23

25

33

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16

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Clearwater River

Clearwater Lake

Pelican Lake

Maple Lake

Howard

Lake

Lake Sarah

Rush

Creek

LAKE

MINNETONKA Crystal Bay

Halsted

Bay

LafayetteBay

WayzataBay

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SHERBURNE CO

SHERBURNE CO.

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HENNEPIN CO.

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Lake RipleyState GameRefuge

Stearns CountyState Game

Refuge

School Section LakeState Game Refuge

Lake LauraState Game

Refuge

Clear LakeState GameRefuge

Howard LakeState GameRefuge

Stanley EddyMemorial CountyPark

Mud LakeCounty Park Wildlife

County Park

Carl JohnsonCounty Forest

Albright’s MillCounty Park

Bill Anderson MemorialCounty Park

Clearwater-PleasantCounty Park

SchroederCounty Park

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10

A WAT E R T R A I L G U I D E T O T H E N O R T H F O R K o f t h e C R O W R I V E RQuarry Park Saint Cloud15 (North 0.8 mi.)S.N.A. Carry-in Access River Mile

Vietnam Veterans Cater HomesteadDesignated Public Lands 920 Memorial W.M.A.

SHE

RB

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NE

CO

.

Tennyson Lake Prairie S.N.A.Cable Sherburne 101

8 Trailer Access Rapids Pleasant

Lake 66 23 Julia52 94 9 910 NationalLake

Santiago 20 9S.N.A. = Scientific and Natural Area W.M.A. Pleasant Rest Area Fishing Pier Rush Wildlife Lake 16 RiceLake St. Augusta

Refuge Lake W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Area Pickerel 47 Long

Lake Watercraft Campsite Drinking Water BlueLake Rockville Elk 25 Lake 5Lake

276 Miles0 1 2 3 4 5 Big MudLake Campground Outfitter 6

Clear

915 Lake 238 Luxemburg 44 Fremont 75 7

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kilometers Zimmerman Lake 8 Dam Caution Areas Orrock Fremont 4Grand 15 4 HunterNORTH W.M.A. Lake Lakes 15

1024Big Lake Clear Lake44 4Bunt43 49 2 AnnS.N.A.Lake Uncas Lake Roscoe Prairie Beaver Dunes Sand DunesCedar IslandS.N.A. 910Lake 45 S.N.A.Lake 8 State Forest ISANTI CO. Clearwater Maria Warner Lake 23Lake

Marty 22 County Park ANOKA CO. 10 Snuffie’s Pearl 52 8Goodners Landing UncasLake 4Long

Lake 94Lake DunesBrowns Becker Eagle

Lake S.N.A.71Lake

905

Rice21 7 Crooked Fish 5

900

9 8 Lake Paynesville Lake Rice Lake 43 48 Tibbets 2Lake 721

Enfield

Birch 44 24Lake Park Lake Carnelion Hasty 10Maine Prairie 15Lake Marcus 2125Zumbrunnen34 1015County Park 8Eden SalidaHwy 55 Lake 15 Suconnix Locke Murray Lake W.M.A. Hogland Lake For a complete map45 Lake 9 W.M.A. of the Mississippi48 MitchellLake Koronis Pickerel River, Contact the Mud Lake 1Limestone Lake DNR Info Center Big Big Lake Lake Lake 2 Laura Lake STEARNS CO. Twin Lakes School Section Harry Larson

Lake Memorial9 Twin Lakes MEEKER CO. Lake 11 County Forest Montissippi44 County Park 20 Fairhaven County Park 15MariaLake Caroline Eden 8 NowthenWatkins Kimball BabcockPigeon Lake Valley 117 Lake Maria Orono 1336 Kelly - Meyer Lake Koronis 895 Dimmick55

Broo

k Elk44 25 Lake 30 W.M.A. Sugar State Park Lake

IslandRegional Park 130 Kadler2 10 River Bearman Indian 52 14West Lake 22 2417 Ave. Monticello W.M.A. Lake 39Lake Emma SilverSouthWillow 55 24 39 94CAUTION: Not canoeable except

