TRAILS & MAPS for

Snowshoe in the St. Croix Valley

SNOWSHOE

The trails that hikers enjoy during the summer, snowshoers enjoy during the winter. From frozen cascades, to a fire and flask, you’ll enjoy winter-a-foot in the St. Croix Valley!

difficulty levels: Easy, intermediate, & advanced trails

INTERSTATE PARK–WI

12.5 MILES OF WINTER TRAILS.

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

PARK ADDRESS:

1275 State Highway 35
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
715-483-3747
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The 2.8 mile Skyline Trail is a groomed ski trail. Other trails are multi-use for hiking & snowshoe. A WI State Park Pass is required for all trails. WI Residents: $28 annual/$8 daily fee. Non Residents: $38 annual/$11 daily fee. (2020 rates. Subject to change per the WI-DNR. For a full list of rates, go here.)

For a full list of trails, go here.

difficulty levels: Easy, intermediate, & advanced trails

BALSAM BRANCH WILDLIFE AREA

10 MILES OF WINTER TRAILS

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Trailhead address:
120th Ave
Amery, WI 54001
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Balsam Branch Wildlife Area is a 180-acre property located in Polk County. The property consists of marsh, pond, prairie grass fields, stream bottom, upland and lowland forest.

Groomed for classic and skate-skiing, this 10-mile recreation trail crosses the D.D. Kennedy Environmental Area, the Garfield Recreation Area, and Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp. Parking and trail access are available at D.D. Kennedy Park and Garfield Recreation Area.

11 km of trails. 4 k lit.

Adjacent to DD Kennedy park.

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

STOWER SEVEN LAKES STATE TRAIL

14 MILES OF WINTER TRAILS

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE, FAT BIKE

Trailhead Address:


Osceola, WI 54020
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Built on a former railroad corridor, this 14-mile trail starts about one mile from Dresser, WI and  travels through the communities of Nye, Wanderoos, and Deronda, and Amery. The trail passes through maple and oak forests, wetlands, prairies and farmlands and past many picturesque lakes. The seven lakes from west to east are: Lotus, Horse, Dwight, Kinney, Bear Trap Lake, North Twin Lake and South Twin Lake.

The Stower Seven Lakes trail connects to the Cattail trail in Amery that continues to Turtle Lake and beyond. The Cattail Trail uses include hiking, biking, ATV/UTV and snowmobiling.

A State Trail pass is required for bicycling and cross-country skiing for users over the age of 16. Trail passes can be purchased at the Polk County Information Center, DNR stations,  various local businesses and certain gas stations. Pass purchases are also available at self-pay stations along the trail, or by calling the DNR at 888-936-7463 between the hours of 7 am – 10 am. Pass fees are  $25 annually/$5 daily.

Visit the WI-DNR website or the FRIENDS OF THE STOWER SEVEN LAKES TRAIL website for more information.

difficulty level: intermediate

WERT PRESERVE

450 ACRES

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE, FAT BIKE

Trailhead Address:
HWY 87/240th St
St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 54024
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Within the City of Trails lies 450 acres of protected woodland. Offering ski trails, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing/sanctuary. This land was preserved by the community of Saint Croix Falls, the Wert family, the West Wisconsin Land Trust, the Conservation Fund, the Ice Age Trail Foundation, and the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Fund. Located across the highway from the St. Croix Falls Lions Park.

Non -groomed.

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED TRAILS

WILLIAM O'BRIEN STATE PARK

17 WINTER TRAILS

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

PARK ADDRESS:

16821 O’Brien Trail North
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
651-539-4980
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7 Trails groomed and designated ski-only trails. For a list of individual trails, go here.

A MN State Park Pass is required for all trails. $35 annual/$7 daily fee. (2020 rates. Subject to change per the MN-DNR. For a full list of rates, go here.)

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY, INTERMEDIATE, & ADVANCED TRAILS

WILD RIVER STATE PARK

37+ mILES OF WINTER TRAILS

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

PARK ADDRESS:

39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012
651-583-2125
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About 14 miles of beginner trails, 16 miles of intermediate trails, and 3 miles of advanced trails await cross country skiers. Seventeen miles of trails are groomed for combined cross country and skate skiing. For a full list of individual trails, go here.

A MN State Park Pass is required for all trails. $35 annual/$7 daily fee. (2020 rates. Subject to change per the MN-DNR. For a full list of rates, go here.)

 
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

1,500 ACRES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Four areas are open to the public: Englewood, Tewksbury, Buffallo Skull, Brown. For full descriptions of all, go here.

Englewood is best suited for XC skiing.

