Lower Lake

This stretch of the St. Croix River is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which is managed by the National Park Service, Wisconsin and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Northern States Power Company. The Dalles of the St. Croix, located in Interstate State Park, is noted for its spectacular rock cliffs and rugged scenery. Boat tours of the Dalles and other scenic attractions are available at Interstate State Park near Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The state parks offers campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas and swimming beaches. Primitive campsites are also available along the shoreline and on islands. The Arcola Sandbar is located near the Apple River inlet. Navigation over this shallow sandbar can be extremely difficult during most of the year. The St. Croix River is a very popular boating area and because of that reputation, boat traffic can be very heavy. Special regulations are enforced to improve safety ad to make boating more enjoyable. A special “slow speed zone” extends from Taylors Falls downstream to the Arcola Sandbar. Slow speed is defined as: “a leisurely speed, less than planing speed, whereby the wake or wash created by the motorboat is minimal.” Several “slow-no-wake zones” have been marked at the High Bridge Bed (0.4 mile downstream of the Arcola Railroad Bridge) and in West Channel Narrows (1 1/4 miles upstream of Boomsite Wayside). The slow-no-wake regulation also applies to any area within 100 feet of all shorelines (including islands), and within 100 feet of all swimmers. Slow-no-wake is defined as “the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage.” The St. Croix River forms part of the Minnesota and Wisconsin state border and as a result anglers must be aware of fishing regulations in both states. Anglers must posses a license from one of the states and must posses a license from the state of residences (if residing from Wisconsin or Minnesota). Anglers crossing the imaginary state line must obey the regulations that are more stringent. Wisconsin and Minnesota both have fish consumption advisories for the St. Croix River. Minnesota’s list is more extensive listing all species, except panfish. Wisconsin has advisories for the following species: walleye, sauger, white bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, common carp and buffalo. Check each state’s consumption advisory publications for more details.