Things to Do in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area

The St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area is a 7,000-acre natural expanse near Superior, Wisconsin. It is part of the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, established to protect the St. Louis and Red Rivers and their tributaries from erosion and siltation.

The area is suitable for activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and trapping. Komoot also features routes for touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling in the broader region. For more information, see the Hiking in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide.

Yes, the area offers varied terrain for hiking, including steep, wooded ravines and riverside paths. Options range from shorter walks to more strenuous hikes. Explore available routes in the Hiking in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide.

Yes, the region includes trails suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous options. These routes often feature gentler grades and shorter distances. Find suitable options in the Easy hikes in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide.

The area offers hiking routes suitable for families, often featuring accessible paths and points of interest for all ages. These trails are generally shorter and less challenging. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide for specific recommendations.

While land access directly into the protection area is limited, the broader region offers opportunities for touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. These routes often connect to regional trail systems outside the immediate protection area. Refer to the Cycling in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide for routes.

Mountain biking routes are available in the broader St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area region, often utilizing adjacent trail systems. Motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are prohibited on state-owned property within the protection area itself. Explore options in the MTB Trails in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area guide.

Specific regulations for dogs within the St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area are managed by the Wisconsin DNR. Generally, dogs are permitted on leash in Wisconsin state natural areas, but visitors should verify current rules before visiting.

The area features steep, dendritic ravines that channel water into the Red or St. Louis Rivers. Between these ravines, the terrain is more level and heavily wooded. The Red River is named for the distinctive red clay soils prevalent in the region.

The St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area is a popular destination, with more than 2,600 visitors having shared their experiences on komoot. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area, Easy hikes, Family-friendly hikes, and Cycling in St. Louis/Red River Stream Bank Protection Area.

Information for the area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The official website is dnr.wisconsin.gov. For specific inquiries, contact Matt Steiger, DNR St. Louis River Area of Concern Coordinator, at 715-559-9523.