St Croix River Properties For Sale (65 Real Estate Listings)
As of September 25, 2023 there are 65 active St Croix River listings for sale with an average listing price of $686,232. The highest-priced waterfront listing is $2,875,000, while the lowest priced waterfront listing can be purchased for $6,500. St Croix River listings have an average price of $436 per square foot, based on listings with an average of 2.9 bedrooms, 2.8 bathrooms, and 1,574 square feet of living space.
St. Croix River Real Estate - Homes, Cabins & River Lots
The St. Croix River, located in the Upper Midwest of the United States, is a stunning waterway that meanders through the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin and Minnesota. This pristine river is not only a recreational paradise but also a protected National Wild and Scenic Riverway, known for its pristine waters, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife. In this article, we will delve into the geographical features, recreational opportunities, ecological significance, and conservation efforts of the St. Croix River.
Geographical Features:
- The St. Croix River spans approximately 169 miles, forming a natural border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- It originates in Upper St. Croix Lake in Wisconsin and flows into the Mississippi River near Prescott, Wisconsin.
- The river's watershed covers over 7,500 square miles, including forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands.
- The river features a mix of calm stretches, rapids, and rocky cliffs, providing diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Recreational Opportunities:
- The St. Croix River is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
- Its calm stretches are perfect for leisurely paddling, while its rapids offer exciting challenges for whitewater enthusiasts.
- The river is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, including walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish, and muskellunge.
- Numerous public access points, campgrounds, and picnic areas along the river provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
- Scenic cruises, guided tours, and camping trips are popular ways to explore the beauty of the river and its surrounding landscapes.
Ecological Significance:
- The St. Croix River is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including endangered and threatened species.
- The river and its surrounding forests provide crucial habitat for migratory birds, such as bald eagles, osprey, and waterfowl species.
- The river's clean and clear waters support a variety of fish species, which in turn sustain the river's wildlife populations.
- The river's protected status as a National Wild and Scenic Riverway helps to maintain its ecological integrity and preserve its pristine waters and natural landscapes.
Conservation Efforts:
- The St. Croix River is protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which aims to preserve the river's free-flowing condition, scenic beauty, and outstanding values.
- The St. Croix River Association, a non-profit organization, works to protect and restore the river's water quality, shorelines, and wildlife habitat through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
- State and local agencies, such as the National Park Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, also play a vital role in managing and conserving the river's resources and recreational opportunities.
- Efforts are ongoing to prevent pollution, control invasive species, manage recreational use, and promote responsible stewardship of the river among its visitors and surrounding communities.
St. Croix River Valley Communities
St. Croix River Real Estate - Minnesota
Stillwater, MN Waterfront Real Estate - Located at the northern end of the St. Croix River, Stillwater is a charming river town known for its historic downtown district, unique boutiques, and scenic riverfront parks.
Taylors Falls, MN Riverfront Real Estate - A small town located about 20 miles north of Stillwater, Taylors Falls is known for its picturesque natural beauty, including towering cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and a scenic riverboat cruise along the St. Croix.
Hastings, MN Waterfront Properties - Located at the southern end of the St. Croix River, Hastings is a historic city with a vibrant downtown district, featuring unique shops, restaurants, and riverfront parks.
Afton, MN St. Croix River Properties - A quaint town located along the eastern shore of the St. Croix River, Afton is known for its charming downtown district, scenic riverfront parks, and rolling hillsides.
Bayport Waterfront Properties - Located just south of Stillwater, Minnesota, Bayport is a small Wisconsin community on the banks of the St. Croix River. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking on the nearby St. Croix Trail or spend a day boating, fishing, or kayaking on the river.
Marine on St. Croix - A small village located on the eastern shore of the St. Croix River, Marine on St. Croix is known for its historic architecture, scenic riverfront parks, and abundant recreational opportunities.
St. Croix River Real Estate - Wisconsin
Hudson, WI Waterfront Real Estate - Located on the western shore of the St. Croix River, Hudson is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. The city features a historic downtown district, numerous parks and trails, and a thriving arts and cultural scene.
Prescott, WI Riverfront Properties - Situated at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, Prescott is a charming river town with a rich history and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the city's historic downtown, stroll along the riverfront, or enjoy a variety of water-based activities.
