WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK 1989-1990


A marina owner near Red Wing likened it to Interstate 494 at evening rush
hour. Thus the modern vision of the St. Croix is in large part the vision
of a
river as a recreational paradise.
  For the St. Croix, the urban-industrial age created at least one completely
new use. Its potential for generating electrical power early captured the
imaginations of Minneapolis utility promoters and the enthusiasm of Leo-
nard S. Smith, engineer for the U.S. Geological Survey. When surveying the
hydroelectric potential of Wisconsin rivers, he specifically cited the St.
Croix
as capable of tremendous development. In 1903 Congress passed a bill au-
thorizing construction of a hydroelectric dam at the St. Croix Rapids where
a
55-foot fall within 6 miles, plus high banks, made an excellent location
for
power generation. The Minnesota and Wisconsin Legislatures granted a
charter, and construction began in the spring of 1905 and was completed in
the fall of 1906. Initially the Minneapolis General Electric Company owned
and operated the $3.5 million facility. Now Northern States Power Com-
pany operates the site generating electricity for the region. Today the St.
Croix remains a working river and a major Midwestern natural and recrea-
tional resource.
  For those interested in boating, fishing, swimming, and camping on the
National Scenic St. Croix Riverway of Wisconsin and Minnesota, the best
place to receive complete information including maps is at the National Park
Service riverway headquarters in St. Croix Falls. The address is Superintend-
ent, St. Croix and Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverways, P.O. Box 708,
St. Croix Falls, Wis. 54024.
6. St. Croix State Park (Minn.), Minn. Hwy. 48
  Located between 2 sizeable Minnesota state forests, the St. Croix on the
north and the Chengwatana on the south, St. Croix Park is Minnesota's larg-
est state park with some 34,000 acres. Its fine woodlands of spruce, pine,
birch, and oak stretch for miles, accessible to hikers, horseback riders,
bicy-
clists, snowmobilers and skiers. Roads allow motorists to see much of the
park from their cars. The park includes 217 campsites as well as facilities
for
large group camping, 127 miles of hiking trails, 75 miles of bridlepaths
and in
winter, 75 miles of marked trail for snowmobiling and 20 miles of groomed
cross-country ski trail. Canoeing, fishing, and swimming are popular water
sports. Three rivers adjacent to the park have been designated as state canoe
routes: the St. Croix (also part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway),
the Kettle, and the Snake. Both state forests adjacent to the park have primi-
tive camping facilities. Given the vast expanse of second growth forest on
both banks of the St. Croix at this location, visitors can get some impression
of the 17th century woodlands and wild rivers where explorers, fur traders,
and missionaries found the Chippewa and Sioux Indians. This area as part
of
the folle avoine, the wild rice country, was so richly endowed with grain,
fish,
and wildlife that these tribes were willing to fight repeatedly for its control.20
7. North West Company Fur Post, Pine City (Minn.), US Interstate 35. Take
Pine City exit and Pine County Road 7
  In the upper St. Croix Valley, bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin, there
are two North West Company post sites, one near Webster, Wisconsin, and


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