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Do I need to make a reservation? Will you run out of canoes or kayaks?
Reservations are not required, but they are recommended. We typically do not run out of canoes or kayaks, but a reservation is highly recommended if you want to guarantee a canoe or kayak will be ready for you on the day you arrive. By making an online reservation, you will avoid lines at the canoe base. You can head right to the beach captain and show them your receipt and away you go!
What is the difference between an Express & a One-Way shuttle?
Our one-way shuttles will pick you up after you canoe down river and bring you back to your vehicle at the MN Interstate Park. The Express Shuttle will pick you up at The William O'Brien State Park at 9:30am sharp and bring you to the starting point, Minnesota Interstate State Park. You will then paddle down to your vehicle. Advanced reservations required for the 9:30am Express Shuttle from William O'Brien State Park.
Can I bring my Dog?
Yes. Your dog is welcome in the canoe or kayak as well as on the shuttle. We recommend small dogs only in our kayaks. Dogs must be leashed on the shuttle.
What if I need to cancel my canoe reservation?
Cancellation policy: Your canoe or kayak reservation is non refundable. You may reschedule to another day by noon of the day of your reservation.
Do I have to pay for a State Park Sticker to Canoe?
Yes, if you are parking in either Interstate or William O'Brien parks.
However, you may park at Wildwood RV Park & Campground and we will shuttle you at no additional charge to the Interstate State Park to where your canoe/kayak trip will begin. Then after your trip we will bring you back to Wildwood.
What is the cost of the MN State Park Sticker?
The daily cost is $7 or the annual cost is $35.
This cost supports maintenance of the park including keeping restrooms and parking areas clean, providing trash and recycling receptacles and security patrols through the park. For people that visit state parks throughout the year, the annual permit is an excellent value.
How can I help or be involved in helping to keep the St Croix River Clean?
Take a look at this web site: www.cleanuptheriver.com to find out how you can help be involved in cleaning up the St Croix River.
Can my son or daughter paddle the canoe or kayak by himself or herself?
Yes, as long as you are comfortable with your child paddling.
What is the all day rate versus the hourly rate?
The hourly rate is for the local rental and you must return the equipment to the MN Interstate Park where you picked up the equipment from. The day rate is the maximum rate you could pay for the day. So if you have the equipment for 4 hours or more, the most you would pay is the day rate.
How many people can I fit into a canoe? Into a kayak?
We recommend a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 children in a canoe. There is a maximum weight limit of 770lbs as well. If you have 2 adults & 2 younger children – we recommend getting one canoe & one kayak. That way you can trade places throughout the day. Anytime you have 2 people sitting in the middle of the canoe you are much more likely to tip over.
Our kayaks are single passenger only and have a weight limit of 275lbs.
Where do I park?
Our regular one-way canoe rental operates out of the Minnesota Interstate Park. You can park inside the park and we will then shuttle you back to your car in Interstate; no reservations are required for this option, but we do always recommend a reservation.
On the weekends during the Summer season we offer the Express bus option - only available from William O'Brien State Park. Park at William O'Brien State Park, we will pick you up from that parking lot so that you then paddle down to your vehicle. This option requires reservations and operates at certain times.
On my reservation, where do I put the time of my return shuttle?
You do not select a time for a return shuttle. You just need to be at the end destination by the posted shuttle pickup times. The buses will leave the landing at the posted times.
Camping on the river? What do I need to do?
A camping permit is required to camp along this section of the river.
The camping permit is available free of charge at the Minnesota Interstate State Park or St. Croix River Visitor Center. The visitor center is located at 401 North Hamilton Street in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and can be reached at (715) 483-2274. The visitor center will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily Mid April through Mid October.
The application for a permit is also available online at www.nps.gov/sacn for people to print, read, sign, and mail to the visitor center. Or you can download the application here Camping Permit Application After reviewing the application, NPS staff will mail the permit.
When obtaining a permit, campers agree to the following regulations:
- Campers must camp in designated campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Campers are required to bring in and use their own portable camp toilets or use onboard facilities on self-contained boats.
- A total of 20 primitive and 2 primitive group campsites have been established. Up to 8 people and 3 tents will be allowed at individual campsites. Group sites will accommodate 9 to 16 people and up to 6 tents. Larger groups need to split up or make arrangements to camp in one of the state parks along this section of river.
- There is a limit of stay of 3 consecutive nights at any campsite. There is a 30-night limit for the season.
- Campsites must be occupied on the first night of stay.
- The camping permit must be attached to the tent so it is clearly visible. The permit must be displayed every time you camp in 2017.
- Alcohol is prohibited at the six individual Eagle’s Nest campsites (river mile 48.5).
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm. to 6:00 am.
- Campfires are permitted only in steel fire rings or grills.
- The cutting of live vegetation is strictly prohibited. Dead and down wood may be collected from shoreline areas, however, it cannot be collected from islands.
- Possession of firewood that originates more than 25 miles from the Riverway is prohibited.
- Campfires must be out and cold before you leave the area.
- Do not bring glass containers to the Riverway.
- All trash must be carried out of the Riverway at the end of your stay.
- Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited.
What should I bring with me?
- Garbage bags The National Park Service has a "Pack it in, Pack it out" policy. Help keep your rivers clean.
- Sunscreen You may get sunburned even on cloudy days.
- Sunglasses with a strap You don't want to lose your glasses in the river.
- Hat or Cap
- Water shoes old tennis shoes or sandals with straps on the heels. Bare feet or loose sandals are not recommended.
- Mosquito/tick repellant
- Fishing license (MN or WI acceptable)
- Food, snacks, water No glass bottles
- Camera in a waterproof bag
- Beach towel
- Seat cushion or extra towel to sit on
Can I just utilize your shuttle service?
Yes! By paying $20 per person in advance at the canoe base at MN Interstate Park. Unfortunately we cannot shuttle your equipment.