St. Croix Falls River Properties - Located in northwestern Wisconsin, St. Croix Falls is a scenic community situated on the banks of the St. Croix River. Visitors can explore the city's historic downtown, visit nearby state parks, or enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Somerset, WI Riverfront Properties - A small Wisconsin town located just across the river from Stillwater, Minnesota, Somerset offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can relax on the riverfront, explore the local parks and trails, or take a scenic drive along the St. Croix River Valley.
New Richmond, WI River Properties - Located just east of the St. Croix River, New Richmond is a bustling city with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can also explore the nearby Willow River State Park or take a scenic drive along the river.
Final Thoughts:
The St. Croix River is a natural treasure that offers unparalleled beauty, recreational opportunities, and ecological significance. Its protected status as a National Wild and Scenic Riverway ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its pristine waters, scenic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, the St. Croix River is a destination that will captivate and inspire you with its serenity and splendor.
The St. Croix River - Minnesota & Wisconsin
The St. Croix River has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. This beautiful and scenic river flows for over 160 miles from its headwaters in northern Wisconsin to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Prescott, Wisconsin. Let's take a closer look at the history of the St. Croix River.
Indigenous Peoples and Early Explorers
For thousands of years, the St. Croix River was home to various indigenous peoples who hunted, fished, and traded along its banks. The Dakota and Ojibwe nations were among the most prominent groups in the region, and they used the river for transportation and as a source of food and water.
In the late 17th century, European explorers and fur traders began to arrive in the region. The French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to set foot in what is now Wisconsin, and he likely traveled up the St. Croix River in the 1630s. Later explorers, such as Jonathan Carver and Zebulon Pike, also traveled up the river to trade with indigenous peoples and explore the region.
Logging Era
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the St. Croix River became an important center of the logging industry. White pine and other valuable timber were harvested from the forests along the river and floated downstream to sawmills in St. Croix Falls and other towns along the river.
The logging era led to significant changes in the ecology of the river and its surrounding forests. Many of the old-growth forests were destroyed, and the river became increasingly polluted as logging camps and sawmills discharged waste into the water.
Conservation and Protection
In the early 20th century, conservationists began to recognize the ecological importance of the St. Croix River and its surrounding forests. In 1915, the first state park in Wisconsin was established at Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls. This park, along with several others along the river, helped to protect the remaining forests and wildlife habitats in the region.
In the 1960s, plans were made to build a hydroelectric dam on the St. Croix River at the town of Stillwater, Minnesota. This proposal was met with opposition from conservationists and concerned citizens, who argued that the dam would harm the ecology of the river and destroy important historical and cultural sites. The fight to preserve the St. Croix River culminated in 1968, when the river was designated a National Wild and Scenic River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This designation ensured that the river and its surrounding forests would be protected for future generations.
Today, the St. Croix River is a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the river's many parks and trails, visit historic sites such as the Stillwater Lift Bridge, and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique and important waterway.
Ecological Restoration
Since the designation of the St. Croix River as a National Wild and Scenic River, there have been numerous efforts to restore and protect the ecological health of the river and its surrounding forests. These efforts have included the restoration of riparian habitats, the reintroduction of native plant and animal species, and the removal of dams and other barriers to fish migration.
In recent years, the St. Croix River has faced new challenges, including invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. These species can have significant impacts on the ecology of the river, and efforts are underway to prevent their spread and control their populations.
Cultural Significance
In addition to its ecological importance, the St. Croix River also has significant cultural and historical significance. The river has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians for generations, and it has played an important role in the history of the region.
Indigenous peoples have lived along the river for thousands of years, and many of their cultural and spiritual practices are tied to the river and its natural cycles. European explorers and settlers also played a significant role in the history of the river, and many historic sites and buildings can be found along its banks.
Conclusion
The St. Croix River is a unique and important waterway with a rich history and ecological significance. From its role in the lives of indigenous peoples to its importance in the logging and conservation eras, the St. Croix River has played a vital role in the history of the region.
Today, the St. Croix River is a popular destination for recreation and tourism, and efforts are ongoing to protect and restore its ecological health. Whether you're a hiker, fisherman, boater, or simply a lover of nature and history, the St. Croix River is a truly special place to live, explore, and enjoy.