St. Croix Beach Parking Lot
Parking lot
4.1 (16)
16820 20th St S, Lake St Croix Beach, MN 55043
RiverMN
St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Clarify Sunrise, Franconia and Osceola landing identities, federal versus state fees, and why the old regional swimming directions are withdrawn.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
This regional entry does not identify a verified swimming entrance. The old directions mixed landing names and promoted main-channel swimming, rope swings and an unverified slough beach. Those recommendations are withdrawn. This is not a claim that swimming is prohibited throughout the St. Croix River.
Official sources checked:
Water type
River
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
NPS states that federal Riverway landings and facilities have no use fee. State parks and private landings may charge. Confirm the managing agency for the exact destination; the previous blanket parking-fee claims are withdrawn.
Best season
Check current river conditions and the specific destination's notices. No swimming season or favorable-flow guarantee is established for this regional entry
Nearby towns
Minneapolis, North Branch, Osceola(Wi)
Water body
St. Croix River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Minneapolis, North Branch, Osceola(Wi)
Access location not verified
OSCEOLA(WI), MN
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
St. Croix Regional Swimming Directions Withdrawn
This historical entry combined multiple landings into a swimming recommendation without establishing a specific authorized swimming entrance. The previous swimming directions were withdrawn, along with claims about main-channel swims, rope swings and an official slough beach. This is an access correction, not a river-wide swimming prohibition.
Use the Correct Landing Name
The NPS paddling guide distinguishes Sunrise River Landing in Minnesota from Sunrise Ferry Landing in Wisconsin. It also lists Franconia Landing and Osceola Landing separately. The old name 'Franconia Bridge' and its description of the Osceola crossing should not be treated as precise navigation.
Minnesota DNR identifies Sunrise Landing at Wild River State Park's northern entrance as a boat launch, trailhead and small picnic area. This does not establish the former swimming or tube-rental recommendation.
Fees Depend on the Managing Agency
The NPS fee page says federal Riverway landings and facilities have no use fee, while state parks and private access may charge. The previous statement that parking fees apply at both historical spots was not supported. Identify the exact destination before checking admission.
Confirmed Facilities Are Not Swimming Permission
NPS describes Osceola Landing as having separate boat-launch areas, picnic facilities and upgraded restrooms. These features are specific to Osceola; they should not be copied to other landings or treated as proof of a swimming beach.
For a beach outing, start with the Minneapolis beach guide. For river recreation, check official conditions and confirm the planned activity with the land manager. NPS visitor information is available at 715-483-2274.
Getting There
The previous swimming directions were withdrawn. NPS maps distinguish Sunrise River Landing in Minnesota from Sunrise Ferry Landing in Wisconsin and show Franconia and Osceola as separate landings. Select an exact destination and confirm its permitted activities with the manager; no swimming navigation pin is supplied for this broad entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
A boat landing or picnic area is not a verified swimming entrance. Historical tube-rental-lot directions and the alleged official slough beach have not been confirmed. Do not use this entry to navigate to a swimming spot.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
This regional entry does not identify a verified swimming entrance. The old directions mixed landing names and promoted main-channel swimming, rope swings and an unverified slough beach. Those recommendations are withdrawn. This is not a claim that swimming is prohibited throughout the St. Croix River. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Riverwalk Park
Park
4.5 (149)
39181 Forest Blvd, North Branch, MN 55056
Picnic tables
Wild River State Park
State park
4.7 (1025)
39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012
Venue along the St. Croix River offering hiking, camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing & more.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Goose Creek confluence with the St. Croix River
Hiking area
5 (1)
H48J+G3, Harris, MN 55032
Kozy Oaks Kamp
Campground
4.5 (199)
8620 277th Ave NE, North Branch, MN 55056
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Wild River State Park Main Campground
Campground
4.4 (34)
Unnamed Road, North Branch, MN 55056
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Chicken Coop Campground - Hay Days ONLY
Campground
4.7 (31)
39080 Oriole Ave, North Branch, MN 55056
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Restroom
Public bathroom
38780 8th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis
Does this listing identify a verified swimming entrance?
No. It combined multiple landings and old directions without confirming a specific swimming entrance. The historical swimming recommendations are withdrawn, not replaced by a river-wide prohibition.
Are Sunrise River Landing and Sunrise Ferry Landing the same place?
The NPS paddling guide distinguishes Sunrise River Landing in Minnesota from Sunrise Ferry Landing in Wisconsin. Choose the exact landing and managing agency before planning access.
Are Franconia and Osceola interchangeable landing names?
No. The NPS paddling guide lists them separately. The old bridge-based directions should not be used as precise swimming navigation.
Is parking charged everywhere along the Riverway?
No. NPS says federal Riverway landings and facilities have no use fee, while state parks and private landings may charge. Confirm the rules of the exact destination.
Highlights
Separate landing identities
Federal versus state and private fees
Official river-condition research
Unique Features
Regional correction covering multiple landings, not a single verified swim site
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- NPS warns that river levels can change daily and advises against jumping from cliffs, bridges or trees
- Do not use the old main-channel swimming or rope-swing recommendations
- Check official conditions and follow site-specific signs
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Consult NPS and state park interpretation for river history.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River views from authorized visitor areas. Images do not establish swimming permission.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use authorized access points, respect private land and pack out litter.
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Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current river conditions and the specific destination's notices. No swimming season or favorable-flow guarantee is established for this regional entry.
Difficulty Level
No swimming approach verified. Conditions and access depend on the chosen landing.
Fee
NPS states that federal Riverway landings and facilities have no use fee. State parks and private landings may charge. Confirm the managing agency for the exact destination; the previous blanket parking-fee claims are withdrawn.
Facilities
NPS describes upgraded restrooms, picnic facilities and separate boat launches at Osceola Landing. Minnesota DNR identifies a boat launch, trailhead and small picnic area at Sunrise Landing in Wild River State Park. These amenities do not establish swimming access.
Activities
River sightseeing; confirm permitted activities at the specific landing
Phone
715-483-2274 (NPS Riverway visitor information)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Check official Riverway or state park camping information separately. The older Limestone Park recommendation has not been verified.
Nearby Attractions
- Wild River State Park - State park visitor information
- Osceola Landing - NPS day-use area
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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