14Lake Lake Lake Haven15 Ida 12Augusta Lake Millstone

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39MEEKER CO. Otsego

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Little John Lake

Twin Clear Lake

5 Pleasant Cedar Co. Park Kalkenbrenner 7 Mink Lakes 15North Lake WhitneyLake 125 120 19Lake Slough Lake Lake Lake Betsy Robert Ney Memorial

County Park 8Lake AnnandaleManannah 3 382 Ramsey11 Cedar23 ItascaJohnCrow River Manannah Somers Lake Maple Lake Lake Lake W.M.A. Lake 19 37Rohrbeck W.M.A. 5530 3 Wayside Park Sylvia BlackLake 34 17 OtsegoMudLake 101 3625 Lake W.M.A. Lake #2 3724 Mary 37 37

115 MapleLake Low bridge clearance Willima 6 37Swartout Foster 875 10during high waters Lake 19 Albertville 15 36Lake Miller Wilcox

Lake Lake 52 Lake 25 GilchristTowers 37 94 5152 Lake Lake ConstanceMud SullivanEagle

Creek I Albion 368#5 Lake Lake Lake 105I

Lake 1216 Edwards French Henshaw100 Lake Lake Mary

Lake St. Michael31 22 2 7I RamseyLake

Lake 30 19 3#3110 27 Diamond37MudForest French WhiteMadsen 10 Lake 95 Kingston Lake 13City ChamplinPohl Lake 80 Dans Lake W.M.A. Lake 55West Albion Lake Lake Crow - Betty T. Pulaski Rapids from Forest City Peterson Half Moon CowleyLake HassanGranite Twin MasonLake to Kingston in low waterLake 27 Crow Happy Uhl ParkLake Lakes

Corner Mary Schmidt Lake Reserve 37 Maxim Beebe Hassan 49Rogers Dayton

HelgaLake

Powers Lake Buffalo34 9014 Crawford Lake 9 35 Lake

75 5 HassanRice Woods S.N.A. 24 85 Albion French Lake Riverside County Park ElmMud 35 MudSchultz Center Lake 15Green Camp Lake 21 Lake Lake Richardson Rock Abbie Mountain Creek 34Lake Lake Lake Lake Buffalo HenryLake

Lake Schmidt Beebe LakeMudLake Lund Steele Lake Lake 4 12 Lake County Park 3 Lake ParkArville KnappLake Dunns 116 35 Hanover35 35 RassatGrove

City Moose12 Lake Lake Wagner

Lake 31 Big ReserveBirch 70 Lake Charlotte6 1018Swan Kerkela 1111 Lake Lake 4 Lake

334 724 9South Pleasantview ParkLitchfield 30 94Junkins MaryLake

BuckleyLake

Swan Lake Chicken Deer 33Lake 14 Lake Lake 19Albright Humphrey - Arends Lake 55 Martha MaynardLake

Memorial County Park 30Tamarack 1465 60 20Highland15Hanson Lake 12Lake 104032 30Burschville2524 Weaver Long Cokato Lake 50 OsseoLake Sheridan

Lake 1 Schwappauff

Lake 3355 RiceLake Lake DeanRipley Taylor

Lake Thoen Lake Lake 10Lake Spotanski

Lake 8Lake Andrew Darwin-Winter Greenfield Crawford 23 4 Nelson Recreational Lake Darwin MapleGrove

Corcoran 116 Lake 454ParkHarold 5East Lake Schendel Lake SpringLake

Brooks 923 7Lake Darwin Hafften Ripley Beaver Dam

Acton 35Lake 50Crow Springs County Park Lake Doerfler Fish Lake 14 10SmithDassel Lake Lake Smith 9HopeLake

