Canoeing and Kayaking the St. Croix River

Governor Knowles State Forest lies adjacent to the St. Croix River, part of the National Scenic Riverway system.

Thousands of water enthusiasts flock to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway each year, taking advantage of its beauty and resources. The St. Croix River winds its way through a wild and scenic countryside from its origin in a spruce-tamarack swamp near Upper St. Croix Lake. The river system varies from swift and rocky whitewater to placid flowages.

There are no access points to the river from Governor Knowles State Forest, however, several access points are administered by the National Park Service along St. Croix National Scenic Riverway lands. Primitive river campsites managed by the National Park Service can be found along the shore and on many islands.

For maps and detailed information about St. Croix River trips, please see the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway website [exit DNR].