St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park Play Area

The large play structure was most recently replaced in 2025. The equipment is sensory-friendly with quiet spaces where kids can retreat. The new setup balances modern play with mature oak trees providing natural shade.  It’s close to the picnic area and sports fields.

If you have an annual pass or are visiting the park for other reasons, the kids will enjoy this playground. The vehicle fee makes visiting for the playground alone a bit impracticable since other similar playgrounds are free to visit. However, the county waives the vehicle fee on the first Tuesday of each month.

Fishing Lake St. Croix

The fishing pier and boat launch are located near each other on the west side of Lake St. Croix. There are portable restrooms are available nearby. The Minnesota DNR points out that this lake’s high level of recreational boating makes fishing challenging. However, more than 60 species of fish have been documented in this lake.

Winter Activities at St. Croix Bluffs

Cross-Country Skiing:

Washington County Parks announced that they would be moving away from the DNR’s MN Ski Pass to use their own Nordic Ski Pass.  The prices are about the same $6/daily and $30/season, but you will no longer be able to purchase one pass to cover both State Parks and Washington County Parks.

Ski passes are required for anyone age 18 and older using the ski trails.

Snowshoeing

Visitors can rent snowshoe at the park office for $10 for adults and $5 for youth for 3-hours.

Camping at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

This park has modern campgrounds. Washington County’s camping season runs from late April to late October. Campsites are reasonably priced depending on amenities. For whatever reason, Washington County campgrounds do not allow dogs. They also do no allow alcohol, but that is pretty typical for Minnesota camping and does make for quieter nights and better family camping than Wisconsin campgrounds.

For other camping ideas, including nearby Afton State Park (which does allow dogs), check out FFTC Family Camping Guide: Minnesota State Park Campgrounds.

Prairie Restorations in St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

Washington County has been busy planting prairies throughout its park system. This includes 10 acres of underutilized turf and crop land in St. Croix Bluffs. The prairies were planted in June of 2019 and will be kept around 10″ throughout the growing season to help the native grasses establish. Look for some these prairie areas along the main road.

Useful Links:

• Register for Washington County Park Events
• Find current campsite rates and camping details
• Learn more about Cross Country skiing in Washington Parks here.
• Minnesota DNR Lake St. Croix Page
• Vehicle Permit & Free Tuesday Information