Lake 1212 25Minnesota Lake Rockford Little WaverlyLake

30Star Lake Round School Malardi Malardi Lake Sellards 6Lake Cokato WaverlyLake

Lake Lake Section Lake

CedarLake W.M.A. 6 7Casey Lake Washington Lake Lake SarahHoosier Fish Lake Lake Creek 6 Collinwood22 Stella Lake RebeccaMontrose 31 12 Waverly Lake Regional Park 1 Lake Manuella28 Park Reserve 12 55Lake 33 CarriganLake Lake

Rebecca 3 Woodland Loretto DutchHowardSchool House 18 101Lake W.M.A. Lake Lake CollinwoodMinnie Lake Creek Beckville CountyBelle 15 1130 1115 5 116 Park 59 HaugheyLake 10 Robina 8 Lake Spurzem Lake Fountain Delano Hamel

Pigeon Lake Jewitt Lake Route Description of the North Fork of the Crow River Spencer

30Lake Lake MedinaIndependence25 30 16 PlymouthHalf Moon Lake Holy Name

Lake 30 92

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NN

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Baker13

106.3

NOTE: (R) and (L) represent right and left banks of the river when facing downstream. 675th Avenue bridge

Independence Park 12101.3 51.7 Highway 8 bridgeBridge

Wolsfeld Lake

Lauzers Katrina Reserve 19Lake Lake 99.5 50.8State Highway 24 bridge Maple Plain8 17RIVER MILE: 131.0 Dam, Lake Koronis outlet

Wolsfeld 99.1 45.1 (R) 690th Avenue bridge94.2 (L) Meeker County Park / Finnish Memorial, #5 trailer

Humphrey-Arends Memorial County Park - carry-in Dog Lake Woods access, drinking water.campsite - fee required 10

S.N.A.Lake 10 6131.123 Not canoeable except in high water yearsTownship road bridge. (380th Street)

Claussen39.7access, rest area, and drinking waterState Highway 15 bridge 35.6 (R)

Lake Ida County Road 12 bridgeCrow Springs County Park. Small trailer access and

6Rice 110 93.6 Long

Lake Lake Oster Lyndale State Highway 4 bridge. #1 carry-in access river right Rick Johnson Ox Yoke Stubbs93.3 Meeker County Road 19 bridge, town of Kingston

Washington Creek confluence 35.3 Collinwood Creek confluence

campsites - fee requiredCounty 25 bridge

Park Lake BayTownship road bridge (365th Street)126.2 (L) Watercraft campsite122.9 Meeker County Rd 30 bridge town of Manannah

CARVER CO. 1921 20 Wayzata Stubbs2089.4 (R)87.0

31.5 Old MillHighway 14 bridge 20 Watertown ParkFarmington Avenue bridgeBay

Wright County line 27.5 92 SagaHill

Maxwell122.8 (L) Oak33Manannah trailer access Bay86.0 25.2Betty T. Mason County River Park

2579.3 (L) Betty T. Mason carry-in access 22.8 (L) City of Rockford - campsite74.3 Pleasantview Park

Confluence of South Fork of the Crow River Orono Lake 15122.0 (R)121.6 (R) Grove Creek confluence 120.5 (L)

Middle Fork Crow River confluence 15 Dutch Lake West 24 Woodland 10th Street bridge 19.7 (L)Stag Brook confluence Mound71.1 Highway 35 bridge 17.0 County Road 19 Bridge592nd Avenue bridge Wildlife County Park. Carry-in access, and campsite Mill Pond Trail/Hanover Bridge

SpringPark

19 St. Albans BayTonka Bay

Arm Groveland DeephavenWhaletail

Mud Lake Lake 69.1 (R) 16.8 110 10117.0 State Highway 22 bridge#2 trailer access

15.4 (L) Minnetonka Permit required. Riverside County Park - carry-in access, campsite,

