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Wisconsin
St. Croix County

Houlton

Attractions and Places To See around Houlton - Top 17

Best attractions and places to see around Houlton include a variety of natural and man-made features. This region offers opportunities for exploring historical structures, scenic viewpoints, and natural landscapes. Visitors can find trails suitable for walking and cycling, as well as significant natural monuments.

Best attractions and places to see around Houlton

  • The most popular attractions is Stillwater Lift Bridge, a bridge that spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. This historic lift bridge, built in 1931,…

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Stillwater Lift Bridge

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For a glimpse of history and a scenic stroll, hike over the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a rare example of a vertical-lift bridge that spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota …

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Willow Falls

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Willow Falls is located in Willow River State Park, about 10 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin. The falls are at least 100 feet wide, consisting of several drops, the largest …

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Duluth Junction

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At the intersection of the Gateway and Brown's Creek trails sits a small pavilion about the railroads that were used on these trails, and a couple of picnic tables. A common resting place for people using the trails.

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St. Croix Crossing Bridge

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The St. Croix Crossing Bridge is an extradosed bridge that passes over the Saint Croix River at a height of 150 ft. Completed in 2017, it has three scenic overlooks …

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The Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail meet here at Duluth Junction. There is a large parking area along with restrooms at this trailhead, making it a great spot to start your ride.

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Tips from the Community

tcbscott
October 31, 2024, Willow Falls

The falls is very busy, but it is beautiful. Like most falls it's amazing to see in the different times of year, especially winter with a good snow fall. This falls keeps going during the winter.

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tcbscott
October 30, 2024, Willow Falls

Great place to visit, although definitely the most crowded place in the park. Like most falls, also a fun place to see in the winter when things are freezing and snow covers the ground.

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The Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail meet here at Duluth Junction. There is a large parking area along with restrooms at this trailhead, making it a great spot to start your ride.

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Phoenix
June 22, 2023, Willow Falls

It’s a long, beautiful hike. Bring water and definitely something to swim in. Lots of places to sit and rest. Lots of space to camp, kayak, fish.

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At Duluth Junction, two trails converge: the Gateway State Trail, a paved ribbon of green that links St. Paul with Pine Point Regional Park, and the Brown’s Creek State Trail, a scenic jaunt to Stillwater and the St. Croix River. Hike through diverse terrain, from city parks and marshes to forested hills and historic spans . Duluth Junction has parking, restrooms and local trail connections.

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For a glimpse of history and a scenic stroll, hike over the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a rare example of a vertical-lift bridge that spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Built in 1931, the bridge features steel trusses, concrete balustrades and a movable span that lifts for boat traffic12. Enjoy the views of the river and the charming town of Stillwater, then explore its cultural and natural attractions on foot or by bike. The bridge is part of a loop trail that connects to the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge3.

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Renner Anderson
February 2, 2023, Willow Falls

Willow Falls is located in Willow River State Park, about 10 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin. The falls are at least 100 feet wide, consisting of several drops, the largest of which is about 15 feet high. The uppermost drops are only visible from the rim. Well-maintained hiking trails in the state park easily access the falls. In 1924, a dam was built here, which diverted all the water from the main falls and drowned the upper drops. In 1992, the dam was removed, restoring the falls. It also restored the impressive gorge.

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This bridge offers an exhilarating view of the St. Croix River valley. There are several places along the pedestrian and bicycle path where you can stop and enjoy the view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular attractions around Houlton?

Visitors frequently enjoy the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a historic structure repurposed for pedestrians and cyclists offering views of the St. Croix River. Another favorite is Willow Falls, a beautiful natural monument within Willow River State Park, known for its multiple drops and impressive gorge. The St. Croix Crossing Bridge also offers sweeping views of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Houlton area?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is great for a family stroll or bike ride. Willow Falls in Willow River State Park offers accessible trails for a nature outing. Additionally, the St. Croix Crossing Bridge provides scenic overlooks that are enjoyable for all ages.

What natural features can I explore near Houlton?

The area boasts several natural highlights. Willow Falls is a prominent natural monument with multiple drops and a restored gorge. The Saint Croix River, spanned by both the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the St. Croix Crossing Bridge, offers scenic riverway views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit?

The Stillwater Lift Bridge is a significant historical site, built in 1931 and now serving as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. It's a rare example of a vertical-lift bridge and offers a glimpse into the region's engineering past.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The Houlton area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy easy hikes like the Hudson Lakefront Park Trail or Arcola Bluffs Trail, as detailed in the Easy hikes around Houlton guide. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Gateway State Trail – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop, which you can find in the Cycling around Houlton guide. For mountain biking, explore trails around Willow River State Park, featured in the MTB Trails around Houlton guide.

Are there hiking trails near the attractions?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Near Willow Falls, you'll find well-maintained hiking trails within Willow River State Park. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Houlton guide, which includes trails like Fairy Falls Trail and Saint Croix Boom Site River Trail.

What kind of views can I expect from the bridges?

Both the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the St. Croix Crossing Bridge offer spectacular views. From the Stillwater Lift Bridge, you can enjoy vistas of the St. Croix River and the charming town of Stillwater. The St. Croix Crossing Bridge, an extradosed bridge, provides sweeping views of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway from its scenic overlooks.

Where can I find parking for trails and attractions?

For trails like the Gateway State Trail and Brown's Creek State Trail, the Duluth Junction offers a large parking area along with restrooms, making it a convenient starting point for your adventures.

What makes the Stillwater Lift Bridge unique?

The Stillwater Lift Bridge is unique as a historic vertical-lift bridge, built in 1931, that has been repurposed exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It's part of a loop trail and offers a blend of historical significance and scenic beauty, with the possibility of seeing the bridge lift for boat traffic.

What is the best way to experience the St. Croix River?

To best experience the St. Croix River, consider walking or cycling across the Stillwater Lift Bridge or the St. Croix Crossing Bridge. Both offer excellent vantage points for enjoying the river and its scenic surroundings. The St. Croix Crossing Bridge has dedicated scenic overlooks for panoramic views of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Are there any specific trails for cycling?

Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. The Stillwater Lift Bridge is now a dedicated cycle path, and it connects to other routes. The Duluth Junction is where the Brown's Creek State Trail and Gateway State Trail meet, offering extensive cycling opportunities. You can find detailed routes in the Cycling around Houlton guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Houlton?

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history and natural beauty. The historic Stillwater Lift Bridge is appreciated for its unique structure and river views. Willow Falls is frequently praised for its stunning natural scenery, especially during different seasons. The panoramic views from the St. Croix Crossing Bridge are also a highlight for many.

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