Saint Croix Riverwayfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Right now in Saint Croix Riverway · September
- St. Croix River Visitor Center open · Apr–Oct
- Namekagon River Visitor Center open · May–Sep
7days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 88% chanceTuesday, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:52 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
First frost usually in ~1 weeks
Oct 8Average first fall frost
May 4Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's St Croix Falls station (1.2 mi away, 750 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway through the year
- St. Croix River Visitor Center openNowApr–Oct
- Namekagon River Visitor Center openNowMay–Sep
- First snow possibleOct
Best spots around Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
- Ridge View TrailNear Osceola; 3 miles, big maples, bluff views of the backwaters
- Sandrock Cliffs TrailNear Grantsburg; 5 miles in 4 loops to sandstone cliffs
- Trego Nature Trail2.8 miles round trip with views of the Namekagon River
Around Wisconsin this week
- Apostle Islands130 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Chequamegon-Nicolet175 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Lakewood198 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 8Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThurain likelyFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hiking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway yet. Statewide for Wisconsin: color is usually well under way by early October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 7 days (usually well under way by early October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Is the Saint Croix Riverway open in the fall?
Yes. The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers and the park's seven hiking trails are open year-round. The St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls is open daily through the end of October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sources: National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Which trail has fall color near the river?
The Ridge View Trail near Osceola runs through pine and deciduous woods with large maple trees, and its bluff side looks over the St. Croix River backwaters.Source: National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can it snow during a fall visit?
Yes. The park says the first snow may come as early as October, and winter snow often limits access to landings, trails and campsites.Sources: National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway?
Ridge View Trail: near Osceola; 3 miles, big maples, bluff views of the backwaters; Sandrock Cliffs Trail: near Grantsburg; 5 miles in 4 loops to sandstone cliffs; Trego Nature Trail: 2.8 miles round trip with views of the Namekagon River.
What is Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway like through the year?
St. Croix River Visitor Center open (Apr–Oct), Namekagon River Visitor Center open (May–Sep) and First snow possible (Oct).