Wild River Outfitters — Local services in Town of Grantsburg

They were extremely polite over the phone when making reservations, I had requested that we would need our own shuttle due to the number of people and gear were bringing due to an extended trip. I was told not a problem. Arrived and we were forced into a shuttle that was carrying a larger group also, had to stack gear on our laps. When arriving at our put in spot, driver rushed us out in a panic and we forgot 2 expensive poles in the process, we noticed after about 10 min on the water and called the outfitter, was told they would "look into it". We spent about a week on the water and when we got to out put out location and called for pick-up, we were greeted with a long lecture from the owner, about how we were drinking in the shuttle , not true only 9am in the morning, I guess driver doesn't know difference between monster and a tall boy. The lecture went on for about 15 min. when I asked where the fishing poles are he told me that I was lucky he didn't call the sheriff, because I was obviously drunk, Hahahah, once again about 10am. Needless to say if there are other options for your canoe or shuttle options I would recommend to avoid...

If you haven't been, the Upper St. Croix is amazing. It is my favorite destination within 2 hours of the Twin Cities. You feel like you are in the wilderness, and you will see wildlife, raptors, and very few people. Multiple day trips further up the river are a must for the full experience. Be sure to check on the river level before you book, it can vary a lot and low water will mean you are getting out of your canoe from time to time (not a deal breaker, but annoying). This outfitter does a good job with their equipment, the price is very reasonable and they are responsive in their pick-ups. Their little campground is nothing special, but they do have hot showers for clean up after a long trip. It's a wild destination, and a family-owned and operated business (not Disney World), so you should expect a few wrinkles, but we have had an excellent experience each time we have gone (4 multi day trips). Also check out nearby Crex Meadows for excellent...

Great location, right around the corner from the Governor Knowles State Forest and the St Croix campground. The owners of WRO are really nice people. Very accommodating, on one of my float trips a very strong head wind turned my last 2 hours into a hard paddle. Being late at the take out was totally understood. The business has a lock box at the take out point with a walkie talkie inside to let them know you have finished. I rented a canoe, did some floating and fishing. The St Croix river is an amazing fishery....amazing!!! On the ride out to the drop off points, the owner always had info to share about the river, the migrating birds...etc. For me, knowing what side channels to avoid, where deeper holes are located and any other river info I can get is super helpful and usually translates into fishing areas I might have floated right on by. Totally will use these...