croix Falls, which is in western Polk County and just an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, is home to a trio of visitor’s centers that detail the area’s rich glacial heritage. Wisconsin’s first state park, Interstate Park, is located on the edge of town. The park offers fantastic views of the Dalles and has a campground.

The Polk County Information Center, at the intersection of Highways 8 & 35-South, displays historical pictures, maps, apparel and other gift items, and Native American exhibits. It’s a wonderful source of travel information.

The town is also the headquarters of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The visitor’s center has interactive displays and a wealth of information for travelers, especially those paddling the St. Croix River. The St. Croix River is one of the bestkept secrets of the Midwest – although thousands annually sing its praises for the outstanding beauty, especially in the gorge. It never disappoints!

For hikers, St. Croix Falls -- “City of Trails” -- is the western terminus of the Ice Age Trail, a national and state scenic trail that meanders 1,200 miles through Wisconsin. St. Croix Falls also offers access to the Gandy Dancer State Trail, Woolly Mountain Bike Trail and a number of hiking trails through local parks and elsewhere.

Our nationally-brand outlets as well as local stores are well stocked for travelers, whether it’s for food, drink or climbing equipment, paddles and kayaks and bikes.

There are wineries and a wildlife educational park to visit, golfing to your heart’s delight, nearby lakes teeming with fish, campgrounds, beaches, parks, outdoor concerts, great dining spots and after-hours entertainment at clubs, bars and lounges where the music is always upbeat . . . and so don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Big Rock Creek is a Special Place

Imagine a place so special that you can’t wait to tell your friends and family about it, and dream about returning there time after time. That’s Big Rock Creek, a family-style destination and lodging facility, which sits on nearly a thousand acres of beautiful countryside near the famed St. Croix River in Polk County.

Big Rock Creek has you covered, whether in their fully furnished glamping tents, the three cabins, geodesic dome, or a place to park your RV. Each cabin has an indoor fireplace and a private firepit.

Once there, you can stroll or hike or bike the 23 miles of trails, embrace the historical grounds, grab a kayak/canoe/paddleboard/ paddleboat, or fly fish on a spring fed lake for trout. Or rent an electric-powered Ranger and drive the property for a glimpse of the albino deer, a bald eagle, swans, or other animals that inhabit this property. Pontoons can be rented for trips on the St. Croix River. Estate tours and hayrides can also be accommodated.

They’re big on weddings, no matter the size of the wedding party. The historical barn (120 years old!) is decorated for weddings and receptions. A dozen chandeliers illuminate the 200-year-old timber beams (some from a Boston railroad bridge). Wedding packages begin with onsite parking, chairs and tables. Event items available include an altar/arch, audio equipment, furniture, lighting, tents, and tent accessories. Additional wedding services offered include all-inclusive packages, accommodations for up to 24 people, bar services, outside vendor referrals, and cleanup.

In addition to weddings, Big Rock Creek can host corporate events, family reunions, festivals, hunting and fishing trips, snowmobiling trips, and family vacations. Big Rock Creek allows you to hire your own outside caterer. Big Rock Creek holds a liquor license so they can provide beverages for the event. All events come with staffing of two bartenders and a barback, if necessary.

Big Rock Creek is open year-round, and come Christmas time, you must stop by for “Miracle at Big Rock,” the newest lighting festival to hit the St. Croix Valley. The one-mile lighting tour will be enjoyed by all ages. There will be heated indoor vendors, sleigh rides, sledding, fireworks, food trucks, and much more!

Its history goes back when it was Big Rock Creek Trout Farm, which was purchased in 1914 by a group of businessmen, including the Siems brothers. In the early 1920s, the Siems brothers, who helped build local railroads, bought out the other owners. The farm would not change ownership again for almost a century.

Big Rock Creek is located at 1674 State Highway 87, St. Croix Falls. For more information, call 715-501-8172 or visit bigrockcreekwi.com.

Discover Fawn-Doe-Rosa

Looking around the spacious grounds of FAWN-DOE-ROSA, you would be hard pressed not to see a kid without a broad smile on his or her face. This wildlife educational park in St. Croix Falls brings out the kid in everyone, even adults!

