TAYLORS FALLS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ten Miles of St. Croix: Wild River Launch to Taylors Falls Dam — Overnight on the River
A 10-mile paddle from Wild River State Park to Eric’s Boat Landing on the St. Croix River with first-come, first-serve National Park Service campsites en route.
Ten Miles of St. Croix: Wild River Launch to Taylors Falls Dam — Overnight on the River.
Adventure brief
Ten Miles of St. Croix: Wild River Launch to Taylors Falls Dam — Overnight on the River
This popular overnight route runs 10 miles down the scenic St. Croix River, beginning at Wild River State Park and finishing at Eric’s Boat Landing just before the Taylors Falls Dam. Expect roughly 3–4 hours of paddling time on the water, with National Park Service campsites available along the river on a first-come, first-serve basis and no permits required north of Taylor Falls Dam.
Located in Minnesota's renowned St. Croix River Valley, this kayaking trip offers a breathless journey through pristine waters bordered by towering bluffs and lush forests. Starting at Wild River State Park, paddlers set out on a 10-mile route that winds downstream toward Taylor Falls Dam, taking approximately 3-4 hours to complete, depending on water conditions and pull-over breaks. The route is famed for its clear currents and scenic views, with every stroke revealing new angles of the river's geological beauty. The St. Croix River itself is a designated National Scenic Riverway, established in 1968, renowned for its remarkably preserved natural environment and rich history. Along the way, adventurers can pause at designated camping sites—some first-come, first-serve spots managed by the National Park Service—offering the chance to settle in under a blanket of stars or wake to serenity in the morning. The area is notable for its dramatic limestone bluffs and abundant native wildlife like bald eagles and river otters. This trip is a perfect fit for those seeking a blend of adventure and wilderness immersion, with manageable difficulty for intermediate paddlers. The nearby city of Stillwater provides charming accommodations and supplies, making it a convenient launch point. Whether you’re wrapping up at the shore or embarking for an overnight expedition, the St. Croix River promises an authentic paddle immersed in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
Primary stops and features from launch to landing along the 10-mile St. Croix corridor.
Wild River State Park (Launch)
The trip begins with a put-in at Wild River State Park where paddlers launch for the downstream 10-mile segment.
St. Croix River — Campsites & River Travel
Paddle stretches along the St. Croix with opportunities to camp at National Park Service sites located along the river; sites are first-come, first-serve.
Eric’s Boat Landing (Before Taylors Falls Dam)
The route concludes at Eric’s Boat Landing, which sits before the Taylors Falls Dam and serves as the trip’s take-out.
Paddling time along the route is roughly 3–4 hours while total trip duration is listed as 6–8 hours; campsite availability is first-come, first-serve and no permits are required for sites north of Taylor Falls Dam, so plan accordingly.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A single 10-mile corridor from Wild River to Eric’s Boat Landing
The trip covers a continuous 10-mile downstream paddle that begins at Wild River State Park and concludes at Eric’s Boat Landing just before the Taylors Falls Dam.
First-come, first-serve National Park Service sites
National Park Service campsites on the St. Croix River are available along the route on a first-come, first-serve basis; north of Taylor Falls Dam these sites do not require permits.
Short paddle, overnight rhythm
A favorite overnight trip, the on-water portion is typically about 3–4 hours of paddling time, making it a compact overnight option on the St. Croix.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
You launch from Wild River State Park and settle into a steady downstream rhythm: the river corridor opens and narrows in sequence as you make your way toward Taylors Falls. With roughly 3–4 hours of paddling, the route gives time for deliberate progress, campsite scouting at National Park Service sites, and an end-of-day landing at Eric’s Boat Landing before the Taylors Falls Dam.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
On-water paddling time is roughly 3–4 hours; the overall trip duration is listed as 6–8 hours.
Plan for an overnight river trip—bring overnight camping gear and paddling essentials and verify specific rental/gear options with the operator.
The meeting point for shuttles and departures is Eric's Shuttle Lot at 1155 Chicago St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The route covers 10 miles and typically involves about 3–4 hours of paddling time.
What is the total duration of the trip?
The total duration is listed as 6–8 hours.
Where do we meet before the trip?
Meet at Eric's Shuttle Lot — 1155 Chicago St, Taylors Falls, MN 55084.
Can I camp along the route and do I need permits?
Yes — National Park Service campsites on the St. Croix are available and are first-come, first-serve; north of Taylor Falls Dam those sites do not require permits.
Where does the trip start and finish?
The paddle starts at Wild River State Park and finishes at Eric’s Boat Landing before the Taylors Falls Dam.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:28.961Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.