Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Lazy Water

St. Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin

St. Croix River

St. Croix River    Photographer: Courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism

For 104 miles, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway serves as the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line, offering a paddlers' paradise. The 30-mile stretch between Thayers Landing and Highway 70 affords the best mix of white- and flatwater. Campsites are spread evenly—shoot for one of the five sites near the midway spot, Norway Point—and a series of straightforward rapids make it suitable for a self-guided tour. Bring beer and a smallmouth-bass-fishing setup. Wild River Outfitters, near the take-out in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, will handle the rest.

EXPENSE REPORT
Burgers and root beer at the Drive In (651-465-7831), in Taylor Falls: $16. Canoe rental and shuttle (wildriverpaddling.com): $110. Camp groceries for two: $40. Post-float walleye and drinks on the riverside deck at Dock Café, in Stillwater, Minnesota (dockcafe.com): $65. Total: $231.

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