Pioneer Archeology digs up artifacts in backyards across the St. Croix Valley. Hastings archeologist Brandon Lewanski says most people are shocked...
Community
Marine Community Library Has Been Volunteer-Led for 15 Years
On many fair-weather days during the school year, the town of Marine on St. Croix swells with the chatter of children as they make their way through...
Educator Claudia Hernandez Supports Multilingual Students
Oak-Land Middle School in Lake Elmo is dedicated to ensuring all students thrive. Key to this mission is Claudia Hernandez, a student, family and...
Early Morning Swan Stretch
Area photographer Lisa Townsend embraces winter on the open water of the St. Croix River. “I love my time spent with the swans,” Townsend says. This...
Lens on St. Croix Valley 2026 Winners
Discover new perspectives of the place we call home. The Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest is an annual invitation to share your snapshots of...
Stillwater Trolley
One warm summer morning on a photo walk around Stillwater, Nikkita Berglind of River Falls, Wisconsin, approached two large flower pots. “The sun...
The Future of the Valley Is Bright
The St. Croix Valley is home to a collection of incredible schools, with halls filled with young people finding their place in the world. Each year,...
She’s 80 and 200+ Marathons In—Here’s Why She Keeps Going
Octogenarian Mary Croft has run 235 marathons and shows no signs of stopping. On her 80th birthday, Mary Croft celebrated by running 80 kilometers...
Giving Back Starts Early With Ponies Care
When young people discover that their contributions matter and that they are connected to their community, the whole Valley benefits. Through Ponies...
Discover The Grounds Restaurant at St. Croix National
Panoramic views and elevated American fare await visitors at a venue mere minutes from the St. Croix. Tucked in the rolling hills of Somerset,...
The You R You Retreat Builds Confidence and Connection
A one-day retreat empowers girls before they start middle school. Returning to school after summer break is never easy, and the transition from...
A Look at FamilyMeans’ Better is Possible Fundraiser
FamilyMeans’ sixth annual Better is Possible fundraiser was the nonprofit’s most successful event yet, bringing in more than $160,000 to support its...
A Hands-on Approach To Outdoor Education
It’s a sunny day in October and a throng of exuberant sixth graders is spread out along the St. Croix River shoreline, gathering water samples,...
Discover Your Best of St. Croix Valley 2026 Winners
Somerset Embraces Its Heritage With Annual Pea Soup Days
Since the 1940s, Somerset, Wisconsin, has honored its French-Canadian heritage with an annual celebration. Featuring all the mainstays of a great...
Meet Individuals Who Are Spreading Hope and Heart
In each Best of St. Croix Valley issue, I have the opportunity to share a piece of my world in my Editor’s Picks. Last year, I took you on a tour of...
Summer Balloons
Stillwater resident Greg Schulz of Pictures Over Stillwater was leaving a preproduction meeting for the Opera On The River event when he spotted...
St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 30 Years
St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity has a legacy of generosity and innovation. Three decades of providing affordable housing to families is an...
The Story Behind Wild Rivers Conservancy’s EDDY
The mobile visitor experience will launch at this year’s Wild Rivers Fest. Wild Rivers Conservancy and the National Park Service have turned years...
The Joys of Spring
Bluebirds have a special place in Nancy Klinger’s heart. The area resident volunteers as a bluebird trail monitor at Belwin Conservancy in Afton and...