21

Minnetrista116.9 (L) Swede Lake 68.2 Oliver Avenue Bridge. drinking water

65.8 Highway 4 bridge. 10.0 (R) Crow Hassan Park Reserve carry-in access9.5

92 110 328th Street bridge Caution: Low bridge clearing in PhelpsBay

Buckhigh water

112.5 RapidsLake 62.9 Highway 5 bridge. County Road 116/Territorial Road bridge

6.862.7 (R) Albrights Mill County Park. Carry-in access, drinking Interstate 94 bridge 7 Hollywood 7 St. Bonifacius

Shorewood 344 Excelsior20Rapids110.2 Meeker County Road 34 bridge

Meeker County Parks - Forest City. Rest area and

4.3water, campsite - fee required. Highway 101 bridge60.8 Keats Avenue Bridge. New Goose

Germany 0.0 Confluence with Mississippi River Lake Highway 6 Bridge.

Lake Minnetonka Regional Park

7 17106.8 (R) 58.7 Stone Lake 30 Maple Lake ParleyLake drinking water

CA

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. Mayer55.3 (L) Bill Anderson Memorial County Park. Carry-in Lake Zumbra Lake Minnewashta Carver Park 32 MinnewashtaMeeker County Road 2, town of Forest City and outfitter access and watercraft campsite - fee required.106.3-93.0 Small rapids from Forest City to Kingston in low water. 55.2 Highway 7 bridge.

#3 trailer access.

30 30 Regional Park 33 Reserve Lake 4110 Waconia SunnyLake

Lake Lunsten Lake 106.2 (L)103.6 (R)

525 25 17Ann Watercraft campsite.

Victoria 30

5* Wright County campsites require a camping permit - obtain by calling the county parks department at 763-682-7693 Waconia

101

5

5

22

12

121

52

121

109

494

101

55

101 15

12 494

7

494

60

5

4

144

128.1 128.5 127.0

119.0

113.0

110.6

Named by the Ojibway Indians for the bird they called the “marauder of newly planted corn,” the Crow River passes several archaeological sites,

although none have been thoroughly studied. Two sites near Lake Koronis have a total of 43 mounds.

The river deepens and widens downstream from Kingston, meandering in a floodplain that is sometimes more than a mile wide.

North Fork of the Crow River

STATE WATER TRAIL MAP

A STATE WATER TRAIL GUIDE TO THE NORTH FORK of the CROW RIVER

Mille Lacs Lake

12

Rum

River

Pine City

M I N N E A P O L I S

S T.

P A U L

River

Mississippi

Lake Ko r onis North Fork Crow River

Snake

River

Crow RiverFork

South

Minnesota

River

Sauk River St. Cloud

12

71

10

10

169 35

61

694

494

35169

52

94 52

94 52

212 212

Litchfield

Little Falls

Glencoe

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This information is available in alternative format upon request.

Online water trail information and maps can be found atmndnr.gov/watertrails

DNR Information Center The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free

publications of facilities and services as well as answers questions pertaining to DNR recreational opportunities in Minnesota.

500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 651-296-6157 Metro Area 1-888-646-6367 MN Toll-Free

mndnr.gov

All photos: MN DNR

© 2016 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The North Fork of the Crow River

Rising in southeastern Pope County, the North Fork of the Crow River flows southeast for about 175 miles until it joins the Mississippi River at Dayton. Although the North, Middle and South forks of the Crow are all part of a state-designated canoe and boating route, the North Fork is generally considered to be the main stem, the best maintained, and the best for canoeing.

The North Fork is small, shallow and fairly clean from the Lake Koronis Spillway to Kingston. Prairie and hardwood vegetation border the river. Falling an average of less than 3 feet per mile, the river tumbles over many small rapids (the spillway, however, should be avoided).

A two-mile stretch of the river below Lake Koronis has been channelized. Many snags in this reach make canoeing difficult, particularly in high water when the river flows quickly.

Lake Koronis

Although rapids are not difficult, hidden snags can tip canoes and overhanging branches may strike canoeists. Sharp bends may also make this part of the river difficult for beginners. Because of many drainage ditches in the area, the Crow rises quite quickly but falls slowly. The upper reaches of the North Fork may be impassable in low water.