The park is a must-see for every animal lover. That’s because, for the most part, animals roam freely or are in accessible areas where visitors can feed and pet them. White-tailed deer actively seek out the visitors for a treat. In the interaction area, children can see and learn about the smaller animals, such as rabbits, ferrets, skunks and even porcupines! Goats, llamas, and mini horses anxiously crowd the farmyard looking for a treat, which can be purchased as you enter the grounds.

Along the path visitors can see wolves, foxes, badgers, a majestic elk, bobcat and other forest animals.

Family-owned and operated, FAWN-DOE-ROSA has been educating the public about animals, wildlife and nature since 1963. Through its partnership with national conservation departments and rehabilitators, the park has also been able to practice and to spread awareness about proper animal care. Educational tours are available for students and large groups. They also have VIP packages available for birthday parties, family reunions, company picnics, etc.

Another popular attraction at the park are the pony rides, which run Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There ST. CROIX FALLS

are benches along the trails to rest a spell and to enjoy what the animals have to share. There is a large gift shop, picnic area, playground and restrooms.

The park is open daily mid-May to mid-September and open weekends in September and October, weather permitting. For more information, call 715-483-3772 or visit their website at fawndoerosa.com.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Visitor Center Will Get You Exploring

Before you start your adventure on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, stop by at the St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls. Located on the banks of the St. Croix River, the center is an excellent resource for visitors. It has a wealth of information, from the flora and fauna that is abundant along the St. Croix River to the range of activities that are popular along the river.

The knowledgeable staff will assist with trip planning and answer any questions you may have. There are detailed maps, including a floor map display, and guides that cover a wide spectrum of interests. Even young children will enjoy the river exhibits, while adults can get their lower St. Croix River camping permits, have passport book stamped, and shop the bookstore. There are Junior Ranger programs at the visitor center. There’s also an informative 18-minute film, “The St. Croix: A Northwoods Journey.”

Be sure to check out the native pollinator garden. There’s also a covered picnic area. A couple of blocks from the Visitor Center is a scenic overlook that has wonderful views of the river as well. The center is located at 401 N. Hamilton St., St. Croix Falls. For more information, call 715-483-2274 or visit nps.gov/sacn and Facebook @StCroixNSR. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center typically opens mid-April and closes late October annually.

The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers, which make up the Scenic Riverway, offer 255 miles of clean water gliding past a lush green landscape, with glimpses of a human presence. You can choose to canoe and camp, or boat and fish, surrounded by wooded bluffs and historic towns. This river corridor is a haven for wildlife, including white-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Wine Finds

Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard

When visiting Polk County, be sure to stop at Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard in St. Croix Falls, a winery created in the image of an European estate, complete with vineyards, a carriage house, stables, formal gardens and an art gallery!

It’s a perfect relaxing outing for couples, families and groups for any occasion. You can let their staff guide you on a wine tasting exhibition that will allow you to try several of their award winning wines, or buy a glass and relax by the fireplace. Nothing goes better with wine than the Chateau Deli cuisine such as their Mediterranean platters, flatbread pizzas, charcuterie boards or their world class desserts.

A robust list of over 20 wine offerings is sure to please the palate. There are award winning wines that range from sweet to dry and an option for every palate. The Chateau takes pride in their locally grown wines, as well as wines made from West Coast grapes, including their Gold medal winning Chardonnay and Petite Syrah.

The true specialty at the Chateau would be their port dessert wines which are a must try, including “Ruby Port,” their white port “Jaune d Or” and the “15 Year Reserve Port.”

If wine isn’t on your mind, you can try their hard cider made with local apples that is served on tap every day of the week. In the fall and winter look for Mulled wine options that warm the heart. They also have local craft beers showcasing the best of the St. Croix River Valley.

Throughout the season are special events, including a Jazz Festival, Bluegrass Festival, Oktoberfest and New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. Speaking of special events, can you think of anything more romantic than a castle and horse-drawn carriage on your wedding day at the Chateau? They welcome other special celebrations or events, such as a retirement party or corporate event.

The winery is located at 1998 State Road 87 #A. For more information, call 715-483-2556 or visit online at chateaustcroix. com. ST. CROIX FALLS