BLOOMINGTON CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Three Days on the St. Croix: Family Canoeing, Petroglyphs and Pine‑lined Campsites
A three-day family canoe trip on the St. Croix River featuring easy paddling, riverfront camping, wildlife viewing and cliff petroglyphs — a concise guide to what to expect and how to prepare.
Three Days on the St. Croix: Family Canoeing, Petroglyphs and Pine‑lined Campsites.
Paddle a gentle stretch of the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin on a family-friendly, three-day canoe and camping outing. The route threads basalt walls and towering pines, delivers close encounters with bald eagles and herons, and passes ancient petroglyphs carved into cliff faces — all within weekend reach of the Twin Cities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Basalt Canyons and Ancient Petroglyphs
Begin at Interstate State Park and paddle downstream among large basalt walls carved by glacial meltwaters, with opportunities to view petroglyphs etched into the cliffs as you travel the easy-flowing river.
Eagles, Herons and River Birds
The St. Croix corridor is home to bald eagles and great blue herons; peregrine falcons and other shore and treeline species are commonly spotted while paddling and at camp.
Riverside Campsites and Evenings by the Fire
Campsites sit amid white pine, spruce, balsam and birch where families swim, play games on the riverbank, and relax around campfires after days on the water.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
This is an easygoing family canoe adventure: mornings begin with a riverside breakfast, followed by short paddling legs in 24‑foot North canoes through tree‑lined water. Midday stops allow for lunch and swims; evenings are spent camping on the riverbank with simple camp routines and time to explore the surrounding woods.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and when to look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Expect to camp and swim; the program involves repacking personal gear into Duluth packs after orientation, so plan compact, river‑suitable clothing and basic camp items as instructed by the operator.
The itinerary spans three days with river launches and take-out at designated landings and campsites along the St. Croix.
Paddling is conducted in 24‑foot North canoes with group orientation and guided travel from the river entry point toward Somerset Landing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
This is a three-day canoe and camping trip.
What is the minimum age for participants?
Participants ages 3 and up are accepted on this family trip.
Where do we meet and where is take-out?
Meet at Somerset Landing in the morning for the group transfer to Interstate State Park; the trip concludes at Somerset Landing take-out in the mid afternoon.
What wildlife or sights might we see?
Paddlers commonly see bald eagles, great blue herons and peregrine falcons and can view petroglyphs on the river cliffs.
How large are the canoes and what kind of paddling is required?
Paddling is done in 24‑foot North canoes on easy‑flowing river water suitable for family groups.
When does the trip officially end each day?
The itinerary ends in the mid afternoon on the final day after the take-out at Somerset Landing.