This 1,100 acre area of deep, wooded ravines, rare native prairie, floodplain forest and wetlands was the largest single undeveloped parcel of land on the Lower St. Croix River when it was purchased by Standing Cedars in 1995. Home to a large stand of endangered kittentails, the land has been studied by naturalists who consider it to have potential as a “ark” to preserve rapidly-diminishing prairie species. Specific areas to visit are included below:

The old Engelwood Ski Area, which was in operation during the 1950s and 60s, is a great place to hike. Located on the southern portion of the property, you can still see many of the old ski runs (look for the remains of the rope tows). The views from the tops of these hills are spectacular. A path cuts through the old ski area to the river.

There is an interesting spring just to the south of the path along the river – the water bubbles up through the sand.

Just north of the ski area, at the eastern edge of the property, is a hillside prairie that contains a remarkable variety of prairie plants and grasses.

In the maple Basswood ecosystem at the north end of the property there is a former road that now serves as a trail toward the river. This is a fun trail for cross-country skiing with beautiful views of the St. Croix Valley.

Trailhead address:

215 280th St.
Osceola, WI 54020
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A secondary lot is at: 189 280th Street

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

dEER LAKE CONSERVANCY

120 aCRES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Deer Lake is located in western Wisconsin, five miles east of the beautiful and historic St. Croix River Valley. Between the lake and the river are many large gorges in the rocks, left by glaciers over 12,000 years ago.These gorges, many over 100 feet deep, are called dalles. The lake is spring fed both internally and externally and covers over 840 acres with a maximum depth of 46 feet. A small dam at the east end of the lake helps assure a near constant water level.

The interesting and colorful trees lining the shoreline include towering evergreens and oaks.

The purpose of the organization is the preservation of Deer Lake and the surrounding land that contributes to the natural, recreational and productive value of the lake.

Three areas are open to the public: Rock Creek, Dry Creek, and Flagstad Farms. For more information on the individual areas, go here.

Trailhead address:

Rock Creek & Dry Creek
Off 140th Ave, north of Deer Lake
St. Croix Falls, WI
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Flagstad Farms
Off Hwy 8, south of Deer Lake
St. Croix Falls, WI
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Photo © Deer Lake Conservancy

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

BROOKSIDE TRAILS AT SCHILLBERG PARK

.5 MILE LOOP + 2.6 MILE GROOMED FAT BIKE TRAIL

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE, FAT BIKE

Trailhead Address:

104 Oak Ridge Drive,
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020
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This trail starts behind the St. Croix Art Barn, and goes through Schillberg Park. Follow the loop through wooded areas, streams, and old campgrounds. Cross the wooden covered bridge over Brook Trout Stream on this .5 mile loop.

Fat bikes only on groomed bike trail. Visit the BROOKSIDE BIKE TRAILS AT SCHILLBERG PARK Facebook Page for more information.

Photo © C. Pratt

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY, INTERMEDIATE, & ADVANCED TRAILS

ICE AGE TRAILS – ST. CROIX FALLS SEGMENT

9 MILES OF ICE AGE TRAILS IN THE ST. CROIX FALLS SEGMENT

SKI, HIKE, SNOWSHOE

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail begins in St. Croix Falls, WI and traverses the entire state of WI stretching 1200 miles. The St. Croix Falls segment has a total of 9 miles, while the adjacent Gandy Dancer Segment spans 15 miles. Please note that some trails may be groomed for XC ski. Please use proper trail ettquette when encountering a groomed trail.

Recommended trail segments for snowshoeing include Horizon Rock, Skyline Nature Trail, Zillmer Trail, and the Indianhead Flowage Trail. For a full list of Ice Age Trail segments in the area, go here.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

sWEDISH IMMIGRANT TRAIL

22 mILES

HIKE, SNOWSHOE, FAT BIKE

 

Trailhead Address:

30269 Tern Avenue
Shafer, MN 55074
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The Swedish Immigrant trail is a hard surface, flat, muti-use trail connecting the city of Taylors Falls, MN to the city of Wyoming, MN. When complete, this trail will span 22 miles. The last portion of the trail, “segment H”, is scheduled to be completed in 2020. Non-groomed for fat biking.

Visit the CHISAGO COUNTY website for more information.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE

BRYANT WOODS

60 aCRES

HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Trailhead Address

Furuby Road/Hwy 20
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
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Bryant Woods, also known as Bryant Environmental School Laboratory, is a 60 acre park reserve owned by Chisago Lakes School District.  The 60 acre reserve features a half mile of rustic trails and rich natural resources.  The property includes basalt rock outcrops, mature forests, and an abundance of wildlife. Parking is limited.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

TAYLORS FALLS LIONS PARK

100 ACRES

HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Trailhead addresses:

NORTH
1751 Chisago St,
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
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SOUTH
Chisago St
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
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The Lions Park in Taylors Falls has a north and south access and sits on over 100 wooded acres. The Lions Park is located along the scenic St. Croix River and features a boat landing, canoe access, fishing, pavilions, picnic tables, grill posts, restrooms, playground equipment and a volleyball court. A .5 mile trail connects the north and south park.

