Eric and I camped in St. Croix State Park the weekend of June 28th, 2013. Located in Hinckley, MN, this park is only about 15 minutes off of I-35 in northern Minnesota.
Home of one of the biggest fires in Minnesota history, a tall fire tower is a great highlight of this park–of which is accessible for guests to climb. Located on the St. Croix River (which is a National Scenic Riverway) and within boundaries of the Kettle River, this state park offers endless possibilities of trails, both in the summer and winter months. We hiked many of their trails, and enjoyed kayaking down the river.
Recreational Opportunities
Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, wildlife observing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Wildlife
This park offers a wide range of wildlife, including deer, fox, raccoons, beavers, black bears, coyotes, and (though uncommon to see) eastern timber wolves. Birds are also abundant in the parks, including owls, eagles, osprey, flycatchers and warblers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Prior to our arrival at the Park, we stopped at the Hinckley Fire Museum, and learned about the town and Park’s extraordinary history. It’s so amazing how this thriving logging town bounced back after flames over four miles high leveled nearly a quarter million acres in just four hours in 1894.
After we checked in around 4:00pm, we set up our tent in the Old Logging Trail Campground, set out our chairs, and got comfy. Our camping trips usually tend to have a laid-back first day, especially if our arrival time is in the afternoon. We had Spaghetti-O’s for dinner, with s’mores for dessert.
Day 2: Breakfast consisted of eggs and toast. Our only full-day in St. Croix State Park, we took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Park’s fire tower, an experience not all Minnesota State Parks offer.
After climbing to the top of the fire tower, we decided to go hiking along the St. Croix River. We switched between the River’s Edge Trail and River Bluff Trail. Both trails are among the 127 miles of hiking trails within the Park. With amazing views along the way, both trails are great for beginner hikers looking for beautiful scenery.
We had deli turkey and cheese for lunch. Dinner comprised of our beloved foil packet dinners, first introduced by family friends at Lake Carlos State Park years back. Being delicious and easy to make, we have variations of these hobo meals almost every time we go camping.
Day 3: We had delicious eggs and bananas for breakfast. After breakfast, we took a long walk on the paved trails before heading home for the weekend. There are 5.5 miles of paved trails, which are located in the middle of the park, and can be used by either hikers or bikers.
FUTURE PLANS
There are just so many miles of trails, we definitely want to explore more! I feel like we saw a lot in the hours we were hiking, yet barely made a dent. We also would love to take a bike ride from the campground to the beach, following the park’s 5.5 mile paved bike trail.
Eric is hoping we can make it to St. Croix State Park in the winter so he can bring his snowmobile out, since there are trails which connect to Chengwatana and St. Croix State Forests. St. Croix State Park also offers some great snowshoeing through the woods, and we’re new at cross-country skiing so, with 11 miles of groomed trails, this park offers the perfect trail system for us to perfect those skills.
Cost Breakdown
Park Entrance Fee: $5 (though we purchased an annual pass for $25)
Tent Camping: $23/night
Food: $26 (total)
- Spaghetti-Os: $1
- S’Mores: $6 for all items
- Eggs: $2/carton
- Toast: $2/loaf of bread
- Deli turkey: $3
- Cheese: $2
- Foil packet meal: $9 for all items
- Bananas: $1 for two
- Water: FREE (we use refillable water bottles)
Gear Brought
- 4 person tent
- Sleeping bags & pillows
- 2 burner camping stove & fuel
- Mess kit
- Hot dog and marshmallow roasting sticks
- Hiking boots & flip flops (for around the site)
- Base layer to wear as pajamas
- Lightweight capri pants
- Lightweight/breathable tops
- More packing tips from the MN DNR
Misc. Info
Year Established: 1943
Distance from Minneapolis: 101 miles
Temperature: High of 73* | Low of 59*
