A full day on the St. Croix: pontooning past hidden beaches and bluffs from downtown Hudson

HUDSON BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

A full day on the St. Croix: pontooning past hidden beaches and bluffs from downtown Hudson

An eight-hour rental from downtown Hudson on a fully equipped 22" Crest pontoon — this guide distills what to expect, where you’ll go, and what the boat includes.

A full day on the St. Croix: pontooning past hidden beaches and bluffs from downtown Hudson.

Duration
8 Hours
Location
Hudson
Operator
St. Croix Pontoon
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

St. Croix Pontoon sends you out from downtown Hudson on the largest floating dock in the Midwest aboard a fully equipped 22" Crest pontoon. Over an eight-hour day you can seek out hidden sandy beaches, drift beneath towering bluffs and take in historic riverfront views of Hudson and Stillwater, guided by a river map supplied by the operator.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Hidden sandy beaches

The rental includes a river map that points you to secluded, sandy beaches along the St. Croix — perfect for stopping to swim or picnic off the pontoon.

THE LANDSCAPE

Stately bluffs and shoreline

The St. Croix’s bluff-lined sections form a dramatic backdrop to the day — a constant visual counterpoint as you cruise, beach and explore.

THE VIEW

Historic riverfronts of Hudson and Stillwater

From the water you get a fresh vantage on historic Hudson and neighboring Stillwater, letting the river reveal the region’s riverside character and architecture.

What the day feels like

How the day feels

The day unfolds as a relaxed loop of cruising, scouting beaches and pausing for views. You cast off from downtown Hudson’s floating dock, follow the river map to points of interest, haul onto sandbars or public beaches, and return after an eight-hour rental aboard a pontoon outfitted with refrigeration, navigation and lights.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental is (and isn’t) for, based on operator materials and restrictions.

1
Laid-back groupsA full-day pontoon suits groups wanting an unhurried day of cruising, beaching and sightlines from the water; the operator provides the boat and a river map but no specific participant limits are listed in the provided materials.
2
Families with kidsFamilies can use the pontoon for a day on the river; the operator’s provided information does not list age or health restrictions in the supplied materials, so verify any family-specific rules with the operator before booking.
3
First-time boatersFirst-timers can run the fully equipped 22" Crest pontoon, though the provided materials do not specify training or experience requirements—confirm any onboarding or safety briefings with St. Croix Pontoon.
4
Photographers & sightseersThose focused on landscape and riverfront photography will find plenty of opportunities from the pontoon; the operator’s materials do not indicate any participant restrictions that would bar them from joining.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The operator equips the pontoon with an onboard cooler, navigation and lights; a river map is provided to locate beaches and sights — bring personal items you need for a day on the water.

Onboard gear

The rental boat is a 22" Crest pontoon outfitted with onboard cooler, navigation and lights, and the operator supplies a river map for sightseeing and beach stops.

Duration

The full-day rental lasts eight hours; plan your embarkation and return within that window.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do I meet to start the rental?

Rentals depart from the Hudson Public Transient Boat Dock in downtown Hudson.

How long is a full-day rental?

A full-day pontoon rental is eight hours.

What is provided on the pontoon?

The 22" Crest pontoon is equipped with an onboard cooler, navigation and lights; the operator also provides a river map.

What will I see on the St. Croix River?

Expect hidden sandy beaches, bluff-lined shoreline and riverfront views of Hudson and Stillwater along the route.

Who operates the rental?

The Full Day Pontoon rental is offered by St. Croix Pontoon.

Will I get a map of river points of interest?

Yes — the operator supplies a river map to locate beaches and sights to visit during the rental.