27 July 2023
A new motorized boat launch on the St. Croix River will open this weekend, according to the National Park Service.
The Park Service recently undertook a project to create two separate landings for motorized and non-motorized vehicles at Osceola Landing on the St. Croix. Previously, motorized and non-motorized watercraft used the same landing, raising safety concerns and creating pedestrian traffic.
The new landing arrangement has increased parking, a paved walking path with informational signage, a new orientation and waiting area, and new restrooms.
“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Osceola Landing Day Use Area,” Craig Hansen, superintendent of the St. Croix National Scenic Waterway said in a press release, “This project was a significant undertaking, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during the construction process and flood delays.”
Record flooding in the spring of 2023 delayed the project.
Future plans for Osceola Landing include improvements to the parking lot and boat launches near the Highway 243 Bridge, once the bridge is completed.
Osceola Landing is one of the most popular landings along the St. Croix River. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, covers 200 miles along the St. Croix and Namekagon River.
Related Articles
Stillwater Lift Bridge to close Tuesday for electrical work
Minnesota outdoor supply company sues Lucasfilm over ‘Indiana Jones’ ad
Alex McKinney tapped to be new Washington County parks director
Walk in the trees: Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail opens Friday
Skywatch: Bootes, the happy hunter