Get off the sofa project

Park and river groups along the St. Croix River have some ideas of how you and your family can get out and enjoy the river this summer.

A coalition of the National Park Service and state parks on both sides of the St. Croix River have announced a series of events this summer meant to get families out and enjoying everything the St. Croix has to offer.

Every Sunday, all summer long, the Summer Outdoor Family Adventure Series (SOFAS) will present activities like picnics, hikes, canoe trips, and train rides; participants will learn about history, birds, plants, conservation, and more.

You and your family (all events are suitable for children 10 and up, with every other event suitable for 6 and up) can simply check out one or more of the 15 events, or get more involved and fill out a passport book while attending events. Those who have seven or more activities at the end of the summer will get a pin.

All the events, and the pin, are free. (State Park admission not included.)

Schedule:

1. SOFAS Kickoff – Osceola Landing
   Sunday, June 6, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
   Looking for a fun family time? Bring a picnic to Osceola Landing, pick up a passport book, and learn about SOFAS! Through ongoing activities, meet some of the local experts who will lead your SOFAS adventures.
2. Hike Along the Ridge – Ridgeview Trail
   Sunday, June 13, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
   Join a National Park Service Ranger to hike a 1-mile loop and hear about the changing Northwoods landscape while walking through a geologically unique area overlooking the river valley.
3. Just Take a Hike! – Straight Lake State Park
   Sunday, June 20, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
   Discover the wildflowers, wildlife, and unique features of Straight Lake State Park on a leisurely walk this Father’s Day!
4. All Aboard! The Railroad Trail – MN Interstate State Park
   Sunday, June 27, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
   All aboard! Take a walk back in history as we explore the Northern Pacific railroad that once connected Taylors Falls “to the rest of the world”. What happened and what remains? Find out on this 2 mile leisurely walk.
5. Old Fashioned Train Ride – William O’Brien State Park
   Sunday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
   Join us for this fun, unique experience on the rails. This event involves a 1-mile hike, and opportunities to get off the train to shop. The cost is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids under 16, and children under 4 ride free. Call (651) 433-0500 x227 for more details.
6. Back in Time: Boomsite Tour – Stillwater Boomsite
   Sunday, July 11, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
   Go back in time as we explore the place that once employed hundreds of sawyers, teamsters, bank beavers, and river pigs and learn about the log jams that made this river famous! Meet at the council ring at the rest area.
7. Indianhead Flowage Trail
   Friday, July 16, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
   Crossing bridged streams and winding through the woods and wetlands, join us on this leisurely walk to discover this treasured spot amongst the St. Croix Valley.
8. Camp We-Kan-Tak-It Play and Auto Tour – WI Interstate State Park
   Saturday, July 17, 10:00 a.m. to noon
   Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps that built our state parks while being entertained by this enthusiastic group of actors!
9. Bringing Back the Bluebirds! – Willow River State Park
   Sunday, July 18, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
   Dive into the life of a bluebird as we take a sneak peek inside a few of Willow River’s blue bird boxes.
10. Twilight Canoe Paddle –Interstate State Parks to Osceola Landing
    Sunday, July 25, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
    Discover nature by night and enjoy the river under the full moon! Bring or rent your own canoe or kayak and join us on this one-way leisurely 7-mile paddle.
11. Standing Cedars State Natural Area
    Sunday, August 1, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    Uncover the hidden treasures of this protected piece of land; why it was established, what’s happening now, and what it means to you.
12. Double the Adventure: Hike and Paddle – Straight Lake State Park
    Sunday, August 8, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
    We’re amping up our adventure now! Join us for a dual hike and paddle through the secluded parts of one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful parks.
13. Little Walk on the Prairie – Wild River State Park Trail Center
    Sunday, August 15, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    From washed-out riverbeds to hardwood forests, the prairies have been restored! Walk through the 5-foot tall big bluestem as we discover the plants, animals, and insects that have returned to this area.
14. Trumpeter Swan Banding – Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
    Sunday, August 22, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
    Join trumpeter swan experts to discover the fascinating history, beauty, survey techniques, and conservation status of the trumpeter swan all while getting an up-close look at these majestic migrating birds.
15. Club Wrap-up and Awards – Osceola Landing
    Sunday, August 29, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
    Conclude our summer together with ongoing activities, a picnic, and awards ceremony for our SOFAS participants!

Download the schedule and brochure as a PDF »

Brought to You By:

• National Park Service
  St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
  Dale Cox, Park Ranger
  (715) 483-2272
• Wisconsin State Parks
  
  • Wisconsin Interstate State Park
    Julie Fox, Natural Resources Educator
    (715) 483-3747
  • Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
    Alison Cordie, Natural Resources Educator
    (715) 463-2739
• Minnesota State Parks
  
  • William O’Brien State Park
    Diane Hedin, Interpretive Naturalist
    (651) 433-0500 x227
  • Wild River State Park
    Kacie Carlson, Interpretive Naturalist
    (651) 583-2925

Thanks to the St. Croix River Association for passing this information along!