Frequently asked questions

Marine on St. Croix is a small city in Washington County, Minnesota, on the west bank of the St. Croix River across from Wisconsin. It lies on Highway 95 about 12 miles north of Stillwater and 15 miles south of Taylors Falls, and roughly 40–50 minutes by car from downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis. See plan your visit for drive times.

Locals say muh-REEN on Saint KROY. Most people just call it Marine.

The founders of the 1839 sawmill came from Marine, Illinois, and named the settlement Marine Mills after their hometown. The name was officially changed to Marine on St. Croix in 1917. Read the history.

Right now the river at St. Croix Falls is flowing at about 1,590 cfs, which is much below normal for the date. Conditions change daily, so check the live river page before you go, wear a life jacket and dress for the water temperature. Spring snowmelt makes April and May the riskiest months.

Yes — parking is free on and near Judd Street and in the lot at the Marine Mill site. On summer weekends and especially on the Fourth of July it fills quickly; arrive early or park at the edge of the village and walk in.

Yes. A Minnesota state park vehicle permit (daily or annual) is required to park in the park. Skiers 16 and older also need a Minnesota Ski Pass on the groomed trails. See our park guide.

Swimming in the main channel is not recommended: the current is stronger than it looks and the water stays cold well into June. Families usually swim at the Lake Alice beach in William O’Brien State Park (check whether it’s open) or wade on sandbars in late summer when the river is low and calm.

Mid-September to mid-October for fall color and comfortable hiking; July and August for paddling and swimming; May for wildflowers and migrating birds; January–February for skiing. Average highs range from 23°F in January to 81°F in July. See the best time to visit.

The parade starts at noon on July 4, with units lining up at Judd and Berkey Streets about an hour before. A four-mile race and two-mile run/walk are held in the morning. There is no fireworks show anymore. Details: Fourth of July in Marine.

The 2020 census counted 664 residents. The population peaked at 689 in 2010 and fell to 297 by 1930 after the sawmill closed. More in demographics.

The ruins of the first commercial sawmill in Minnesota, which started cutting lumber in August 1839 and operated for more than half a century. The stone footings are now a free historic site beside the Village Hall. Visit the Marine Mill.

Yes, mostly during spring snowmelt. The National Weather Service’s flood stage at the Stillwater gauge is 87 feet; the record crest there was 94.1 feet in 1965. The current stage is on our river page.

Based on 30 years of data, the median last spring freeze is April 25 and the median first fall freeze is October 28, giving a typical frost-free season of about 186 days. See weather & climate.

No. This is an independent guide. The official website of the City of Marine on St. Croix is marineonstcroix.org, and the city office is at 121 Judd Street, (651) 433-3636.