Story by : Maren Dale
Imagine an evening stroll along tree-lined streets, a bike ride with the family through a nearby state park, or a canoe trip down the river. It’s just a typical summer day of almost limitless recreation opportunities in beautiful Stillwater.
Considering the cold northern winters, it's not surprising that winter sports and recreation are a top priority for many Minnesotans. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, or thinking of learning, Stillwater is the place to be. Both downhill and cross-country skiers are catered to with some of the best trails and slopes in the area. Cross-country enthusiasts love William O’Brien State Park, located just north of Stillwater. At William O’Brien, you’ll find 12 miles of groomed trails ranging from easy to difficult, for cross-country skiing and skate skiing. Snowshoers are welcome, but are asked to stay off the groomed ski trails. Nearby Afton State Park has 18 miles of cross-country ski trails, 4 miles of snowshoe trails and a sliding hill. At Wild River State Park, discover 35 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 1.5 miles of packed snowshoe trails. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available, and a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required. Call (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367 for more information and to obtain this pass.
Looking for some good old-fashioned family fun? Just hike to Chillicoot Hill in downtown Stillwater for some sledding. Or, if you are the type of hearty soul who enjoys ice fishing, you’ll find plenty of fish like walleyes, sunnies, crappies, bass and northern pike--biting beneath the frozen ice on the St. Croix River. Snowmobile trails linking Minnesota and Wisconsin are also available for those wanting to tour the area with high-powered speed. The annual Eagle Watch bird count is a Stillwater tradition signaling the end of winter. When the snow melts, it’s time for an adventure down the St. Croix River. Canoeing is one of the most popular ways to spend a summer day in Stillwater, and with good reason.You’ll enjoy the natural beauty on both shores as you paddle quickly or float effortlessly downstream. Pack a lunch and plan to stop along the banks for a rest or a swim. There are canoe and kayak rentals available with pick-up and drop-off service.
If golf is your bag, you’ll find plenty of challenging courses in the area. Stillwater can accommodate almost any golfing request. If biking is on the agenda, you’re in luck. Stillwater has some of the most ridable terrain and best paths in the area. When you get off your bike, you can hike through any of the beautiful, wooded area state parks. All three area state parks offer tent camping. Ever dreamed of floating up, up and away in a beautiful balloon? You can make that dream come true in Stillwater. There are more hot air balloon flights arranged in Stillwater than almost anywhere in the country. And great fishing can be had not only in the river, but also at Square Lake. Try both and see what you reel in. For more information on recreational activities in Stillwater, go to www.stillwatertraveler.com or contact the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce at (651) 439-4001.
The St. Croix Riverway
Back in the 18th and 19th century, Lakota and Ojibwa tribes relied on the St. Croix River as a source of food and transportation. When the fur traders came, they canoed the river as well, carrying their pelts. Later, the lumber barons made their riches by using the river for transporting logs. Although residents no longer rely on the river for their basic needs, the St. Croix is just as important to the area today. Since those early times, it has evolved into a haven for fisherman, recreational paddlers, boaters and those who like to hike the shores and enjoy the river’s natural beauty. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches over 150 miles as the boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota and is the only river in the world that is protected along its entire length. The St. Croix is famous as one of the finest smallmouth bass fisheries in the world. There are also other fish like walleye, muskie, northern pike and pan fish. Large sturgeon and catfish have also been caught around the river’s islands and sandbars. On the scenic north end of the St. Croix, the river is surrounded by rugged peaks, and is shallow and narrow with some rapids, making it ideal forcanoeing. Further down, the river broadens and can better accommodate largerboats. If you’d like to relax, enjoy some fine dining and make your way down the river in style, why not take a riverboat ride? Andiamo is one company that offers four riverboats and hosts over 25,000 passengers each summer.
State Parks on the St. Croix
 Just 12 miles north of Stillwater on County Highway 95, are the wooded hills of William O’Brien State Park. As you explore the park and venture down to the St. Croix River, you’ll discover firsthand the unique geography of the area. The St. Croix was formed millions of years ago by huge glaciers which cut through the soft sandstone, leaving the river and boulder-strewn valley in its wake. Scenic trails beckon hikers, while the river itself lures fisherman, canoeists and swimmers. In winter, you can enjoy the park by snowshoeing, skiing and even camping. Interstate State Park, located in Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota, is also situated on the banks of the St. Croix. Here you can canoe, fish, camp, and rock climb on the sandstone outcroppings. During the summer, you can take a guided tour of the glacial potholes, a landmark of the park, and learn more about the natural history of the area. Further north is Wild River State Park, located along 18 miles of the St. Croix River. Pack up your gear, because here you can enjoy camping any way you like it – semi-modern camping , group camping, backpacking, canoe camping and walk-in camping. Choose from a horseback ride, canoe trip, or hike on the 35-mile trail system.
With so many recreational options available, get outdoors!
|
