Parts of St. Croix State Park to reopen Sept. 12

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Parts of St. Croix State Park to reopen Sept. 12
(Released September 9, 2011)

Day-use areas, the equestrian campground, and the two modern guest houses on Norway Point (each of which sleeps up to 15 overnight guests) at St. Croix State Park will reopen Monday, Sept. 12, with two additional campgrounds – Riverview and Paint Rock Springs – to follow on Friday, Sept. 30, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The park has been closed since July 1, when a wind storm heavily damaged 7,500 of the park’s 34,000 acres and 74 of its 197 buildings.

Reservations can be made by visiting stayatmnparks.com or by calling 866-85PARKS or 866-857-2757 (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily). Reservations are now being accepted for:

The equestrian campground and guest houses for Sept. 12 and beyond.
Riverview Campground for Sept. 30 and beyond.
All camping and lodging for 2012 (reservations can be made up to a year in advance).
Paint Rock Springs Campground will open Sept. 30, with campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Park staff, employees from other DNR divisions and logging crews have been working hard during the past several weeks to clear fallen trees and other debris and inspect public areas of the park to make sure they are safe and ready for visitors,” said Rick Dunkley, district recreation supervisor for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “We’ve removed approximately 3,500 tons of timber debris from 127 miles of road and trails. Despite the difficult and sometimes dangerous nature of the work, I’m very happy to report that we haven’t had any injuries.”

Approximately 100 miles north of the Twin Cities, St. Croix State Park offers opportunities to participate in a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Among other things, visitors can:

Climb the fire tower for a panoramic view.
 Fish the St. Croix River, a National Scenic Riverway.
Bike a five-mile paved trail.
Explore more than 100 miles of hiking and horse trails.
For directions, a park map and details about upcoming programs and special events, visit mndnr.gov/parks or call 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

One-day permits provide a vehicle full of family and friends with a whole day of fun for just $5. Year-round permits, $25, provide unlimited access to all 74 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.