William O'Brien State Park
Overview
This area has drawn people for centuries, including: Dakota and Ojibwe tribes utilizing local resources; European trappers drawn by the fur-trade industry; and lumberjacks seeking to harvest the “endless stands” of white pine. The era of timber harvesting began in 1839 and flourished until lumber companies had cleared the St. Croix River valley of pines. Local lumber baron William O’Brien bought much of the land owned by the lumber companies. In 1945, his daughter, Alice O’Brien, donated 180 acres to be developed as a state park in his memory. The park now protects 1,880 acres of prairie, oak savanna, river floodplain and hardwood forest.
- Trails
- 10
- Viewpoints
- 10
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 32
Opening Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM SOSEmergency SOS8886466367 Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Popular/Nearby Trails
Nearby Viewpoints
Nearby Points of Interest
Amenities Available
Paved Parking LotsDesignated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
Restrooms / Flush ToiletsModern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
Drinking Water FountainsPotable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
Picnic Areas & SheltersCovered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
Visitor / Ranger StationInformation hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
Hiking & Nature TrailsMarked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
CampgroundsTent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
Sports CourtsBasketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball courts available in most parks, with lighting for evening play in urban locations.
Swimming Areas / BeachesDesignated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
Fishing Piers & AccessAccessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
RV Sanitation Station
Amphitheatre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Community Photos
Loading photos…
