Attractions and Places To See around Saint Mary's Point - Top 9

The area around Saint Mary's Point is rich in natural landscapes. You can visit the St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area, which features trails through prairie environments with towering Big Bluestem prairie grass and magnificent Bur Oak groves. Additionally, Kinnickinnic State Park offers diverse natural settings where the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers meet, providing opportunities for water activities and wooded trails.

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Saint Croix River Viewpoint offers elevated views of the river above the woods, complete with a small wooden bench and railing. Another notable spot is the River overlook in Kinnickinnick State Park, which provides a premier landscape view where the Kinnickinnick River enters the St. Croix River.

Absolutely! The Bison Prairie & Observation Platform is a fantastic place to see a bison herd that roams a 130-acre prairie. Binoculars are recommended for the best viewing experience, as the bison can easily blend into the tall prairie grass. The Belwin Conservancy hosts the bison herd from mid-May through late September.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails, particularly within areas like the St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area, which offers trails through prairie landscapes. For more options, explore the Hiking around Saint Mary's Point guide, which includes routes like the easy Trout Brook Loop and Bluebird and Butterfly Loop, as well as moderate trails like the Saint Croix River Viewpoint loop from Afton State Park.

Many attractions around Saint Mary's Point are suitable for families. The Saint Croix River Viewpoint and the River overlook are easy to access and offer scenic views. Kinnickinnic State Park is also considered family-friendly, with various trails and picnic areas. The Bison Prairie & Observation Platform is a unique experience for all ages to observe wildlife.

The period from mid-May through late September is ideal, especially if you wish to see the bison herd at the Bison Prairie & Observation Platform. This timeframe generally offers pleasant weather for hiking, running, and other outdoor pursuits along the St. Croix River and in the savannas.

While Saint Mary's Point itself is primarily a residential area with natural attractions, the broader region has historical significance. The area is associated with some of Minnesota's earliest pioneers, including French-Canadian families who settled there before 1837. For specific historical landmarks, you might explore nearby towns like Afton, which has a rich history related to early land transactions and development along the St. Croix River.

Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic river views and the preserved natural habitats. The Saint Croix River Viewpoint is highly regarded for its elevated perspectives. The opportunity to experience pre-settlement prairie at the St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area and observe the bison herd from the Bison Prairie & Observation Platform are also popular highlights.

Yes, the area offers various routes for running and road cycling. For runners, you can find options like the St. Croix River loop from Afton State Park or shorter moderate loops. Cyclists can explore routes such as the Stillwater Lift Bridge loop or longer rides from Lakeland Shores. You can find detailed routes in the Running Trails around Saint Mary's Point and Road Cycling Routes around Saint Mary's Point guides.

Beyond its natural beauty, St. Marys Point, Minnesota, is a quiet residential community. It features the St. Mary's Point Ice Arena, which serves the community with hockey and figure skating programs. There is also a St. Mary's Point Public Beach in nearby Lake St. Croix Beach, offering a local spot for relaxation by the water.

Yes, the Bison Prairie & Observation Platform is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique experience of observing the bison herd. This makes it a great option for visitors with mobility considerations.

Specific parking information varies by attraction. For example, the St. Croix Savanna Scientific and Natural Area has a trailhead that can be reached by driving through recent developments, implying parking is available there. For other attractions like Kinnickinnic State Park, there are typically designated parking areas near picnic spots and trailheads. It's always advisable to check specific park or attraction websites for the most current parking details.