Over the River and Into the Northwoods

45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, sources its grain from a farm 8 miles down the road. Photo: Gabby Bridge

Discover new adventures in western Wisconsin.

When I moved to Polk County in 2021, I was hesitant. While I loved the idea of my tiny abode in rural western Wisconsin, I remember wondering what I was going to do “out there.”

It was, and still is, a fair question. Hundreds of Minnesotans have moved across the St. Croix River over the past decade, searching for more affordable housing options as the Metro grows—us among them. And though population growth has inevitably brought more businesses and services to the area, it didn’t take long for me to discover the vibrant culture of community collaboration that has made this area a joy to residents and visitors for decades.

Suffice it to say, I love it here. So let’s dive into some of my western Wisconsin highlights—from outdoor adventures and activities to unrivaled dining destinations.

Foodie Finds

When it comes to truly great food—you don’t have to look too far. Western Wisconsin is home to some phenomenal dining destinations that make for delicious food-fueled day trips.

Looking for a caffeine refuel? Star Prairie’s Jewelltown Roastery is a local mainstay for fresh-roasted coffee, espresso drinks and baked goods. Located in a historic building (that served as the town’s post office in the early 1900s), the company’s name hearkens to Star Prairie’s original name: Jewelltown. The Wrenholt family roasts beans weekly in-store, a routine appreciated by locals as the scent of coffee fills the town. The roastery has plans to open a second location in New Richmond’s new library building, set to be completed this autumn. 301 Main St., Star Prairie; 715.494.1090; jewelltownroastery.com

If you haven’t made a trip up to Balsam Lake, you’re missing out! This lake town comes alive in summer—with many chasing the mouthwatering farm-focused creations of Fiddlehead Kitchen. Thursday through Saturday, chefs Marlee Crave and Sarah Mittelstadt work their magic at Fiddlehead’s home kitchen at The Barred Owl—a cocktail lounge and wine bar. Each weekend brings a new menu with delightful fusions and flavors inspired by the season. 111 W. Main St., Balsam Lake; fiddleheadkitchenwi.com

Head to Osceola for a locally sourced meal in a quaint, natural setting. Founded in 2014, Watershed Cafe is a hidden gem of the Valley, located on Main Street just steps from the stunning Cascade Falls. On a warm summer day, enjoy a meal on the patio, overlooking Osceola Creek. Daily fare includes a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches—all made with local ingredients. The dinner menu shines with sustainably sourced proteins; my go-to is the seasonal risotto bowl with lake trout. 99 N. Cascade St., Osceola; 715.294.2638; thewatershedcafe.com

Just 20 minutes from the St. Croix Crossing Bridge is New Richmond’s 45th Parallel Distillery. The company has a grain-to-glass approach to distilling with grain supplied by a family farm just 8 miles down the road. The menu includes a variety of craft cocktails and Italian-inspired scratch-made dishes. (The wood-fired pizzas are revelatory.) 1490 Madison Ave., New Richmond; 715.243.5565; 45thparalleldistillery.com

Hike and Bike

The eastern St. Croix Valley is defined by acres of rolling hills and winding roads. It’s the ideal landscape for explorations on foot and two wheels.

One of my favorite local hiking destinations is the Osceola Bedrock Glades State Natural Area just north of downtown Osceola off of County Road S. Embark on the Ridge View Trail to find the bedrock glades, a stretch of rocky basalt bedrock that’s one of just four large acid bedrock glades in the state. Other trails along County Road S include the Osceola/Chisago Loop Trail and, farther toward the Centennial Bedrock Glade State Natural Area, the Copper Mine Trail and Skyline Trail. Both natural areas are under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and were designated State Natural Areas in the early 2000s. County Road S, Osceola; dnr.wisconsin.gov

For hiking, running and biking, the level, crushed limestone surface of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail appeals to various forms of recreation. The 14-mile trail extends from Dresser to Amery, passing seven picturesque lakes, along with farms, forests, prairies and wetlands. From May to October, rest stops with restrooms are open along the trail. The area allows for diverse wildlife viewing. On a recent bike ride, I stopped to watch a downy woodpecker who stopped on a cow parsnip just a few feet away. It was a close wildlife encounter that I won’t soon forget. stowersevenlakestrail.org

