St. Croix River Communities

About St. Croix River Communities

The St. Croix River forms the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin and is home to some of the most scenic communities in the metro. Stillwater, Hudson, and Marine on St. Croix all sit along its bluffs, offering waterfront dining, shopping, and a river-town lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the area.

This guide covers everything you need to know about St. Croix River Communities — water quality, fishing, boating access, activities, and the lifestyle that makes this lake community special. Whether you're researching a move, buying a home on the water, or just curious about the area, this is the definitive reference.

Fishing

St. Croix River Communities supports a healthy mix of warm-water and cold-water species. Walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish including crappie and bluegill are the primary catches. The lake's depth variation creates excellent habitat diversity, giving anglers plenty of options throughout the year.

Boating & Activities

Recreational boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are all popular on St. Croix River Communities. Public boat access points provide convenient entry, and the lake is large enough for waterskiing and tubing without feeling crowded.

River users take note: the Highway 243 bridge at Osceola is still open to traffic as of mid-October, with MnDOT pushing the closure to no earlier than late October 2026 before about a year of replacement work begins. The northern landing parking and ramp area at Osceola closed September 14, 2026 and stays closed through late summer 2028 as a construction staging zone, while the south launch remains accessible. Official detours during the closure run via Highway 8 at Taylors Falls to the north or Highway 36 at Stillwater to the south, so plan upriver trips accordingly. Details from the MnDOT project page.