St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — Attraction in St. Croix Falls

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, Trego, WI - a short rail ride, long on experience! Experienced what a train ride might be in the early to mid 20th century. Historic cars have been renovated for current use. Enjoyed a 20 mile trip stopping halfway while dinner was served. Appetizers and drinks were served in the first class lounge. We opted to dine with the other passengers in the dining car rather than the ornate first class dining room. A vocalist sang show tunes and entertained during dinner. And, as if scheduled, a gentle snow fall was spotlighted by the train's lights while we dined. There were several options for dinner. After appetizers, soup and salad were served while moving. The train stopped and the main course was presented - the salmon was moist and flavorful and served with a medley of vegetables. We returned to the lounge for turtle cheese cake. As others left the train, we prepared for an overnight in a first class cabin. One cannot imagine gliding down the narrow passageway in a turn-of-the-century hoopskirt or bustled garment. Or navigating in heels while the train rocks on the tracks. The sleeping cabin was warm and my sinuses wouldn't stop even with Benadryl. Once the thermostat was turned down, it was more comfortable. Each first class sleeping cabin has a petite bathroom with a tiny stainless steel tub with shower, toilet, and sink. Perfect for a tiny house! The closet held coats and a suitcase and there was a dresser for longer trips. Second class cabins have bunk beds, closets, toilets and sinks. A shower is located down the hallway. There's also a plan that includes overnight accomodations at a local hotel for the less adventurous. There are other trips designed for families including the pizza train.

I would definitely take this trip again, maybe in September when fall colors are...

Live in eastern Minnesota or western Wisconsin, and think you know the St. Croix River? If you think of it as that noisy lake at Stillwater full of yachts and vapid, pretty people, you better think again. That ain't the St. Croix! Go north - way north. North of Grantsburg, Wisconsin; north of Danbury, better yet. This jewel of the upper Midwest is largely undiscovered because when most people think of canoeing in this region, their minds automatically go to the Boundary Waters; not that there's anything wrong with the BWCA, especially if you portage in a day or two to get past the tourists and day-trippers who clog the outer lakes. But if you're looking for solitude, unspoiled nature, pristine water, and loads of fish, the upper St. Croix River will give you just as much as the BWCA WITHOUT the initial crowds, the long drive, the permits and fees, or any of the rest of the hassle. Along with its sister river, the Namekagon, which flows into it, the St. Croix gives you over 200 miles of natural, undeveloped waterway that doesn't see much use, aside from the locals who live near it. I have travelled down the river for days at a time, and not seen another person (the biggest reason I love it so much!) If you're a nature lover, and want an easy-to-get-to wilderness waterway all to yourself, do yourself a favor and check this area out! You won't be...

This is one of my favorite outdoor locations in the greater Twin Cities area. Located within a short drive of the Twin Cities and Hudson, Wisconsin, this is a great area for a day trip. There are beautiful State parks on both sides of the River. It's a great location for summer and fall day hikes (the colors are gorgeous in the fall) as well as a day trip canoeing or kayaking on the River. Other local activities available include a riverboat cruise in Taylors Falls, canoeing and kayaking in Interstate Park and Wild River State Park, and fun downtown areas in quaint Taylors Falls, MN and Osceola, WI. There are any number of canoe liveries to choose from in the area if you just do a quick Google search. Our family has personally used Riverwood Canoe in Osceola, WI and thoroughly enjoyed...