The Woolly Mountain Bike Trail in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, has five loops that cover 600 vertical feet. Photo: Keith Velaski

The Woolly Mountain Bike Trail in St. Croix Falls is a great destination for mountain bikers of all experience levels. The trail system includes five major loops that cover 600 vertical feet. The trails are connected to the Gandy Dancer State Trail, which offers 47 miles of level trail. The trailhead, complete with picnic tables, a bicycle workstation and a grill, is at the corner of Lincoln and Maple drives. woollybikeclub.com

On the Water

For me, summer in the St. Croix Valley necessitates as much time in the water as possible. Midwesterners all have a favorite lake, but there’s reason enough to take a trip to western Wisconsin for water-focused excursions.

One of the area’s big draws is boating on Cedar Lake, a 1,120-acre lake on the boundary of Polk and St. Croix counties. It’s a stunning body of water that seasonally features sandbars that are accessible by boat and a great place to stop for lunch. Folks fond of fishing will enjoy that the lake is home to bass, musky, Northern pike and panfish. I especially enjoy heading over to Meister’s Cedar Lake to finish out a day on the water. Located right on the shore, the grill and bar includes boat and seaplane docks—and parking for cars, of course. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset. 1176 County Road H, New Richmond; 715.248.7012; meisterscedarlake.com

Choose your own adventure on the Apple River. Open to shuttling yourself? Head to Star Prairie, Wisconsin, for beautiful, quiet tubing and kayaking options. iStock/huePhotography

While I could spend any odd day exploring the St. Croix River, one of my favorite summer activities is floating the Apple River. A lot of us have heard the stories from the southern section of the river! I prefer to travel on quieter parts of the river and have become familiar with two stretches that are easily accessible and ideal for varying time constraints. The section from the W. Church Road Bridge to downtown Star Prairie is wide and slow and takes two to four hours. The section from Star Prairie to the landing off Old Mill Road can be as quick as 45 minutes and is a swifter journey with a few obstacles. (Note: You’ll need to have two vehicles for shuttling and your own floatation devices.) For rentable tubes and shuttling services, float the southern section with River’s Edge, 1820 Raleigh Road, New Richmond; 715.247.3305; appleriver.com

Ramp up the Adventure

This area is chock full of exciting outdoor opportunities—you just need to know where to look.

Cedar Lake Speedway is an action-packed destination in Somerset, Wisconsin. Photo: Cedar Lake Speedway

For a thrilling evening adventure, check out Cedar Lake Speedway—a dirt oval racetrack founded in 1957 that hosts a weekly Saturday NASCAR racing program. It’s one of the nation’s leading short-track facilities and welcomes more than 100 skilled drivers from across the region each week. Throughout the season, onlookers can enjoy sprint car races, prestigious Late Model events and even a school bus race. It’s a unique activity that offers plenty of excitement. 2275 County Road CC, New Richmond; 715.248.7119; cedarlakespeedway.com

Forged Guides specializes in planning climbing excursions in the St. Croix Valley. Photo: Forged Guides

Every time I visit Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls, I’m on the lookout for cliffside climbers. It’s an amazing sport—and one that’s more accessible than you’d think. People of all ages and abilities can learn to climb towering basalt cliffs with the help of a guide. Forged Guides is an area guide service that specializes in planning personalized rock climbing excursions. Owner Mason Henke is an apprentice rock guide and AMGA-certified single-pitch instructor whose business is entirely focused on adventures in the St. Croix Valley. Offerings include half-day, full-day or multi-day trips in climbing, hiking, rappelling and advanced skills. 715.503.0581; climbforged.com

Osceola Skatepark is open to bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards. Photo: Kate Mahler

New to the area is Osceola Skatepark, a community-funded project by Osceola Main Street, 15 years in the making. Completed in September 2024, the skatepark is a living sculpture designed and built by Primary Concrete featuring artwork by muralist Phoebe Joynt. It’s open to nonmotorized equipment, including skateboards, roller skates, scooters and bikes. All experience levels are welcome. 382 Sixth Ave., Osceola; info@osceolaskatepark.org; osceolaskatepark.org