The river deepens and widens downstream from Kingston, meandering in a floodplain that is sometimes more than a mile wide. Rapids are few and easy. This stretch is generally suitable for family canoeing, although many snags routinely cause problems.

The Crow River grows straighter and even broader and deeper as the North and South forks join near Rockford. Ideal for family canoeing,

day trips. used extensively for the lower river is

The Crow River was once flanked by the “big woods,” a thick forest of maple, basswood, elm and other hardwoods supporting abundant wildlife. Considered a sacred hunting ground by the Indians, the forest later attracted white trappers. The Ojibway and Dakota, and later the Dakota and the settlers, fought many battles near the Crow River.

The whites first settled the Crow River in 1851, building their homes near the site of Dayton. Several lumber mills operated along the river as the forest was cleared for agriculture.

Steamboats were the only means of hauling passengers and freight during the early 1850s. Paddle-wheel boats brought provisions from St. Anthony Falls to Dayton where the goods were transferred to rowboats and carried up the Crow. Rowboats regularly ran supplies from Dayton to Rockford for about two years. In May 1851, when the river was high, the steamboat, “Governor Ramsey” paddled to Rockford, farther upstream than any other steamboats has traveled.

Rating White Water Rivers and rapids are rated according to the

International Scale of River Difficulty. Ratings are estimates based on observations at low or

moderate water levels or on secondhand reports. CLASS I. Easy rapids with small waves and few obstructions.

* The following classes are not on the North Fork Crow river, but are here for your reference.

CLASS II. Rapids with waves up to three feet high. Some maneuvering is required.

CLASS III. Difficult rapids with high, irregular waves capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow chutes may require extensive maneuvering. Usually considered the limit for an experienced paddler in an open canoe.

CLASS IV. Long, turbulent rapids with high, irregular waves, constricted passages and blind drops. Decked canoes and kayaks only; open canoes should be portaged.

CLASS V. Long, violent rapids with complex routes and steep drops or waterfalls. Hazard to life in the event of a mishap. Runnable only by experts in decked boats.

CLASS VI. Cannot be attempted without great risk to life.

Planning A Safe River Trip A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe

journey, you should be prepared by acquainting yourself with your route. Choose a distance that is comfortable for you. Water levels can speed up or slow down your trip: get information about water levels from the regional DNR office, DNR website, or DNR Information Center.

Protect the water and shorelands and leave nothing behind you except footprints. Remember that much of the shorelands are privately owned.

• Travel with a companion or group. Plan your trip with a map before you depart and advise someone of your plans, including planned departure and arrival times.

• Most people paddle two to three river miles per hour.

• Bring a first-aid kit that includes waterproof matches.

• Be cautious of river obstructions, such as overhanging and dead trees in the river.

• You must pack out all trash.

• Leave only footprints; take only photographs!

Boating Information • Wear a U. S. Coast Guard-approved personal

flotation device that state law requires to be on board the craft.

• Bring an extra paddle.

• Not all portions of this water trail are suitable for motor use.

• Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9 feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your state of residence.

Rest Areas and Camping Sites • Public rest areas are available along the route

to rest, picnic and explore.

• Camp only in designated campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Bring drinking water. It is only available at a limited number of rest areas. Drinking river water is not recommended

• Respect private property. Stop only at designated sites; much of the shoreland is private property.

• Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury human waste away from the river.

Sustainable Ecosystems

Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors without negative impacts on the environment.

Communities working together can improve water resources by promoting environmentally sensitive land-use practices along rivers and throughout watersheds.

Natural shoreline buffers improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and sediments. Healthy and diverse native shoreline plant communities are attractive and provide important habitat for birds and wildlife.

Natural Shorelands 40% evaporation

10% runoff

50% infiltration

Altered Shorelands 30% evaporation

55% runoff 15% infiltration