City of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Gateway to the St. Croix Valley

Fall Color Road Trips

Tour 1

The St. Croix Falls Area Tour offers the eye an ample dose of everything: rolling countryside exploding with color, balanced by beautifully maintained farms and fields. The River Road takes you along the scenic St. Croix River, also known as the "National Wild River". Don't foget to stop at Lion's Park just outside of St. Croix Falls on Highway 87. It's a riverside park with playground, shelter, boat landing, and even has a quaint little bridge over the babbling brook which empties into the river. Interstate Park, just south of St. Croix Falls on Highway 35 has endless possibilities, including hiking, camping, the Ice Age Center, picnicking, fishing and wildlife watching. The Polk County Information Center at the intersection of Hwys. 8 & 35 can provide you with a complete selection information and ideas. 28 miles long.

Tour 2

The Cascade Falls are simply breathtaking, and be sure to check out the Osceola Soo Line Depot. You might combine your tour with a 90-minute ride on the historic train on the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway. Before or after your scenic tour , stop in some of the many unique art and gift shops in Osceola. 25 miles long.

Tour 3

Northeastern Polk County and offers access to McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area, and the Ice Age Trail, which is a wonderful hike. Add a nostalgic air to your tour with a stop at the Frederic Depot and Museum. In addition to the picturesque route shown here, there are several lakeside parks to stop and rest at, including Coon Lake in Frederic and beautiful Big Butternut Lake in Luck, with Luck Golf Course on its southern shore. 42 miles long.

Tour 4

Follow this route through the county seat, Balsam Lake. This tour offers a myriad of gorgeous lake settings in addition to the variety of leaf peeping opportunities. For a glimpse of the rich history of the area, be sure to see the elegant and stately Polk County Courthouse Musium, featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Balsam Lake is known for its top-notch fishing, many water sports, picnic and camping areas, ball park and tennis courts. 45 miles long.

Tour 5

features the Turtle Lake area and many twisting roads with eye-poppping scenery at everyturn. Watch for wildlife such as loons, herons, bald eagles, bear, deer, and more! The northwest portion of the tour brings you in and around the Rice Bed Creek Wildlife Area, which is state and federal land. Rice Bed Creek flows right down the center of this land, and meets up with the well-known Apple river towards the southern end of the Wildlife Area. Trees include maple, pine, birch, and oak, among others for a generous array of colors. Just east of the tour shown here you will find the popular St. Croix Casino, art galleries and gift shops. 24 miles long.

Tour 6

A wonderful way to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Polk County and experience real small town charm and friendliness. The mix of hiss, woods and farms are a delight to take in as you tour this lovely area. Just outside of Clayton, Lake Camelia and Lake Magnor provide a nice contrast to the blazing autumn colors. 15 miles long.

Tour 7

You'll be awed by the blaze of brilliant fall colors as you tour the Amery, Little Falls and Clear Lake areas. Amery boasts the head of the Cattail Trail, and there are many antique, crafts and gift shops to browse. Add a hint of nostalgia to your day at the Clear Lake Musium and the Veteran's Memorial. A stop at Scenic Clear Lake Park would be a lovely place to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic. 27 miles long.