Two Days to Explore
st. Croix Falls & osCeola
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is more than 200 miles of riverways illed with clean water and bordered by emerald forests. Start your exploration of the St. Croix River, a federally designated “National Wild and Scenic River,” right in the middle at the towns of St. Croix and Osceola.
Friday
1 p.m. – Famished from the drive? Pull in to Mama T’s Sweet Treats in St. Croix Falls for soup, a panini and, as the name implies, a sweet dessert. Good luck choosing between a cupcake or a slice of cheesecake.
2 p.m. – With stomach grumbles addressed, you’re ready for a hike at Wisconsin’s oldest state park, Interstate Park, where visitors have been awestruck by “the Dalles,” the steep-sided, Ice Age-sculpted bluffs, since 1900. Hike the Pothole, Summit Rock or River Bluff trails for the best views of said Dalles. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the state’s version of Mount Rushmore, the rock formation known as “the Old Man of The Dalles.” This park is also the western terminus (fancy way of saying “western limit”) of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which overlooks the St. Croix River. Now, if you assumed there would be falls in St. Croix Falls, you wouldn’t be alone but you would be wrong. The falls – actually more like cascading rapids - came to an end in 1906 when a hydroelectric dam was completed. There are falls
to see in Osceola, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
4 p.m. – Hankering for a spectacular view of the river when you wake up Saturday morning? Then book a room at the St. Croix
River Inn in Osceola, a restored stone house that’s an especially nice choice when it’s a grown-ups only getaway. Just a few miles east of Osceola, Pleasant Lake B&B is a country-style home with private lake deck. Again, great for grownups. If you’re looking for familyfriendly, the Acorn at Oak Roots
Farm in Dresser (halfway between St. Croix Falls and Osceola) offers a hobby farm retreat. There are also loads of cabin-y resorts on nearby Balsam Lake. 5 p.m. – Dancing Dragonly Winery in St. Croix Falls is both a food and a wine destination. Enjoy a tasting of wines accompanied by cheese and charcuterie small plates. Or partake in their handprepared artisan pizza baked in a wood-ired oven. 6:30 p.m. – Next, head to the St. Croix River overlook in downtown St. Croix Falls for the free Friday outdoor summer concert series, “Music on the Overlook.”
saturday
9 a.m. – Check off two items irst thing Saturday morning: Eat at a cute little café and get a view of Cascade Falls in Osceola. The spot is the Watershed Café. Try the Hippie Cakes topped with house-made granola and blueberry compote. Scope out a spot on the deck for a primo view of the falls. Insider tip: At night the falls are lit up with LED lights mimicking the light of a full moon. Take a few minutes to stroll the village with its National Register of Historic Places pedigree. Enjoy the profusion of butterlies, courtesy of butterly gardens scattered throughout the village. 10 a.m. – It’s time to get out on the river. Riverwood Canoe
& Kayak offers canoe, kayak and tandem kayak rentals on a seven-mile stretch of the St. Croix between Interstate Park and Osceola Landing. As you paddle in the shadows of the steep basalt cliffs, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the days of log jams and steamboat building. There’s also Eric’s Canoe Rental, where multi-day river excursions are an option, with camping,
ishing, swimming, bird watching and campires all on the vacation docket. Noon – Here’s a foodie ind – The Vegetarian restaurant in St. Croix Falls, serving vegetarian and vegan specialties of India. Try the savory Indian crepes known as dosa. Don’t miss out on the breads, baked in a tandoor oven.
1 p.m. – Head to the beach. With 438 lakes in the county, you have lots to choose from. Balsam Lake is one of the largest and the local library offers a cute “books on the beach” program. There’s also Sand Lake in Dresser. Interstate Park even has a small swimming beach at Lake O’ the Dalles. 3 p.m. – The of-age in the group might choose to spend part of the afternoon enjoying free live music at Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard in St. Croix Falls. This winery has the look of a European estate, complete with formal gardens. Try their Wisconsin White La Crescent wine. 6 p.m. – Dine at Dalles House, where the popovers are famously delicious. Live music on Saturdays adds to the supper club ambiance. Tip: Return for Sunday brunch. If you’re traveling with kids, wrap up the evening with “Movies Under the Stars” at Mill Pond Park in Osceola, with select Saturday showings throughout the summer. Movies begin at dusk.
sunday
10 a.m. – Pop in to Expressions Coffeehouse & Café in Osceola for freshly baked scones and an espresso. 11 a.m. – Before you depart, enjoy a bike ride on the southern segment of the Gandy Dancer Trail. You can rent bikes at Cyclova XC in St. Croix Falls.