
St. Croix Crossing Bridge
An impressive modern bridge with a dedicated walkway offering scenic river views and historical insights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

St. Croix Crossing Bridge
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An impressive modern bridge with a dedicated walkway offering scenic river views and historical insights.
"The views from the bridge are spectacular and a well-maintained bathroom can be found on the Wisconsin side."

🚗 Minnesota Side Parking
Park on the Minnesota side for the shortest walk to the bridge's main walkway. :car:
🚶♀️ Wisconsin Side Hike
The Wisconsin side offers a longer, scenic hike down to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Observation Decks
North side walkway
Take a break and soak in panoramic views of the St. Croix River. Perfect for photos and appreciating the scale of the crossing.

Historical Plaques
North side walkway
Learn about the history and significance of the St. Croix River and its crossings through informative signage.

The Bridge Itself
St. Croix River
An impressive feat of modern engineering, the bridge offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access Points
Embrace the Walkway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Minnesota Side Parking
Park on the Minnesota side for the shortest walk to the bridge's main walkway. :car:
🚶♀️ Wisconsin Side Hike
The Wisconsin side offers a longer, scenic hike down to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The day was perfect for pictures! Views are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🚻 Restroom Available
A well-maintained bathroom is conveniently located on the Wisconsin side. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Minnesota Side Parking
Park on the Minnesota side for the shortest walk to the bridge's main walkway. :car:
🚶♀️ Wisconsin Side Hike
The Wisconsin side offers a longer, scenic hike down to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The day was perfect for pictures! Views are spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🚻 Restroom Available
A well-maintained bathroom is conveniently located on the Wisconsin side. :toilet:
🛶 Boat Ramp Access
Excellent boat ramp with ample parking available. :rowboat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the St. Croix Crossing Bridge for its impressive engineering and the dedicated walkway offering scenic river views. The observation decks and historical plaques add an educational element, making it a pleasant spot for a walk or bike ride. Some find the highway noise noticeable, but the overall experience is considered positive and worthwhile.
"While I've driven over this bridge countless times, I've always wanted to walk across it. We started on the Wisconsin side so had a bit of a hike down to the bridge proper. We stopped at the first overlook area and then decided to hike back to the car. When I come with my boys, I think I will plan to park on the Minnesota side as its closer to the bridge itself. The day was perfect for pictures and the temperature was just right. The views from the bridge are spectacular and a well-maintained bathroom can be found on the Wisconsin side."
Margaret Roslik
"Excellent boat ramp with 35 parking spots!"
Loren Evers
"Borderline in the middle of the St Croix River on the Highway 36 Bridge between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Walking and biking path on the north side of the bridge with observation decks and historical plaques."
Scot Egg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parking on the Minnesota side is generally closer to the bridge's walkway, making for a shorter approach. The Wisconsin side also offers parking but involves a longer hike down to the bridge itself.
Yes, there is a dedicated walking and biking path on the north side of the bridge, offering a pleasant way to experience the crossing.
Access points are available from both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides. The Minnesota side is often preferred for its proximity to the main walkway.
Information on public transportation directly to the bridge is limited. Driving is the most common method of access. Check local transit schedules for nearby towns like Stillwater.
The bridge is part of Highway 36, connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Use GPS navigation for the most direct route to your preferred parking area on either side.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to walk or bike on the St. Croix Crossing Bridge walkway. It is freely accessible to the public.
The walkway is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's a public thoroughfare, so hours are not strictly enforced like a park.
No advance booking is necessary. The walkway is open to all visitors.
While generally open, be mindful of traffic noise as it is a highway bridge. Stick to the designated path for your safety.
The walkway is paved and generally well-maintained, making it accessible for most. Specific accessibility details may vary, but it's designed for public use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy spectacular views of the St. Croix River from observation decks, read historical plaques, and admire the bridge's architecture. It's a great spot for a walk or bike ride.
Yes, a well-maintained bathroom facility is available on the Wisconsin side of the bridge.
As it is a highway bridge, there can be some noise from traffic. However, the observation areas offer a good vantage point to enjoy the views despite the sound.
Fishing from the bridge itself is generally not recommended or permitted due to safety and traffic. However, there is an excellent boat ramp nearby on the Wisconsin side.
The St. Croix Loop Trail is a fully paved bike and walk path that encircles the bridge, connecting to downtown Stillwater. It's a popular route for cyclists and walkers.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the bridge and river views. Consider early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the bridge's impressive structure, scenic river vistas, and details from the historical plaques. The observation decks provide excellent vantage points.
The observation decks along the north side walkway are ideal for panoramic shots. Experiment with different angles from the walkway itself.
Drone usage may be restricted due to its proximity to highway traffic and potential airspace regulations. Always check local FAA guidelines before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge's scale. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant river views. A tripod can help with low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The restroom on the Wisconsin side is a convenient stop. While the bridge is a highway, the dedicated path keeps children safe from traffic. It's a great spot for a short, active adventure that combines a bit of exercise with scenic views.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Bikers
Whether you're doing a short out-and-back on the bridge or completing the entire loop, the well-maintained path ensures a pleasant cycling experience. Remember to be courteous to pedestrians and be aware of your surroundings, as it is a shared space.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Walkway
Along the walkway, you'll find strategically placed observation decks that provide stunning panoramic views. These are perfect spots to pause, take in the scenery, and capture some memorable photographs. Informative historical plaques are also dotted along the path, offering insights into the region's past and the significance of the river. This combination of scenic beauty and educational content makes the walkway a worthwhile destination for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.
Parking and Access Strategies
Conversely, parking on the Wisconsin side involves a longer hike down to the bridge proper. While this might require more effort, it can be a more scenic approach for those who enjoy a bit of a trek. Regardless of your choice, the bridge is a destination that rewards exploration, and having a plan for parking can help you make the most of your visit.
For those interested in water activities, an excellent boat ramp with 35 parking spots is also available on the Wisconsin side, catering to boaters looking to access the St. Croix River.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit