St Croix State Park, MN

Can’t believe I haven’t been here yet! Had a magical morning at St. Croix State Park. Did more driving than hiking but have some hikes scoped out for the next visit!

Unintentionally or intentionally I went all the way to the fire tower to catch the end of the sunrise and it was perfect! Then meandered my way through the park. Parts of the park had frost which was crazy. It also felt like I was the only person at the park at this time, when I came down the fire tower another fellow hiker arrived, but it stayed pretty quiet until I was making my way out, then I encountered more vehicles coming in.

St. Croix State park is Minnesota’s largest state park, and features the St. Croix river and Kettle River (the Kettle River also runs through Banning State park, and it seemed like a much calmer kettle river than at Banning). Lots to see, do, and appreciate!

View from fire tower

View from fire tower

Fall colors and fog on the Kettle River (by the Big Eddy)

Fall colors and fog on the Kettle River (by the Big Eddy)

The road was so scenic, took a ton of pics like this! Was perfect!

The road was so scenic, took a ton of pics like this! Was perfect!

Frost on the wildflowers, my little bit of winter (I’m not ready!).

Frost on the wildflowers, my little bit of winter (I’m not ready!).

Reflections on the Kettle River

Reflections on the Kettle River

Sunshine through the pines on one of the short walks

Sunshine through the pines on one of the short walks