St. Croix County

St. Croix County Attractions

Located on the northwestern border of the state, St. Croix County is a great place to start or end a trip through Wisconsin's vacationland. The last glacier reached into St. Croix County creating a unique and stunning landscape. The northern portion of the county has steep ridges, deep valleys and rolling countryside dotted with lakes, wetlands, woods, winding roads and picturesque farms and homes; while the southern part of the county has gently sloping hills with fast-flowing trout streams, pastoral settings and quaint communities.

Occupied by Native American Indians for more than a millennium, when it was discovered by Europeans in the 16th century, St. Croix County was covered by dense pine forests full of game and fur-bearing animals. The area was dotted with glacial lakes and ponds; latticed with rushing streams abundant with fish: and, bordered by the St. Croix River, part of the ancient Brule-St. Croix Mississippi River Route linking Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico.

The abundance of fur-bearing animals and the availability of transportation north to French Canada and south to French Louisiana attracted French fur traders who established a flourishing business with the resident natives.

Wrested from the French by the British in the 18th century French and Indian War, the United States government did not secure its claim to this territory until the 1830's. In 1840, fur trading partners Louis Massey and Peter Buchea settled in St. Croix County at a place they named Willow River. In 1846 a New England sea captain and a Maine lumberman laid claim to the richly endowed Willow River Valley timberland, dammed the mouth of the river and built a sawmill on the north bank. In 1848, Joel Foster renamed the settlement Buena Vista (Beautiful View) and in 1852, the town's first mayor, A.D. Gray, changed it's name to Hudson because the St. Croix reminded him of New York's Hudson River.

In the 1850's and 60's Hudson grew rapidly as a steamboat and lumber center. By 1855, Hudson was a booming town, with seven sawmills, churches, steamboat docks, hotels, a stagecoach terminal, blacksmith shops, banks, livery stables, freight hauling and lumber transportation companies. Lumbering continued to be the county's leading industry until the end of the 19th century. Many of the men who worked in the forests also farmed the land. As the timberland was depleted, many lumberjack/farmers remained to clear and farm the logged-over land. The availability of relatively low cost land also attracted overseas immigrant farmers and their families to the area. Agricultural development, first wheat, then dairying, grew significantly through the turn of the century, giving vitality to Hudson as important commercial and service center for the county's farming community.

The arrival of railroads in 1872 signaled the beginning of the end of Hudson's thriving stagecoach, wagon and riverboat businesses. By the early 20th century, steam-powered iron horses had effectively eliminated both steamboats and horse-drawn stage lines. For 85 years, Hudson was a major railroad hub, providing transportation to the Twin Cities and northern plain states. North Hudson's car construction and repair shops were in operation from 1890 through 1957.

St. Croix County's many museums and historic sites mark and preserve the area's historic heritage. Throughout the county visitors will find magnificent 19th century mansions, log homes, inns, shops and commercial buildings fully restored. Many are used today as they were more than 100 years ago.

The stunningly beautiful St. Croix River which forms the County's western boundary is one of eight original rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River System established in 1968 to restore and maintain these special resources in near primitive condition. Camping is available at three fabulous parks: Willow River State Park; the Eau Galle Federal Recreation Area, the location of the world's largest earthen dam; and, Glen Hills County Park.

St. Croix County's rivers are a treasury of fun and excitement! Trout fishing is available on a fifteen-mile Class I segment of the Kinnickinnic River and more than 40 miles of Class II streams throughout the county. Tubing the wild waters of the Apple River; canoeing the upper reaches of the St. Croix; sailing, water skiing and pleasure boating on the lower St. Croix; and Bass fishing on the Willow are just some of the fun water activities possible in St. Croix County. The County's streams, lakes and ponds also serve-up great catches of Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Large and Small Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Perch, Bullhead, Catfish and Sturgeon.

Outdoor lovers enjoy the County's abundant recreational opportunities, including year-round camping, tubing, golfing, miniature golf, waterslides, beaches, picnic areas, riding stables, hunting, fishing, shooting tournaments, canoeing, cycling, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow tubing - four full seasons of fun !

