Wild River State Park is located in the Heartland region of central Minnesota near Taylors Falls.

How to Get to Wild River State Park:  Drive 10 miles north from Taylors Falls on Highway 95 to the park entrance.

Park Highlights:

• This 6,803-acre park is located along a stretch of the St. Croix River that is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
• White pine loggers once harvested many trees here. The remains of Historic Nevers Dam, built in 1890 for use by loggers in the area, can still be seen.

Wild River State Park’s Natural Attractions: This remote and beautiful stretch of the St. Croix River attracts canoers and kayakers. Fishing the river may yield northern pike, walleye, and bass. The combination of forest and prairie creates habitat for deer, fox, hawks, eagles, songbirds, and more.

Things to Do in Wild River State Park: Naturalist programs and interpretive exhibits are available year-round. The park staff offers geocaching tips; you can borrow a geocaching unit if you don’t have your own. The Visitor Center has a large deck that is perfect for enjoying views of the river valley. 

Trails within the park include 35 miles of hiking trails; 2.7 miles are self-guided trails. Hike Trillium Trail where, as you might guess, you will see an abundance of wildflowers. There are also 18 miles of horse trails and 2.6 miles of paved trails for biking and rollerblading. In winter, 30 miles of trails are groomed for cross-country and skate skiing. Six miles of trails are packed for winter hiking. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere, except on groomed trails. A wood-stove heated warming house is available.

Camping in Wild River State Park: There are 94 drive-in sites for tents and RVs; 34 of these sites have electrical hookups. Additionally, there are 7 backpack sites, 4 canoe sites, and a horse camp with 20 sites. A group camp has 9 sites that each accommodates up to 18 people. Other lodging includes 6 year-round camper cabins that each sleep 5 or 6 people, and a two-bedroom modern guest house. Call the park for details and prices. 

More Attractions in This Region: Visit Taylors Falls and spend some time at Interstate State Park or take a paddlewheel boat cruise on the river. Wild Mountain Recreation Area is also nearby. In summer, enjoy the water park, Alpine Slide, Go-Karts, and more. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.  

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota:  Interstate State Park > William O’Brien State Park

Contact

39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012

Phone: 651-583-2125 Park Naturalist: 651-583-2925

Email: wildriver.statepark@state.mn.us

Other Pages You May Like:

Voyageurs National Park

Boundary Waters Minnesota Vacation

Minnesota National Parks and Forests


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