If you’re driving north out of Stillwater on Highway 95, it’s easy to blast right past the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside. Most people do. They’re usually aiming for Taylor’s Falls or tucked away in their thoughts about where to grab dinner on Main Street. But honestly? Pulling over is probably the best decision you’ll make all day. This isn't just a place to stretch your legs or find a bathroom. It’s a literal gateway to the river’s industrial skeleton, and the vibes are—for lack of a better word—hauntingly beautiful.
You’ve got the high limestone cliffs. You’ve got the massive, sweeping views of the St. Croix River. And if you’re willing to hike down the stairs, you get a front-row seat to the place that basically built the Twin Cities.
What actually happened at the St. Croix Boom Site?
Let's get the history out of the way because it’s actually wild. Back in the mid-1800s, this wasn't a "wayside." It was a chaotic, loud, dangerous log jam—but on purpose. This was the "Boom Site." A boom is essentially a floating barrier used to catch logs. Since multiple timber companies were all tossing their white pine into the river upstream, they needed a way to figure out whose log was whose.
Think of it like a massive sorting center for the 19th century.
Between 1856 and 1914, billions of feet of timber passed through this exact stretch of water. Men worked on the river, jumping from log to log with spiked boots, sorting them by the "log marks" (basically brands) chopped into the wood. If you look at the river today, it’s peaceful. It’s quiet. But a hundred years ago, you wouldn't have been able to see the water for all the wood. It was a mechanical, splashing, shouting mess of industry.
The stairs: A workout with a payoff
To get to the good stuff, you have to commit to the stairs. There are a lot of them.
The St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside is split into two main experiences. There’s the top level, which is great for a quick look-see or a picnic. Then there’s the river level. Once you descend the wooden staircase, the temperature drops about ten degrees. The air gets heavy with the scent of damp earth and river water.
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Down there, the sandstone caves are the real draw. Some are natural; some were carved or expanded by people over the years. You’ll see names scratched into the rock—some from last week, some that look decades old. While I don't recommend adding your own "art" to the walls, it’s hard not to feel the layers of time pressing in on you. The cliff face looms over the narrow sandy beach, making you feel tiny.
The beach itself varies depending on the time of year. In a dry summer, you have plenty of room to walk. During a wet spring? The river claims almost everything up to the base of the rocks.
Why the locals keep coming back
It’s not just about the logs.
If you talk to anyone who grew up in the St. Croix Valley, they’ll tell you this is the spot for "secret" swimming. While it's officially a wayside park managed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), it functions more like a local hangout.
The water here is generally slower than in the main channel, though you still have to be careful. The St. Croix is a powerful river. But on a Tuesday afternoon in July, you’ll find people sitting on the rocks with their feet in the water, just watching the boats go by. It’s a stark contrast to the manicured lawns of Lowell Park downtown. It’s grittier. It feels more "real."
A note on the logistics (The boring but necessary stuff)
Parking is free. That’s a huge win in the Stillwater area.
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- Location: About three miles north of downtown Stillwater on MN-95.
- Amenities: There are vault toilets (standard park fare, don't expect luxury) and picnic tables.
- Accessibility: The top overlook is accessible. The river bank? Not even a little bit. If you have bad knees, those stairs are going to be your nemesis.
- Hours: Generally dawn to dusk. Don't be that person trying to camp here; the local sheriff’s deputies do cruise through.
One thing people get wrong: they think this is a state park. It’s not. It’s a "State Wayside." This means it doesn't have the massive staff or the gift shop of a place like William O'Brien State Park. It’s leaner. It’s meant for stopping, not staying for the weekend.
The National Historic Landmark status
Most people don’t realize they’re standing on a site of national importance. In 1966, the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Why? Because the log boom was the heart of the regional economy. Without the sorting done here, the sawmills in Stillwater wouldn't have functioned. The lumber used to build the homes in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and even down in St. Louis often came through this bottleneck. When the last log went through in 1914, it marked the end of an era. The white pine was gone. The forests had been stripped. The industry moved west.
Standing there now, seeing the forest reclaimed the banks, is a weirdly hopeful experience. Nature wins eventually.
What to bring for a visit
Don't just show up in flip-flops if you plan on going down to the water. The path can be slippery, especially if it rained recently.
Bring a decent pair of sneakers or hiking sandals with a grip. If you’re a photographer, bring a wide-angle lens. The way the light hits the limestone cliffs in the late afternoon—around what photographers call "golden hour"—is spectacular. The stone turns a deep, honey-gold color that looks incredible against the blue-green of the river.
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Also, pack out your trash. Seriously. Because it’s a wayside and not a fully staffed park, it relies heavily on people not being jerks. The local volunteers do what they can, but the "Leave No Trace" rule is huge here.
Comparing it to other local spots
Is it better than Taylor’s Falls? No, it’s different. Interstate State Park (at Taylor's Falls) is dramatic with its glacial potholes and rugged rock. But it’s also crowded. You’re fighting for a parking spot and dodging tourists every ten feet.
The Boom Site is quieter. It’s more contemplative. It’s the place you go when you want to think, or when you want to show someone a side of Minnesota that isn't just "The Mall of America."
Actionable ways to enjoy your trip
To get the most out of your stop at the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside, follow this simple plan:
- Stop at a Stillwater deli first. Grab a sandwich from somewhere like Nelson’s or The Daily Grind.
- Park in the north lot. It’s usually less crowded and gives you the best angle for the initial river view.
- Check the water levels. Before you head down, look at the USGS gauges for the St. Croix River online. If the river is high (above 680 feet), the beach at the bottom will be underwater.
- Walk the upper trail. There is a paved trail that runs along the top of the bluff. It’s part of the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail system. You can actually bike from here all the way across the new bridge and back through Wisconsin.
- Look for the eagles. The cliffs are prime nesting territory. Keep your eyes on the treeline on the Wisconsin side of the river. You’ll almost certainly see a Bald Eagle or an Osprey hunting.
The beauty of this place is its simplicity. It hasn't been over-commercialized. There isn't a visitor center trying to sell you a t-shirt. It’s just rock, water, and a whole lot of ghosts from the logging days. It’s a reminder that even the busiest industrial hubs can eventually return to a state of grace.
If you’re heading out, just remember that the turn-off comes fast. Slow down once you pass the last of the residential houses north of Stillwater. Look for the brown signs. Turn in, park the car, and take the stairs. Your legs might ache tomorrow, but the view from the bottom of those cliffs is something you won't forget.