St. Croix County also offers a variety of spectator sports and family fun events: stock car racing at Cedar Lake Speedway; cheese factory tours at Bass Lake and Cady; farmers' markets in Baldwin, Hudson, New Richmond and River Falls; exploring Indian Mounds and beautiful views of the St. Croix from the highlands at Birkmose Park; hot-air ballooning; apple orchards; plays; concerts; art fairs; craft shows; walking tours and more.

The county's many antique dealers, collectible, gift and specialty stores invite browsers to explore their inventory of historic and recent one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime acquisitions. Local, regional and nationally known art and craft works are also available in area galleries.

St. Croix County cafes, restaurants, supper clubs, taverns, inns, resort and motel dining rooms, and fast food outlets offer a variety of menus served in settings ranging from tables under the stars to candlelit continental elegance. Whether you crave a pub burger and fries, authentic Italian, steaks, chops, ribs, fresh-caught trout almondine or exquisite continental cuisine you will find it done just the way you like it, served in style by people who enjoy pleasing your palate.

St. Croix County visitors also enjoy a wide range of lodging accommodations including walk-in tent sites, full service RV Parks and Resorts, housekeeping cottages for two or two families, luxurious and historic bed and breakfast inns, romantic woodland hideaways, and historic waterfront hotels.

Featuring four seasons of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun, St. Croix County on the northwestern border of the state is a great place to begin or end a wonderful Wisconsin vacation!

Museums and Historic Sites back to top

New Richmond Heritage Center
State Hwy. 65, South of Richmond
715-246-3276
Owned and operated by the New Richmond Preservation Society, the Heritage Center, located on a 19th century farmstead saved from demolition in 1982, features seven historic buildings. Among them are the 1884 Marcus Sears Bell Farmhouse, a magnificent example of Italianate architecture, along with the farm's 1916 Barn and Granary, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historic buildings include the Camp Nine School, built in 1902 near Glenwood City and Number Nine logging camp, now used as a living history classroom for elementary students and special summer program participants; the Ubet Store, an old-time general store built in Ubet, Wisconsin in 1933; the Norwegian Cabin log home built by immigrants in 1887; a Log Blacksmith Shop; and, the Northside House, built in 1890, in the style favored by New Richmond's northside Scandinavian families. All of the buildings feature displays and exhibits of historic artifacts. The Heritage Center is open Mon.- Fri. from 10:00 am. - 4:00 pm. year-round; and, Sat.- Sun. from 11:00 am. -4:00 pm. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Historic Hudson & North Hudson
715-386-8411
In the 1980's, when Richard C. La Rowe surveyed the architectural and historical resources in Hudson and North Hudson, he identified four distinct historic districts representing residential, commercial and industrial development, three of which were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Sixth Street Historic District
Hudson
This district lies between Vine and Myrtle Streets and includes 12 houses built 1860-1925, all but one of which stand on the east side of the street. This district developed as an upper class residential area where successful business people built homes adjacent to a school. Architectural styles range from mid-19th century Greek Revival through early 20th century Craftsman. One of two outstanding structures, the 1885 David C. Fulton House, an eclectic structure including Gothic, Queen Anne, and Italian Villa elements is located at 904 Sixth Street. The other key structure, the 1883 Franklin D. Hardin House, located at 802 Sixth Street, is an Italianate structure utilizing high quality local millwork.

Third Street-Vine Street District
Hudson
The Third Street - Vine Street District is mainly residential and similar to the Sixth Street District in chronology and variety of architectural styles, but larger. Described in the National Register nomination as "an assemblage of Hudson's most noteworthy examples of architectural styles, this district includes the Moffat Octagon House, located at 1004 Third Street, the Italianate John Coit Spooner House at 915 Third Street, and the Old St. Croix County Courthouse, a massive Richardson Romanesque structure built in 1900.

