St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis

St. Croix Regional Swimming Directions Withdrawn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 The previous swimming directions were withdrawn, along with claims about main-channel swims, rope swings and an official slough beach.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.

Osceola Landing picnic setting

This NPS photograph shows the riverside picnic setting at Osceola Landing. It is facility context for that named landing, not Sunrise Landing, Sunrise Ferry or Franconia Landing. The paved picnic pad does not establish an accessible water entry, a designated swimming beach or permission to swim beside a launch. It also does not restore the withdrawn historical swimming directions. Check current destination information for facility availability and choose a separately documented beach for a beach outing. Credit: National Park Service / JAnderson. The image is resized within its original dimensions and converted to WebP; scene content is unchanged.

Osceola Landing arrival and plaza views

Additional NPS photographs show marked parking by the Osprey picnic shelter and the interpretive plaza beside the comfort-station building at Osceola Landing. These are historical facility views, not a designated beach, accessible water entrance or confirmation that restrooms, shelters or shuttles operate today. Names etched into the plaza are interpretive displays, not swimming destinations. They do not restore the withdrawn regional swimming directions or describe Sunrise or Franconia. Credit: National Park Service / JAnderson. No claim to original U.S. Government works.