The National Park Service is exploring opportunities for improving safety, protecting the natural environment, and enhancing visitor experiences at the Fairy Falls Day Use Area, located near Stillwater, Minnesota.
The Fairy Falls Day Use Area is a 54-acre natural area located in Stillwater Township. Deep ravines and steep bluffs surround Silver Creek as it passes through a marsh on its way the St. Croix River. The area has a long history of human use, and its ecological diversity provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals.
Fairy Falls Day Use Area Regulations:
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Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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Camping and fires are prohibited.
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Open to deer archery hunting only during the established Minnesota hunting season.
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Closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed.
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Park only in designated areas.
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If there is an emergency, please call 911. To report issues or concerns within the NPS property, please call 1-800-PARK-TIP.
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Please contact the park at 715-483-2274 with any questions or concerns.
Fairy Falls Day Use Area was closed to the public from summer 2020 to winter 2022 due to lack of safe visitor access and deteriorating social trails along steep slopes.
Planning Process:
The following outlines the planning process, with project updates starting with the most recent. Any project updates throughout the process can be found on this web page, linked from "Planning for Fairy Falls" at http://www.nps.gov/sacn, or by calling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Headquarters at 715-483-2274.
Public Input 2024:
With input from public and partner comments, the NPS has developed a site management plan to minimize resource damage and provide for visitor safety. The draft plan Environmental Assessment will be available for review from June 17 – July 16, 2024. Visitors and neighbors are encouraged to:
- Submit comments online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/fairyfalls
- Send comments to Allissa Reynolds, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, 401 N. Hamilton St., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
- Attend and participate in the public meeting on June 25, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, at the Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082. The meeting will have an open house format with a short presentation delivered at 6:30 pm.
Planning Updates: 2021 - 2023
Public Input 2023: (updated Tuesday, 2/21/2023)
In February and March 2023, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will be seeking public input about future management of the Fairy Falls Day Use Area. Public comments will be accepted February 13 through March 29, 2023 (extended from March 15). All interested individuals are invited to share their thoughts at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/fairyfalls, or by sending comments to Lisa Yager, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, 401 N. Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.
For those interested in learning more about Fairy Falls Day Use Area and the planning process, the National Park Service will host an in-person open house in Stillwater, Minnesota on Tuesday, March 7 (rescheduled from February 23 due to weather). At the open house, the National Park Service will share information about possible management options and solicit public feedback. NPS staff will present a short overview about the project at 5:30 pm. Information shared at the open house will also be available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/fairyfalls.
Open House Information: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a short presentation at 5:30 pm Water Street Inn at 101 Water St. S, Stillwater, MN, 55082.