St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis
Swimming hole in Minneapolis, Minnesota · River
Find unofficial swimming spots on the St. Croix River near Minneapolis. Details on Sunrise Ferry Landing & Franconia Bridge, including directions, fees, and safety tips.
About St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis
Forming the natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Croix River has long served as a summer escape for Twin Cities residents seeking cool water, tall trees, and a slower pace. These unofficial swimming spots along its banks offer something increasingly rare: a genuine wild river experience within reasonable reach of a major metro area. The water runs clear and cool, fed by northern tributaries, and on a hot July afternoon the pull of the current against your skin feels like the best kind of reward.
The Setting and Landscape
The St. Croix cuts through a broad, forested valley where limestone bluffs rise above wooded banks thick with native flora. Cottonwoods and silver maples lean toward the water, casting dappled shade over sandy and rocky shorelines. At Sunrise Ferry Landing, you'll find a wide, accessible riverbank that invites wading, lounging, and longer swims into the main channel. Near the Franconia Bridge, the river takes on a more dramatic character — the historic crossing frames views upstream and down, making it one of the more photographed stretches on the river. Wildlife is a constant companion here: herons stand motionless in the shallows, kingfishers dart between branches, and on quiet mornings you may spot deer picking their way down to the water's edge.
What Swimming Is Like
The St. Croix is a genuine river, not a pond or a lake, and that means swimming here comes with a bit of current to read and respect. Water depths vary considerably along the banks — shallow enough for children to wade in calmer coves, and deep enough in the main channel for confident swimmers to stroke out and feel the river moving beneath them. The water is cool and relatively clear, with the gentle visual shimmer of a healthy river system. Rope swings along certain stretches add a playground energy to the scene, and tubes float lazily past on summer afternoons, turning the river into something between a park and an adventure. Because these are unofficial swimming areas, there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming with others and knowing your limits is essential.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit June through August for swimming; spring and fall for cooler weather and quieter visits.
- Access Moderate - Accessible via car with short walks to the riverbanks.
- Facilities Toilets and possible drinking water available at Franconia Bridge; parking fees apply at Sunrise Ferry Landing.
- Camping nearby Commercial camping along river at Limestone Park.
Highlights & features
- Swimming at Sunrise Ferry Landing
- Franconia Bridge swimming options
- Rope swings and tubing adventures
- Scenic photography spots
- Wildlife and native flora
- Dual-state location
- Historical significance of Franconia Bridge
- Varied water depths for multiple activities
How to get there
This spot on the St. Croix River offers a chance to find deeper water for swimming, though it is primarily a destination for canoeing and tubing. Parking is available, and there is a fee for parking at the landing.
-
Directions from Minneapolis
-
Start by taking I-35 North for approximately 44 miles.
-
Take Exit 147 for North Branch and turn right onto Route 95 East (St. Croix Trail).
Continue on Route 95 East for about 8 miles.
-
Turn left (north) onto Sunrise Road.
Drive approximately 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Mill Street.
-
Landmark
The parking lot for tube rentals is located at this intersection, behind a bar (GPS coordinates: 45.546409, -92.85664). If you plan to rent tubes, park here.
-
For those bringing their own tubes
Continue on Sunrise Road past Mill Street.
-
Take a slight right onto Ferry Road.
Drive 1.4 miles to reach Sunrise Ferry Landing.
-
Parking
There is a designated parking area at the landing, but a parking fee applies. GPS Coordinates: 45.56672, -92.86489. Franconia Bridge Overview: This swimming spot is located at the bridge over the St. Croix River between Franconia, MN, and Osceola, WI. The area includes a boat landing under the bridge, a picnic area with restrooms, and possibly drinking water. Swimming is best on the river side when water levels are low. Alternatively, there is an official beach on the slough west of the picnic area. Directions from Minneapolis:
-
Start by taking I-35 North for approximately 44 miles.
-
Take Exit 147 for North Branch and turn right onto Route 95 East (St. Croix Trail).
Stay on Route 95 East as it jogs around and eventually turns south. Continue on Route 95 East for about 20 miles, passing Sunrise Road and heading toward Taylors Falls.
-
Cross the St. Croix River at Taylors Falls onto Route 8 East, entering Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, turn right (south) onto Route 35. Follow Route 35 as it winds south for approximately 8 miles to Osceola.
-
Cross the river again at the bridge back into Franconia, MN.
Landmarks and Parking: The swimming area is located at the bridge. The St. Croix National Park boat landing is under the bridge, and the adjacent picnic area includes restrooms and possibly drinking water. GPS Coordinates: 45.3201, -92.715287.
-
Helpful Notes for Both Locations
Be prepared for parking fees at both spots. Bring your own water and supplies, as amenities may be limited. These areas can be popular during peak summer months, so plan to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a less crowded experience.
Plan your visit
The best swimming conditions run from June through August when water levels are favorable and temperatures make the river genuinely inviting. Spring and fall bring cooler air and quieter banks — ideal for photography and wildlife watching without the summer crowds. The charming river towns of Osceola, Wisconsin and North Branch, Minnesota are close at hand for a meal or a wander through local shops after a day on the water. From Minneapolis, the drive east toward the river valley is itself a scenic transition, as the city gradually gives way to the forested bluffs of the St. Croix corridor.
The best swimming conditions run from June through August when water levels are favorable and temperatures make the river genuinely inviting. Spring and fall bring cooler air and quieter banks — ideal for photography and wildlife watching without the summer crowds. The charming river towns of Osceola, Wisconsin and North Branch, Minnesota are close at hand for a meal or a wander through local shops after a day on the water. From Minneapolis, the drive east toward the river valley is itself a scenic transition, as the city gradually gives way to the forested bluffs of the St. Croix corridor.
Access & fees
Both locations are unofficial swimming areas with no stated lifeguard supervision. Parking fees apply at Sunrise Ferry Landing and are likely at Franconia. Facilities like restrooms may be present at Franconia but are not guaranteed. Always check current river conditions before visiting.
Both locations are unofficial swimming areas with no stated lifeguard supervision. Parking fees apply at Sunrise Ferry Landing and are likely at Franconia. Facilities like restrooms may be present at Franconia but are not guaranteed. Always check current river conditions before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis free to visit?
St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis may require a fee or pass. Reported fee: Varies - see below. Fees and hours change seasonally — verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis?
Yes, St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming, Rope swing, tubing. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis?
St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis is a river on St. Croix River located in MN, near MINNEAPOLIS. Find unofficial swimming spots on the St. Croix River near Minneapolis. Details on Sunrise Ferry Landing & Franconia Bridge, including directions, fees, and safety tips.
When is the best time to visit St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis?
The best time to visit St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis is June through August for swimming; spring and fall for cooler weather and quieter visits.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis?
Reported facilities at St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis include: Toilets and possible drinking water available at Franconia Bridge; parking fees apply at Sunrise Ferry Landing.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis?
Commercial camping along river at Limestone Park.
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
Rich historical background from Native American heritage to early settlers along the St. Croix River.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and minimize environmental impact.