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William O'Brien
Overview
William O'Brien State Park offers a quintessential Minnesota river valley experience just a short drive from the Twin Cities. Situated along the banks of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, this park serves as a beloved retreat for those seeking a mix of woodland serenity and river-based recreation. Whether you are arriving for a weekend getaway or a longer exploration of the valley, the park provides a lush backdrop of floodplain forests and oak savannas that change beautifully with the seasons. It is a place where the pace of life slows down to the rhythm of the flowing water.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the charming village of Marine on St. Croix, MN, the park is perfectly positioned for travelers who enjoy both natural isolation and small-town history. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills that transition into the dramatic cliffs and shores of the St. Croix River. Visitors are often struck by the diversity of the terrain, ranging from the quiet reflective waters of Lake Alice to the bustling activity of the main river channel. The surrounding area is part of a protected corridor, ensuring that your view remains unobstructed by heavy urban development.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates RV travelers with a variety of site options, including electric hookups that are well-suited for modern rigs. While the setting feels rustic, campers have access to essential modern conveniences such as seasonal modern restrooms and showers and a centrally located dump station. Nature is the primary amenity here, with miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails weaving through the hardwoods. The swimming beach at Lake Alice and multiple picnic areas make it easy to spend the entire day outdoors without ever leaving the park boundaries.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure seekers can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the St. Croix River, a popular activity for spotting local wildlife like bald eagles and herons. Just a few miles south, the historic town of Stillwater offers a variety of antique shops, local breweries, and fine dining experiences. If you prefer a quieter pace, the village of Marine on St. Croix features one of the oldest general stores in the state. Fishing is another major draw, with the river providing ample angling opportunities for walleye, bass, and northern pike.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal destination for family RVers and nature enthusiasts who want a balanced outdoor experience. Because of its proximity to the metropolitan area, it is perfect for those who want a quick escape without a long haul. It also appeals to birdwatchers and photographers who will find endless subjects within the diverse ecosystems. If you value a state park experience that prioritizes hiking, paddling, and quiet evenings by the fire over high-density resort amenities, William O'Brien will feel like home.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kathleen Fetterly
This is a great park! I will mention that there are some trail intersections that do not have signs. At the prairie viewing area, there is a path that goes right and one that goes left. No sign! Then, at the large grassy knoll where you go right to cross the railroad tracks when heading back to the visitor center…needs a sign. Bring good boots for there are some steep hills on the hiking club paths. It was a lot of fun and quiet on a Monday evening. Great variety of scenery. Yes, bring enough water. There are primitive bathrooms, three total on the hiking club trail.
Jim
Ive been to William O'Brien State Park twice before. Today, I went on a new route. The outside path around the wetlands and the woods. I saw a lady that had rented a All-Terrain chair that people can rent from the state parks. It allows people that have physical ailments from being limited access to exploring via in a wheelchair. It was very badass. Battery 🔋 can go for 5 hours. The son said its great because she's wheelchair bound. There's paths he cant push her in on a wheelchair. But the All-Terrain chair definitely can! It was a fantastic day perfect weather as it was 87 degrees.
Jdogsledman
On a beautiful cool August day we embarked on a journey to tour the park. We found the visitor center fairly easy to access and the workers were very friendly and helpful. After we checked out the visitor center we started with the riverside trail working are way towards the northern section then headed southward. The first scenic overlook we came upon was Lake Alice we quickly realized something was not the normal as the lake was dried up, but still hosted a variety of bird species and provided some interesting views. As we meandered through the southern end turning towards the st. Croix we found some gents fly fishing in the river and other people enjoying the August day. There were several nice stopping points to catch views of the river and very peaceful stroll as we headed north along the river banks. The Journey took us 42 minutes. Next we headed back to the Visitor center where we were still thirsty for more hiking and literally needed a water break-but we came prepared with a backpack filled with water and some healthy snacks. We then chartered a path for the Western loop that would pass us by the wedge hill group camp and Beaver lodge trail. It was here that we discovered the Minnesota native scene as if it were 1858. The prairie grasses swaying in the wind and the whimsical noise of the wind through the white pines. I would say this hike was pleasant, but not over stimulating and gave us time to chat along with some great exercise. There was some photos opportunities and wild flowers still blooming which was a pleasant surprise. By the end of our journey we had 5 miles on the day. The weather was perfect for the hike and felt like the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I would recommend bringing water and stopping occasionally to take in the nature scenery. -Jeffrey
Bethshaba Poppyfielder
My oh my!! Do I sure love this park!! William O’Brien State Park is absolutely amazing. They have many different trails to hike on. They have the river trail and they also have other trails. I think the park is absolutely gorgeous and super well maintained! The paths are easy to walk on, especially the riverside trail. I have been coming here for years and love it so so much. There are so many stunning views in this park and I always continue to find more. I highly recommend this part to anyone and everyone!
Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)
I loved William O'Brien State Park! I walked the short riverside loop trail and decided to rent a kayak for 4 hours around 3 o clock on a Thursday for $16. Highly recommend do so, you can hang out at Lake Alice or go up the river and allow it to gently bring you back. There are other boats as it is a popular boat launch, but people wave and are respectful of space. Saw a lot of fish jumping, canoes are also available.
Emily Braverman
Had a great hike! Very easy trail, lots of families walking by. State parking pass is $7 for daily or $37 annual. Clean restrooms friendly staff. For hiking info download the AllTrails app. 🥾
Matias A
William O’Brien State Park is a charming getaway that beautifully showcases nature’s splendor. The park offers inviting walking trails, serene picnic spots, and well-maintained facilities that make it a wonderful destination for families and solo adventurers alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet stroll or a day of outdoor recreation, this park provides a peaceful and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.
Matt Lindholm
William O'Brien State Park is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities. While is just 15 or 20 minutes from some major suburbs, you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. The best kind of feeling. Enjoy the many trails with a variety of challenge levels, swimming beach, access to the St Croix, interpretive center, and the landscape.
Christina Brandt
Absolutely lovely state park! My husband surprised me with a book he found online that you can track memories in for each state park in MN and it allows you to give a rating scale for each one. This is by far top of the list currently. The paths are so incredibly wide. Not something we've found at other state parks, at least not yet. The scenery alone is just heavenly. We went on an unusually warm day in December (2024) and had tons of fun exploring many paths. Part of the park was closed for the winter but it definitely did not take away from our fun as there is more than enough to do. We couldn't hike it all in the few hours we were there so looking forward to another trip out and can't wait to see what it looks like on the summer/fall. Highly recommend! Would score it very high for accessibility based on the trails we took.
Lindsay S
We love this park. Good hikes, decent campsites. This is our last of the season and it's so pretty with all the colors. The hikes are good, had cabins that are nice. We went again and saw the other post of the park. The day use area. Nice small beach on a lake and then a boat access to the river nearby. More trails to explore.