Second Street Commercial District
Hudson
The older commercial district in Hudson dates from rebuilding in the early 20th century following a devastating fire in 1866. Its 21 historic buildings are primarily 2-story brick, stone and cast iron trim construction. The Opera Hall Block at 516 Second St. and the old First National Bank Building at 427-429 Second St., and Music Hall, 512 Second St., have all undergone reconstruction to restore and retain their 19th century architectural features.

The Chicago-St. Paul / Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Car Shop Historic District
North Hudson
Added to the National Register of Historic Places because of the railroads' - and their shops' - important contribution to the area's economy over three-quarters of a century, the thirteen red brick railroad repair and construction buildings located here are architecturally representative of industrial structures at the turn of the 20th century. Built in 1890-1916, these buildings include: a wood machine shop, blacksmith and iron machine shop, freight car shop, passenger car shop, paint and tin shop, upholstery shop, dry kiln, and hand car repair shop. This district is located between Gallahad Rd. and 4th St. North in North Hudson.

Parks & Nature Centers back to top

Kinnickinnic State Park
Cty. Hwy F, Pierce County
Just a few miles south of the Pierce/St. Croix County line, where the Kinnickinnic and St. Croix Rivers meet, 1,067-acre Kinnickinnic State Park is one of the state's most unusual parks. Designed primarily for boaters and watercraft camping, the park uses a large sand delta where the cold waters of the Kinnickinnic and the warm waters of the St. Croix combine to serve-up a bountiful mix of cold- and warm-water game fish. Boaters can leave their craft at the sand delta to enjoy the nearly one mile of sand beach, swim in the river and hike the woodlands and prairies. Tent sites are available. Access from County F makes the park available for hiking, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing in wintertime and for viewing the abundance of wildlife found in the wild gorge and elsewhere in the park.

Eau Galle Recreation Area
Cty. Hwy. NN & 12th Ave., Spring Valley
715-246-7784
This 750-acre federal recreation area has it all; sumptuous forest, the sparkling Eau Galle Reservoir, camping, boating, fishing, cycling and equestrian trails, a nature center, picnic tables and grills, picnic shelter, children's playground, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trails; and a scenic overlook. Located in southeastern St. Croix County along Pierce/St. Croix Rd.

Willow River State Park
Cty. Hwy. A, Hudson
715-684-2914
This 2,800-acre state park, located about one mile northeast of North Hudson along the beautiful Willow River, offers spectacular scenery, primitive and electric campsites, boating, canoeing, fishing, a nature center, grills and picnic tables, picnic shelter, children's playground, a swimming beach, hiking and cross-country ski trails.

Glen Hills County Park
1049 Rustic Road # 3, Glenwood City
715-265-4613
Glen Hills County Park provides primitive and electric campsites, boating, fishing, picnic tables and grills, picnic shelter, children's playground, a scenic overlook, swimming beach, hiking and cross-country ski trails.

Special Things To Do back to top

Phipps Center for the Arts
Hudson
715-386-2305
Opened in 1983, the Phipps Center for the Arts is devoted to the continued pursuit and development of the performing and visual arts. The Center offers stage productions, concerts and exhibitions for regional participants and patrons along with educational programs for all ages and skill levels.

Tubing the Apple River
Somerset, St. Croix County
715-247-3366
For fun and relaxation, nothing beats floating along the gentle, tree-lined Apple River. Local outfitters provide everything you and your family need for a great day on the water, from picnic lunches on the bank to shuttle service to and from your car.

Champions of the Faith Golf Tourney
Somerset, WI, June 20th, 2003
Fundraiser for non-profit Oasis World Ministries, reaching out to third world countries building churches and wells. Held at beautiful St. Croix National Course, Somerset, Wisconsin hosted by boxing legend Scott LeDoux and scheduled guest Greg Coleman of Minnesota Vikings fame.

Farmers' Markets

Enjoy farm fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, syrups, and more. In season, gardeners will find a variety of bedding plants, annuals and perennials. Non-gardeners will find fresh cut flowers and vegetables. Amidst the food, fun and flowers market-goers may also find unusual art and craft items, music and entertaining street performers. Markets are held spring through fall at the New Richmond Heritage Center on Saturday mornings, and also in Baldwin, Hudson and River Falls.