MAP AND GUIDE: ABOUT THE PARK SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... WILLIAM O’BRIEN This area has drawn people for centuries, including: Dakota and Ojibwe tribes utilizing local resources; A full set of STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS STATE PARK European trappers drawn by the fur-trade industry; is available at mndnr.gov. 16821 O’BRIEN TRAIL NORTH and lumberjacks seeking to harvest the “endless MARINE ON ST. CROIX, MN 55047 stands” of white pine. The era of timber harvesting PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. WASHINGTON COUNTY began in 1839 and flourished until lumber 651-539-4980 companies had cleared the St. Croix River valley of VEHICLE PERMITS pines. Local lumber baron William O’Brien bought Permits required; purchase at park much of the land owned by the lumber companies. office or entrance kiosk. VISITOR TIPS In 1945, his daughter, Alice O’Brien, donated 180 PETS WELCOME • Bring sunscreen for your canoe acres to be developed as a state park in his memory. Keep on 6-foot leash; pick up after; The park now protects 1,880 acres of prairie, oak attend at all times; not allowed in trip or time at the beach. buildings or at beaches. • Wear good hiking shoes. savanna, river floodplain and hardwood forest. There are so many ways to discover • Have a great hike, but check for William O’Brien State Park. − CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS ticks before you leave. 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in campground during quiet hours. • Help keep our rivers clean. Check your watercraft for aquatic TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS FIREWOOD invasives before and after 3.8 miles one-way Must be purchased at this park or from Prairie Overlook Trail vendors who sell wood approved for this launching. Hilly • Mowed grass park; no gathering firewood in the park. • In an emergency call 911. Hike up and down rolling oak savanna and prairie habitat. Your reward will be a beautiful view of the St. • Non-emergency sheriff number: Croix Valley from the top. 651-439-9381. BE OUR GUEST Beaver Lodge Trail 1 mile one-way • Stay in one of 113 campsites with modern ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? Mostly flat • Mowed grass facilites; one of four camper cabins; or one Walk in the early evening and you may spot an active beaver lodge along this trail. If you are quiet, you of four spacious group camp sites. • Walk 1.6 miles on the Riverside may be lucky enough to see the beavers at work. • Visit mndnr.gov/reservations. Trail. This self-guided, accessible trail winds by the St. Croix River, Wedge Hill Savanna Trail 1.5-mile loop Lake Alice and majestic Hilly • Mowed grass MORE INFORMATION 100-year-old pine trees. Enjoy a walk through a 100-acre prairie filled with 6-foot tall native grasses and prairie flowers. • Explore the visitor center as you investigate the animals and plants Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that call the park home. Information Center MORE TO EXPLORE AT THE PARK 500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 • Visit Lake Alice for a picnic, a swim 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks at the beach, or to try your luck • Join a naturalist program. • Reserve a picnic shelter near the river for a • Grill out or enjoy a lunch at the picnic area. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities on the fishing pier. family reunion or group get-together. by contacting [email protected], 651-296-6157, or MN Relay 711. • Hike 16 miles of trails. • Rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards. • Swim at the beach. • Borrow GPS units, birding kits, fishing LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE • Fish from the fishing pier. equipment, a volley ball, a soccer ball or DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/OBRIEN • Bicycle on a 2-mile paved trail. horseshoes from the park office.