Boating the St. Croix River: Where to Cruise, Swim and Explore

Why boat anywhere else in the upper Midwest when few waterways offer more for your boat rental dollar than this one right outside Minneapolis and St. Paul? Cruise the open waters near Stillwater or meander through the narrower inlets near Columbus, Wisconsin. With clean water, easy fishing for the whole family, and a St. Croix River boat rental you can reserve online in minutes, here’s how to spend a day on the St. Croix. 

Why Boat on the St. Croix River

Not every water day needs to take place on a lake. Protected miles of the St. Croix River dot the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and provide a pleasant experience for river boating near Minneapolis. Why? This area is part of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, a protected corridor of some of the most scenic riverfront in the upper Midwest. Established to limit overdevelopment along both sides of the river, there's no mistaking why this area was given this designation.

Boating near Stillwater, MN allows you to enjoy water that changes based on which direction you’re headed. Paddle south and you’ll be met with wide passages that are ideal for leisurely St. Croix River cruising. Take out north and things tighten up, giving you more of an exploratory vibe with twists and turns, bluff access, and less boat traffic. Stillwater is one of Minnesota’s oldest cities and boaters will see great measures taken to preserve the scenery, culture,and history found near the river today.

It’s important to note that water levels can vary based on rainfall and season. Some stretches of river can run shallow towards the end of summer as water levels recede. Morning water movement is typically slow and speeds up as the day goes on, especially on the larger bodies of water. 

Rent a Boat on the St. Croix River with Your Boat Club

Whether you have a weekend or a single afternoon in front of you, Your Boat Club makes it easy to get on the water without any of the hassle that comes with owning a boat. All you have to do is show up, check in, and go. No dealing with the headaches of trailering, storage, or maintenance. Pontoon rental in Stillwater gives your whole group a comfortable, easy-to-handle platform to explore the river at your own pace.

Here are some tips to follow before you arrive at the Stillwater location:

• Park on the west side of the Wolfe Marine building. Staff will direct you when you arrive.

• Check in at the blue boat house to the right of Wolfe Marine – that's where your river day starts.

• Tubing is available for Your Boat Club members at this location. Renters cannot access tubing at this marina boat rental location. If tubing is a priority, membership unlocks many benefits.

• Weekends and holiday Mondays fill up quickly. Reserve your Stillwater boat rental online to lock in your preferred date and time. A St. Croix River pontoon rental is something that everyone will enjoy.

Best Things to do on the St. Croix River by Boat 

Once you push off from the St. Croix River boat launch area at Wolfe Marine, a full day of options opens up. Here's what to put on your list. 

Scenic River Cruising and the Stillwater-Area Vibes

Launching your trip just outside of Stillwater lands you right into roomy, placid water for every ability. Float down south to Cottage Grove and you'll have plenty of scenic bluff views and soaring bald eagles. Float north to Columbus, WI and the river flows through narrower meanders that invite a slower, nosier boat ride. These northern stretches run shallower, which gives smaller watercraft a natural advantage.

Your Boat Club staff can recommend the best areas to explore based on that day's water depth, so feel free to ask before you head out. St. Croix River cruising works best when you let the conditions guide the direction. 

Sandbars, Backwaters, and "Float & Relax" Stops

Sandbar boating on St. Croix entails anchoring up in your own private sliver of water and doing nothing for a while, and doing it well. Peaceful backwaters, sheltered coves, and the occasional sandbar create natural floating spots to lounge, snack, and just laze around while the afternoon hours pass by. Discovering them is half the fun.

Keep these tips in mind when you scout your floating spot:

• Slow down when exploring – you can always pick back up later. Sandbars appear quickly, especially during low-water season.

• Look for protected, pocket water away from main channel traffic if you plan to swim.

• Respect no-wake zones on the St. Croix near docks and marinas. Minimize wake around these areas and marina entrances every time.

• Double check that you're not drifting into a navigation channel before you drop anchor for the long haul.

The best floating spots shift with rainfall and season, so keep your eyes open as you cruise and you'll find them. 

Fishing the St. Croix River

The St. Croix River is renowned for providing excellent fishing. Family fishermen and experts alike know they can find walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish, among other species in this river. Seasonal and regional pattern changes will occur but typically the fish can be caught near shore structure. Troll points, drop-offs, rocky shorelines, and down trees while renting a boat and you will find yourself catching fish. Note that as you move further north from Stillwater, it will take more effort to find concentrated schooling fish.

