Basics
- Length:
- 123.5 miles (198 km)
- Time:
- About 2.5 hours
Description
Driving north from Point Douglas, prepare to be impressed by the great beauty of the St. Croix Valley and the fact that it remains relatively open and uncluttered by wall-to-wall development and industrial growth. Although you are traveling through some of Minnesota's oldest settlements from the European immigrations, the communities along this river and the old Military Road have retained much of their history, culture, and scenic beauty. There is great local pride both for what they had in the past and what they have kept alive for future generations.
In your journey, watch the scenery change from a rolling landscape in the south, to a more rugged environment of rock, cliffs, woods. Once you reach Pine County, you will ultimately realize that you have truly arrived in the "North Country."
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Afton State Park (MN)
Oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rolling landscape of this park. Trails traverse restored prairies, wind down deep ravines and rise up to the ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River.
Banning State Park (MN)
Ready for some extreme adventure? Kayakers and white-water rafters will find adventure and excitement at Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth and Hell's Gate on the Kettle or Sandstone Rivers.
Brook Park State Monument (MN)
A thirty-two foot granite shaft in Brook Park Cemetery marks the mass grave of 23 Brook Park Township residents who perished in the Great Fire of 1894.
Directions
From Hinckley, MN, travel south on County Road 61 approximately one mile to State Route 23. Travel west on 23 about 6 miles.
Chengwatana State Forest (MN)
This State Forest is located right on the Snake River Canoe route, and provides excellent camp sites and fishing and hiking opportunities as well.
Directions
From Pine City take County Road 8 and 118 east 9 miles and north .5 miles.
Folsom House State Historic Site (MN)
Tour this lovely frame home in Taylors Falls' Angel Hill district, a New England-style village. The home of lumber baron W.H.C. Folsom features St. Croix River views.
Hinckley State Monument (MN)
A fifty-two foot granite shaft in Hinckley Memorial Cemetery marks the mass grave of 248 victims of the Hinckley Fire of 1894, established in 1900.
Minneapolis (MN)
Minneapolis combines a Dakota word with a Greek word to come upwith a name that means "Water City." A fitting name for one of thecentral cities in the state of 10,000 lakes.
Minneapolis began as a trading village called St. Anthony forthe 16 foot waterfall that powered the city's rapid growth. Between1848 and 1855 the town's population grew to 3,000 and it wascomplete with schools, churches, stores, and hotels. The originalMain Street is across the river from downtown Minneapolis. Visitorstouring the street will find specialty shops, restaurants, andcafes. Guided walking tours of the St. Anthony Falls HistoricDistrict are available to tourists on Wednesday through Sunday.
Settlers in Minneapolis on the west side of the river createdthe Minneapolis Mill Company in 1856 using the falls. With thebuilding of more mills, Minneapolis became the largest flourproducer in the country in the 1890's.
For scenic leisure in the city center, visitors will want toexplore the 170-acre park that surrounds Minnehaha Falls. The parkincludes shaded lawns, picnic facilities, and wooded paths.
Travelers who are really interested in seeing Minneapolis maywant to drive the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Otherwise,visitors can stop at places of interest using their own route orpass through the city while driving the Great River Road inMinnesota.
Directions
From the byway at Lakeland, take Interstate 94 west approximately 15 miles.
North West Company Fur Post State Historic Site (MN)
Find out what life was like during the fur trading days of Minnesota, and how industry impacted Native American tribes in the area at this early 1800s living history site.
Sandstone National Wildlife Refuge (MN)
This wildlife refuge provides habitat for many bird and mammal species in eastern Minnesota.
Directions
Drive east on State Route 48 about 3 miles.
Snake River Campground (MN)
This campground in the Chengwatana State Forest has 25 camp sites, provides access to the Snake River canoe route and nature trail.
Directions
From Pine City take County Road 8 and 118 east 9 miles and north .5 miles.
