St. Croix River Paddle Family Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Share a fun-filled camping experience with your family along the beautiful and historic St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Paddle 24-foot North canoes down the easy-flowing water, viewing ancient petroglyphs on the cliffs along the way. Close to the Twin Cities, the river is a great location for a weekend family getaway. Relax and enjoy games and activities on the banks of the St. Croix, covered with pine, balsam, and birch, that offer respite from the warm sun. This is a great vacation for those who want a scenic, easygoing getaway with the family. The St. Croix offers something for everyone.
On our family trips, youth travel at 25% less than adults. Youth fee discounts will be reflected upon booking your trip reservation.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy campfire meals & snacks prepared together
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Depart Interstate State Park and begin your paddle down the St. Croix.
Meet at William O’Brien State Park in the morning and travel together with your group to your St. Croix River entry point at Interstate State Park – Minnesota. After a group orientation, unload gear, repack into Duluth packs, and get to know your surroundings as you embark down river amongst large basalt walls, carved into a canyon by ancient glacial meltwaters. Settle into your first campsite among towering white pines and spruce trees.
Day 2 – Search for bald eagles and great blue herons as you paddle to Osceola Landing.
Rise to the aroma of coffee and breakfast before breaking camp and traveling downstream. Be on the lookout for bald eagles that grace the trees and sky. Great Blue Herons wade silently near the shoreline and Peregrine Falcons watch as we progress down the river. Take a break from paddling to stop for lunch and go for a swim. Arrive at your campsite near Osceola Landing. Set up camp, enjoy dinner and a fire under the stars, right on the banks of the river.
Day 3 – Enjoy one last morning paddle and say farewell to your trip mates.
Paddle to your take-out point at William O’Brien State Park. Look for wintergreen and wildflowers. Eat one last lunch together before packing for the trip home. The trip officially ends in the mid afternoon.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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