Keep your fishing tips setup simple and your gear lighter than you think you need. Here's a beginner tackle checklist to pack: 

Item	Why You Need It
Medium spinning rod & reel	Versatile for bass, walleye, and pike – easy for beginners to handle from a pontoon
Needle-nose pliers	Hook removal without the wrestling match
Landing net	Keeps fish and fingers safe when you bring them to the boat
Basic lure assortment	Inline spinners, soft plastics, or jigs cover most St. Croix River conditions
MN or WI fishing license	Required – buy online at each state's DNR site before you launch
Sunscreen & water	Non-negotiable – river days run long and the sun hits hard off the water

Your Boat Club stocks rods, reels, pliers, and nets at the marina, so don't stress if you forget something. But bring your licenses. Those aren't available at the dock. 

River-Town Sightseeing from the Water

Minnesota’s nickname for being scenic up both sides of the river is true, especially when viewing Stillwater from a pontoon. Minnesota’s second oldest city looks even better from the water than it does from Main Street. Paddle by restored Victorian homes stacked atop the bluff, snap a picture of the historic lift bridge, and enjoy miles and miles of river that was crafted by the 1800s and preserved by the 2000s.There’s plenty to see and do on the St. Croix River, but your experiences shine when you take them on with a slow travel mindset. Leave your itinerary at home and allow yourself a day to just roam around with no real purpose. Stop off the boat for a picnic lunch in downtown Stillwater. This is your day trip from Minneapolis, so make it count.

Half-Day River Itinerary for Family Fun on the River

Setting your own schedule sounds simple until you're standing on the dock with a full day in front of you. Use this itinerary as your plan for family boating on the St. Croix River, offering you a relaxed morning-to-afternoon window that covers all the highlights without overloading the day.

Time	Plan	Things to Know	Pro Tips
8:30–9:00 AM	Arrive at Wolfe Marine. Park on the west side of the building. Check in at the blue boat house.	Boat rentals open at 9am. Arrive 15 minutes early to load up and receive your rental briefing.	Bring sun protection, ID, and your reservation confirmation.
9:00–10:30 AM	Head out for a scenic river cruise. Go south for wider water or north for scenic river-town views.	Pause occasionally to take in the scenery and photograph the river. Morning light hits the bluffs well.	Water, sunglasses, camera or phone.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM	Find a calm cove or protected stretch to anchor down, float, and swim. Bring your swim gear!	Look for protected pockets away from heavy boat traffic. Slow down when exploring shallow water.	Swimwear, towel, snacks, float toys, anchor (included with rental).
12:30–1:30 PM	Optional: Drop a line and fish for an hour. Focus on points, timber, and rocky stretches of shoreline.	Fish patterns shift by season. Start simple – light tackle near structure produces results.	Fishing licenses, rods, reels, pliers, and nets. YBC has gear on site.
1:30–2:30 PM	Plan your return route and head back with buffer time before closing hours.	Rivers can surprise you. Build in 30+ minutes of extra time every single trip.	Check fuel gauge. Confirm return time with staff before departure.

This itinerary fits families with kids, couples, and groups who want a full river experience without overplanning. Adjust stop time at each stage however it feels right – the St. Croix rewards the unhurried.

Boating Tips for the St. Croix River

Before you book that reservation and head down to Stillwater to pick up your marina boat rental, take a few moments to review these boating safety tips. It's easy to be safe and aware of the water when you know what to look for.

• Weather and Wind: Afternoon winds pick up on the larger open stretches near Stillwater. Always check the forecast before takeoff and monitor conditions throughout the day – open stretches can get choppy fast.

• No-Wake Zones: Slow down when you approach marinas, docks, and riverfront homes. No-wake zones on St. Croix protects the shoreline and the people on it – respect them every pass.

• Navigation: Rivers add complexity that lakes don't. Current, commercial and recreational boat traffic, and variable depth all demand more attention on a river. Stay aware of what's ahead and what's behind you at all times.

• Sandbars: They're real and they appear where you don't expect them, especially during dry seasons. If you don't know what's beneath you, slow down.

• Clean, Drain, Dispose: Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the St. Croix River boat launch facilities and waterway. Before leaving any waterway, clean all plants from your boat, drain all water, and properly dispose of bait. Learn how to prevent the spread of AIS from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

• Have Fun!: Boat rentals near Hudson, WI and Stillwater exist for one reason – to help you unplug, relax, and enjoy quality time on the water. Soak up every minute.

Plan Your St. Croix River Boat Day

You can find beautiful cruising, quiet anchorages for swimming and picnics, dependable fishing, river-town history and convenient proximity to the Twin Cities on the St. Croix River, but you don't need a boat in your driveway or a trailer on your truck.

A St. Croix River boat rental through Your Boat Club puts you on the water fast, with no ownership hassle and no gear stress. Show up at Wolfe Marine, check in at the blue boat house, and your river day starts immediately. Weekend trips fill up quickly so stop paddling in circles and reserve your spot on the St. Croix today.

Want instant access to over 40 boats across Minnesota and Wisconsin? Learn more about boat memberships at Your Boat Club.