River landing access is above the hydroelectric dam.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED

SCIENTIFIC NATURAL AREAS (SNA)

331 ACRES ACROSS 4 SNA’S

HIKE, SNOWSHOE, XC SKI

Four scientific natural areas exist along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Although SNA’s do not have maintained trails or recreational facilities, they are a great place to hike, birdwatch, and explore.

See the full list of rules for visiting an SNA.

The four Scientific Natural Ares are:

  • Franconia Bluffs
  • Lawrence Creek
  • Falls Creek
  • Crystal Spring
For full descriptions of all four, plus trailhead addresses, click the button below.
MN Interstate Railroad Trail
dificulty level: easy to intermediate

INTERSTATE STATE PARK-MN

5 mILES OF TRAILS

HIKING, SNOWSHOE

PARK ADDRESS:

NORTH ENTRANCE
256 Traprock St,
Taylors Falls, MN 55084

SOUTH ENTRANCE:
307 Milltown Road
Taylors Falls, MN 55084

651-465-5711

A MN State Park Pass is required for all trails. $35 annual/$7daily fee. (2020 rates. Subject to change per the MN DNR. For a full list of pass fees, go here.)

The visitors center and indoor interpretive center are located at the north entrance. Camping and canoe access are located at the south entrance.

Winter Use: Park trails are not maintained for winter conditions and may be icy. Snowshoeing is permitted; check with the park office for trail recommendations. The north parking lot is closed during winter.

Visit the MN-DNR website for more information.

For individual trail descriptions, go here.

difficulty level: easy

GANDY DANCER STATE TRAIL

98 mILE TRAIL FROM ST. CROIX FALLS, WI TO SUPERIOR, WI

HIKE, FAT BIKE, SNOWSHOE, SNOWMOBILE AND FROZEN GROUND ATV/UTV USE.

Trailhead address in St. Croix Falls:

Polk County Information Center
710 Highway 35 S,
Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin  54024
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The 98-mile recreation trail follows the railroad grade from St. Croix Falls north to Superior.  Recreational use on the Trail is divided by geographic location: south half and north half.

The south trail segment extends 47 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury, paralleling Hwy. 35 most of the distance.  This segment was surfaced with crushed limestone in 1995 and offers a smooth, hard surfaced trail with use limited to biking and hiking from April through November.

A State Trail pass is required of all bicyclists 16 years of age or older riding the Gandy Dancer Trail between St. Croix Falls and Danbury. Trail passes can be purchased at the Polk County Information Center, DNR stations,  various local businesses and certain gas stations. Pass purchases are also available at self-pay stations along the trail, or by calling the DNR at 888-936-7463 between the hours of 7 am – 10 am. Pass fees are  $25 annually/$5 daily.  A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Patron license will be honored as a bike pass.

Visit the WI-DNR website for more trail information.

Distances

Mileage between southern towns along the Gandy Dancer Trail are as follows.

 St. Croix Falls to Centuria 4.5 Miles
 Centuria to Milltown 6.2 Miles
 Milltown to Luck 3.7 Miles
 Luck to Frederic 6.1 Miles
 Frederic to Lewis 5.4 Miles
 Lewis to Siren 5.7 Miles
 Siren to Webster 6.6 Miles
 Webster to Danbury 8.9 Miles

 

difficulty level: easy

DD KENNEDY PARK

106 ACRE PARK PRESERE

HIKE, XC SKI,  SNOWSHOE

Trailhead Address:

1459 Kennedy Mill Ave
Amery, WI 54001
 

A 106-acre preserve along the Balsam Branch that flows through central Polk County. A prairie restoration area features native grasses and wildflowers. The park includes a dam, millpond, and well-maintained trails. It provides a variety of habitat for a good mix of birds. Fishing from a bridge and handicap accessible pier, interpretive hiking trails, a picnic area w/grills, shelter, and restrooms. 11 km of trails groomed for XC skiing.  Please use proper trail ettquette when encountering a groomed trail.

difficulty level: easy TO INTERMEDIATE

RIDGEVIEW TRAILS

3 MILES

HIKE, SNOWSHOE, XC SKI

Trailhead Address:

County Road S.
Osceola, WI 54020
 

Two loops make up the Ridgeview Trails: the Osceola Loop and the Chisago Loop. These trails are located north of Osceola along the St. Croix River, and can be accessed off County Road S. This area is part of the Osceola Bedrock Glades area.

For more information about these trails, click on the button below.

difficulty level: easy TO INTERMEDIATE

SIMENSTAD TRAIL

1 MILE LOOP

HIKE, SNOWSHOE

Trailhead address:

Downtown Osceola.
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Look for the Geiger Brewery ruins and climb the steps to the Picnic Bluff. Loop around for sweeping views of the St. Croix River. Be careful on cliff edges.