St.Croix river, Stillwater MN
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St. Croix Boom Site Overlook and Cave

4.5
·480 reviews·Stillwater, United States

Discover a hidden gem with scenic river views, a charming waterfall, and a small cave. Perfect for a peaceful picnic or a short nature walk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best scenic views

CrowdLow
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St.Croix river, Stillwater MN

St. Croix Boom Site Overlook and Cave

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best scenic views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a hidden gem with scenic river views, a charming waterfall, and a small cave. Perfect for a peaceful picnic or a short nature walk.

4.5
(480 reviews)

"Beautiful scenic spot with a nice hike to the falls and river views."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the cave and waterfall can be slippery and uneven. Good grip is essential!

🚫 Be Mindful of Graffiti

Some visitors note graffiti detracts from the natural beauty. Pack out what you pack in.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cave

The Cave

Near the riverbank

A small, natural cave offering a unique, slightly hidden spot to explore. Watch for graffiti, but enjoy the natural formation.

Reddit
Waterfall

Waterfall

Along the river trail

A charming, short waterfall cascading near the river. The hike to reach it is pleasant and scenic.

Reddit
River Overlook

River Overlook

Main overlook area

Offers beautiful, scenic views of the St. Croix River. A perfect spot for a picnic or a moment of relaxation.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Cave Exploration & Safety

The cave at St. Croix Boom Site is small and can be slippery. Stick to marked paths and wear sturdy shoes. It's not ideal for very young children due to uneven terrain and potential hazards. Reddit

Best Viewing Times

Visit during daylight hours for the best views of the river and the small waterfall. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer visitors, enhancing the scenic experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best scenic views
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Soft light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour beauty
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Cool nature spots in Stillwater? My friends and I are spending a couple of days there!

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the cave and waterfall can be slippery and uneven. Good grip is essential! Reddit

🚫 Be Mindful of Graffiti

Some visitors note graffiti detracts from the natural beauty. Pack out what you pack in. Reddit

reddit.com

Probably the wrong sub but I got three hours to kill in Stillwater today. What can I do?

reddit.com

St. Croix River Beaches

🧺 Picnic Spot

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with beautiful river views. A great way to stretch your legs. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Short River Walk

Take the short walk down the steps to get closer to the river and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the cave and waterfall can be slippery and uneven. Good grip is essential! Reddit

🚫 Be Mindful of Graffiti

Some visitors note graffiti detracts from the natural beauty. Pack out what you pack in. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spot

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch with beautiful river views. A great way to stretch your legs. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Short River Walk

Take the short walk down the steps to get closer to the river and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(480 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors enjoy the scenic river views from the overlook and the pleasant hike to a small waterfall and cave. It's a nice spot for a picnic and a relaxing break. However, some reviewers note that graffiti detracts from the natural beauty, and the terrain can be slippery, making it less suitable for very young children.

"This was a fun walk! And a nice waterfall at the end. But I wouldn't take young kids here"

Talia R

"Fun place to hike and relax. Beautiful views."

Christine

"Nice place for a picnic lunch and stretch your legs. Too bad about the graffiti, it takes away from the beauty of the area."

Dawn Alberts

What People Like

Scenic river views
Pleasant waterfall hike
Picnic area

What People Dislike

Graffiti
Slippery terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The site is located in Stillwater, MN. Access is typically via local roads. It's often described as a small, out-of-the-way spot, so GPS is recommended. Reddit

Yes, there is a picnic area with parking available. It's generally not crowded, making it easy to find a spot. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for this specific, somewhat secluded location. Driving is the most convenient way to reach it.

The parking area is primarily for cars and smaller vehicles. Larger RVs might find it challenging to maneuver or park comfortably.

The site is accessible from MN-95 and other local routes in the Stillwater area. It's a scenic drive along the river.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the St. Croix Boom Site Overlook and Cave is free. It's a public park area. Reddit

As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted closing times, but it's best to visit when it's light out.

There is no admission fee. The site is maintained as a natural area for public enjoyment. Reddit

Guided tours are not typically offered for this location. It's designed for self-exploration and enjoying the natural scenery.

While there are no strict restrictions, visitors are advised to be cautious due to slippery surfaces and uneven terrain within the cave. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the small cave, admire the waterfall, enjoy scenic river views from the overlook, and have a picnic. It's a great spot for a short, relaxing visit. Reddit

The hike is described as nice and pleasant, located next to the river. It's generally considered easy to moderate. Reddit

Information on restrooms is not widely available, but it's advisable to check local park facilities or plan accordingly.

The main overlook area might be accessible, but the paths to the cave and waterfall are uneven and not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

As a riverine natural area, you might spot various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life. The focus is more on the geological features and river views.

📸 📸 Photography

The river overlook provides stunning panoramic shots. The waterfall area and the entrance to the cave also offer unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Absolutely! The St. Croix River views, especially during sunrise or sunset, are ideal for landscape photographers. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more atmospheric scene. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos inside the cave, but be mindful of lighting conditions and the slippery surfaces. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local park regulations. It's best to check with the relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the St. Croix Boom Site offers natural beauty, it's generally not recommended for very young children. The paths to the cave and waterfall are uneven and can be slippery, posing a safety risk. Reddit Parents should prioritize safety and consider if their children can navigate such terrain confidently. The overlook and picnic area might be suitable for older children who can be supervised closely. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who enjoy short, scenic walks, the St. Croix Boom Site delivers. The trail to the waterfall is described as pleasant and follows the river, offering lovely views. Reddit The cave provides a unique, albeit small, natural feature to explore. It’s a great spot for a brief nature immersion without a strenuous hike. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The overlook is a fantastic spot for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The river vistas are picturesque. Reddit The waterfall and cave entrance also offer unique subjects. Remember to bring your camera and capture the natural beauty of the St. Croix River. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Cave and Waterfall

The St. Croix Boom Site Overlook and Cave offers a unique natural experience, particularly the small cave and its accompanying waterfall. Visitors often describe the hike to the waterfall as pleasant and scenic, following the river's edge. Reddit However, it's important to note that the terrain can be slippery and uneven, making sturdy footwear a must. Reddit While the cave is a draw, some reviews mention graffiti, which can detract from the natural beauty. Despite this, the formations themselves are interesting to explore for those who enjoy discovering hidden nooks. Reddit

Safety First: Due to the natural conditions, this area is not recommended for very young children. Adults should exercise caution when navigating the paths and exploring the cave. The cave itself is relatively small, so it's more of a quick exploration than an extensive spelunking adventure. Reddit

Best Experience Tips



To make the most of your visit, aim for daylight hours when the scenery is most vibrant. The gentle cascade of the waterfall and the river views are best appreciated with good natural light. Reddit

Scenic River Views and Picnic Potential

The overlook at St. Croix Boom Site provides beautiful, sweeping views of the St. Croix River. This scenic spot is perfect for a leisurely picnic, offering a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to simply sit, take in the vistas, and stretch their legs during a road trip or a day out. The presence of a boat launch also adds to the riverside ambiance, though the primary draw for many is the overlook itself. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Consider packing a lunch or snacks to fully utilize the picnic area. The relatively secluded nature of the site means it's often less crowded than more popular parks, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Capturing the Scenery



Photographers will find the overlook a prime location for capturing landscape shots of the river, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and dramatic. Reddit

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