Things to Do at Kinnickinnic State Park

Kinnickinnic State Park offers a wide range of year-round activities for anyone who likes to relax outdoors.

Hiking

Kinnickinnic State Park offers about 6.5 miles of hiking trails winding through hills, woods, and prairies.

Fishing

Anglers can fish the St. Croix River from either boat or shore. Although the St. Croix is known for its large walleyes, it has a wide variety of fish to catch. The Kinnickinnic River is a trout stream and has an excellent population of German brown trout.

Picnicking

Tables and grills are available at a variety of locations throughout the park. The largest picnic area is at the St. Croix overlook. Another popular picnic area is near the swimming area.

You can watch birds and boats go by while picnicking here.
DNR Photo

Swimming

There is a sandy swimming area on the St. Croix River. This area is marked by buoys; however, there is not a lifeguard on duty.

Boat Camping

Boat camping is a popular activity on the Kinnickinnic delta. If you are planning on staying overnight, you will need to provide your own toilet facility and sleep aboard your boat.

After a day of swimming and fishing, these people may sleep on their boat.
DNR Photo by Bob Queen

Cross-country Skiing

During the winter, Kinnickinnic State Park access is limited to foot travel only via snowshoes, skiing, or hiking. The entrance gate is closed and the road is not plowed. Visitors may park at the entrance gate. There is no winter maintenance on the trails, but several miles of non-groomed trails are available for hiking or skiing.

• Yellow Trail (1.2 miles/1.9 kilometers): This looping two-way trail connects to all other ski trails. A relatively easy, partially wooded trail around a restored prairie.
• Green Trail (1.0 mi./1.6 km.): Get to this easy one-way trail loop by way of the yellow trail. You will ski through native big bluestem prairie grass.
• Purple Trail (1.0 mi./1.6 km.): This one-way trail starts and ends at the St. Croix Picnic Area near the scenic overlook. This easy trail provides access to the yellow and orange trails. This is a very scenic trail that takes you through a variety of forest ecosystems.
• Orange Trail (l0.6 mi./1.0 km.): Reach this difficult one-way trail by way of the purple and yellow trails. This scenic trail runs along the slopes of the Kinnickinnic River valley and provides a view of the beaver ponds.
• Overlook Trail (0.1 mi./0.2 km.): This trail takes you from the St. Croix parking area to the Scenic Overlook. Spectacular views of the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic River valley are worth the short walk.
• Red Trail (1.6 mi./2.6 km.): An easy loop that meanders around vulture’s peak and through a restored prairie.
• Brown Trail (0.2 mi./0.3 km.): This short, steep trail leads to a scenic view of the Kinnickinnic River valley.
• Blue Trail (0.7 mi./1.1 km.): This very difficult trail has several memorable hills. The trail connects to the ski trail system at the west end; nonskiers will need to turn around at that point.

Other Activities

Large areas of open sand on the Kinnickinnic delta and in the upland portion of the park provide excellent opportunities for softball, volleyball, badminton, Frisbee, and other summertime sports.

For More Information

Kinnickinnic State Park
W11983 820th Ave.
River Falls WI 54022
(715) 425-1129