BOATING
Relax on a scenic tour aboard a majestic riverboat with a giant paddle wheel, or rip it up with some intense powersports. From fast rivers to backwater calm, we have the water for your choice of boats.
Boating on the St. Croix River
Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty that borders our neighboring Minnesota and Wisconsin towns in the St. Croix Valley.
- Near the twin towns of St. Croix Falls, WI and Taylors Falls, MN you will find a deep gorge of basaltic rock that formed thousands of years ago and features vertical cliffs and spectacular potholes making the scenery a must see.
- The St. Croix Falls hydroelectric dam divides the access to the river. Paddlers can continue by means of a strenuous 1.5 mile portage around the hydroelectric dam.
- Because of the dam, there is a a ten-mile reservoir north of St. Croix Falls beginning at Nevers Dam landing, making the river much slower and broader. This depth of water invites more motorboat traffic in this area.
- Paddle boats offer another way to see the St. Croix River.
Find Your Lake
Whether pontooning, canoeing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, kayaking or enjoying the taste of the fresh-caught fish, your time spent on the water is worthwhile.
The area is literally riddled with lakes and streams, all of which offer anglers a good shot at the freshwater fish they crave. Our area lakes typically keep hooks busy with crappie, northern and bluegill, but may surprise you with walleye, largemouth bass or sunfish. If you’re looking for a bass lake, try Balsam Lake in WI. The largemouth are in abundance while northern and panfish are also common. If you’re willing to work for it, you may snag a walleye. You won’t get bored; Chisago County and Polk County combine to host over 400 lakes and streams.
Grab fishing licenses, live bait, tackle, rods, reels, nets, and maybe even chat up some tips from the locals while you’re out and about.
TAKE IN THE SIGHTS
PADDLE BOAT ON THE ST. CROIX
Since 1906 tourists by the thousands have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the world famous Dalles of the St. Croix River by excursion boat. Our fleet of excursion boats includes the Taylors Falls Queen and the Taylors Falls Princess. The “Princess” can carry up to 250 passengers with The “Queen” holding up to 149. Both boats are enclosed on the lower level with the upper deck being open.
Daily Excursions are either 45 or 80 minutes. The licensed boat pilot and tour guide will point out the unique rock formations that were left behind as the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. Among the most outstanding formations is the huge stone cross for which the St. Croix River was named. “St. Croix” means Holy Cross.
Other sites that can be seen from the boats include the world’s largest glacial kettles or “potholes”, Lion’s Head, Turk’s Head and the highlight of the boat tour, The Old Man of the Dalles – the most outstanding natural rock face you’ll ever see.