Explore A Cave, Waterfall, And River In One Day When You Visit This National And State Park In Minnesota

Saint Croix Boom Site, just north of Stillwater, pulls double duty in that it's both a national and state park in Minnesota. One of the pull offs is the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside, which is a Minnesota State Park unit; and the whole area is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a National Park Service. I suppose it makes sense that it has so much going on, because there's a lot to do here. For example, you can enjoy the river, explore a cave, and take a short hike to a waterfall - all in one stop!

In Minnesota, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway extends from just north of St. Croix State Park southward to the St. Croix Boom Site.

It also stretches northeastward from Danbury, Wisconsin, well into the Badger State.

Along its course, it overlaps with several Minnesota State Parks.

St. Croix, Wild River, Interstate, and William O'Brien State Parks all share a landscape with the national park, as does the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside.

Walk down the stairs from the wayside to find the sandy, wooded banks of the St. Croix River.

The banks are backed by limestone bluffs that make for a beautiful natural backdrop.

It's a popular spot for picnicking or just splashing around in the water.

The islands out in the river are also co-managed by the DNR and NPS.

There are NPS campsites on a few of them, while others make up the St. Croix Islands State Recreation Area.

The cave is an opening in the limestone that forms the bluffs along this part of the river.

It's tall enough to stand in and goes back quite a way, so you could easily shelter from the sun or wind.

In fact, this beach-front above ground cave is one of our favorite natural wonders in Minnesota.

Not far from the cave, you'll find a small waterfall where a side stream makes its way down to the river.

It's in its own small gorge, giving it a secluded, grotto feel.

The area is also a wonderful place to explore in the winter.

And when the weather has been cold enough, you can even explore out on the ice.

This is also a fantastic place to explore by boat, kayak, or canoe. You'll find some additional information about exploring the St. Croix Boom Site on AllTrails.

Have you visited this combined national and state park in Minnesota? Tell us about it in the comments.