Osceola is a small town in Polk County, Wisconsin. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,568. The town sits along the St. Croix River and the border with Minnesota. The town is accessible via Wisconsin Highway 35.
St. Croix Falls
For those who want to experience the rugged beauty of Osceola, you can go hiking and biking in the area, including the Woolly MTB trail near Erratic Rock and the Falls Bluff Loop Trail. If you’d rather drink, there are several restaurants and wineries in town, including Romayne’s Café and The Goat.
You can also go kayaking on the St. Croix River, which has relatively flat water the entire way. To get to the river, you can take shuttles that leave every half hour. The shuttles take you seven miles down the river to the kayak launch point, and then take you back to your car.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to spend a day at the local parks. St Croix Falls is a family-friendly community with welcoming residents and affordable homes. Though it doesn’t have any universities or colleges, the local school system is very highly rated. Saint Croix Falls Elementary School is ranked among the top 25 elementary schools in Wisconsin, and class sizes are small.
If you’re visiting Osceola, Wisconsin, you might want to stop by the historic river town and visit the Falls. The town is home to a 24-foot waterfall and a restored working railroad train depot. The 1916 SOO Line Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Osceola’s historic downtown is also home to a pub, an outdoor patio bar, and a restaurant. The Cascade Bar and Mini-Lambeau are two of the many popular spots for dining and drinking.
Aside from the Falls, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in this picturesque town. The city is also home to several community parks and a local bowling alley. The city also has a nice visitor center where you can learn about the geology of the area.
Riverwood Canoe and Kayak
You can kayak or canoe on the Saint Croix River and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Osceola. This quaint town is about 40 miles northeast of Minneapolis and makes a great launching point for trips to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore and the North Woods of Wisconsin. The town was founded in 1844, and its downtown is a blend of historic and modern buildings. There’s also plenty to do while kayaking on the river, including a trip to Cascade Falls.
If you prefer to rent a kayak, Riverwood Canoe and Kayak in nearby Osceola is a great choice. Their shuttles run every hour, and will take you down the St. Croix River for seven miles. Afterwards, shuttle drivers will pick you up and return you to your vehicle.
Riverwood Canoe and Kayak offers a variety of trips. Visitors can rent kayaks for up to three people, and they provide paddles and life jackets for everyone. The company also offers shuttle service to and from the park. The seven-mile journey takes about two to three hours and can be taken by a group.
The town of Osceola also offers a variety of community parks and a bowling alley within walking distance. There is a nice visitor center with information about the geology of the area. You can also go hiking and cross-country skiing in the area.
Eagle’s Nest
A quick trip to the Eagle’s Nest in Osceola Wisconsin will provide you with the opportunity to see breathtaking scenery. This historic town was an active logging town and steamboat hub during the early 1900s. Today, the downtown area is home to a historic hotel, historic homes, and a loop of riverside trails.
Bald eagles can often be spotted in Osceola County. This area is home to the largest concentration of Bald eagle nests outside of Alaska. In fact, over 115 pairs of Southern bald eagles nest in Osceola County every year.
Nearby Ogema, you can also visit Timm’s Hill County Park to see the fall colors. If you’re looking for lodging in Osceola, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Croix Valley is a great place to stay. Alternatively, consider booking an Airbnb apartment in Osceola.
Nearby, the Cascade Falls Trail is 0.6 miles long and is a great way to see the falls. This trail includes beautiful boardwalks and enchanting waterfalls. You can return to the waterfall the same way or continue on the Eagle Bluff Trail.
St. Croix Dalles
Osceola, Wisconsin is a scenic river town located on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, forty miles northeast of Minneapolis. It is a perfect launching point for trips to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore and the North Woods of Wisconsin. This historic downtown has buildings dating back to the 1880s, and there is plenty to do in and around the town.
There are several places to eat in Osceola, including the Dancing Dragonfly Winery. The restaurant offers a variety of food, including vegetarian fare and vegan dosa. There is also a cute cafe on the waterfront that overlooks Cascade Falls, which are lit by LED lights at night.
If you’re an avid fisher, there are many opportunities to do so on the St. Croix River. There is a wide variety of fishing, from easy shore fishing to more challenging sport fishing. Anglers can also try their luck at catching lake sturgeon, flathead catfish, and more. There are also a variety of canoe and kayaking opportunities. There are several locations on the river, and the river is suitable for both novices and experts alike.
Another great option for exploring the region is the Wisconsin Interstate Park. This state park is home to the oldest state park in Wisconsin and offers great views of the river and steep-sided gorge. It’s also home to the Ice Age Interpretive Center, where visitors can learn about Wisconsin’s glacial history.
Fall Creek Scientific and Natural Area is another beautiful spot to visit. This area is a perfect spot for spring and fall flowers and the annual warbler migration. From there, continue north on Highway 95, which is a scenic two-lane road along the St. Croix River. While traffic from Highway 97 can be heavy at times, the road becomes less congested at milepost 43.9.