Sauk River Canoe Route

The Sauk enters the Mississippi River on the north end of St. Cloud, just above the Sauk Rapids of the Mississippi. In Stearns County the Sauk River flows more than 90 miles.

The St Cloud section provides a challenging stretch of white water for nearly 9 river miles leading into the Sauk rapids of the Mississippi.

Download the Sauk River Canoe Route Map (2.93 PDF file from the MN DNR web site; opens in a new window)

About the Sauk River

The Sauk River originates in Lake Osakis in Todd County.
The water level and the fences across the river affect the canoeability of the river.
Only the information in Stearns County has been verified.
The Sauk River flows more than 90 miles in central Minnesota.
Interspaced along the river are a variety of parks, accesses and campsites.
The river flows through a variety of areas, ranging from swamps to rich hardwood forests.
Most of the river is in rural areas, therefore, use caution for fences that cross the river.
Although adequate facilities are along the route, the canoeist can still find isolation and privacy in the Sauk Valley.
The St Cloud section provides a stretch of white water for nearly 9 river miles.
This section should be attempted with caution at all times.
The Sauk enters the Mississippi River on the north end of St. Cloud.
Over the 90 miles, the river’s elevation drops from 1226 feet above sea level at Sauk Centre to 992 feet above sea level at the Sauk Rapids confluence.
The river flows for its first 25 miles through flat, marshy lowlands.
The river then begins to broaden its banks and deepen its valleys as its course continues.
Midway along its path, near Richmond, the river forms a "Chain of Lakes" where more than 80 miles of shoreline are encountered.
As the river continues, a variety of granite outcrops and small hills provide a scenic landscape.
Near St Cloud, the river gradient increases and a series of rapids occur until the river joins with the Mississippi.

Vegetation

A variety of plant life is found along the Sauk River.
The river starts in flat swamp vegetation.
Prairie-type grasses and flowers are encountered.
Near the Spring Hill County Park, a naturally restored prairie field is preserved.
Oaks, elms, silver maples and willows are the most common trees through the valley.
One of the most interesting sights along the Sauk is an elevated tamarack bog on the north bank.

Geology

Some of the oldest rocks in the world can be found in the outcroppings along the Sauk.
A few of these rocks have been dated back more than 3 billion years.
A geologic feature known as a "whaleback" is found in the Chain of Lakes area.
The whaleback, along with the moraines, are two glacial features found along the Sauk.
The St. Croix moraine is exposed in some areas along the river.
River terraces are also noticeable as the river flows through Rockville.

Wildlife

Waterfowl are found around two state managed wildlife areas south of Sauk Centre.
The marshy swampland that borders the river is prime habitat for a variety of waterfowl.
Early in the morning, it is possible to see deer feeding along the river in some wooded areas.
Gray fox, red squirrels, chipmunks, woodchuck, muskrat, or beaver are common in the wooded sections.
There have been sightings of otter and mink.
There is a variety of bird life in the Sauk Valley.
The forests and grasslands are home to the birds native to central Minnesota.
Cardinals, woodpeckers and many songbirds are common.
Grouse, pheasant and partridge are the game birds found near the Sauk.
Hawks, owls, great blue herons and an occasional bald eagle can also be seen.

Fish

Game fish are not abundant in the Sauk River.
Red horse and sucker are found in most parts of the river.
In the "Chain of Lakes" area, fish are being caught such as pan fish, walleye and northern.
A commercial fishing industry was formerly in operation.
Walleye and northern can be found where the river enters the Mississippi.

History

The Sauk, a tribe of the Sioux nation once inhabited the area.
Both the Chippewa and Sioux nations settled in this area.
Their non-peaceful existence resulted in the establishment of a common hunting ground.
This unsuccessful "neutral" area was bordered by the Crow River on the south and the Sauk on the north.
Early interventions by the white man marked the ensuing decline of Indian populations.
The fur traders were the first Europeans into this area.
Both the Hudson Bay Company and French interests pursued the fur trade in the late 1700’s.
Abundant beaver and other fur types were paramount to these fur traders.
Development of the Red River Valley, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Winnipeg provided the first settlement in the area.
By the 1850’s, settlements started to develop along the Sauk River.
The Red River Trails required various fording points across the river.
Some of these sights are still visible.
Waite’s Crossing near the Knights of Columbus Park in St. Cloud is marked by the stone explaining the crossing at this point.
As settlement took place, fur trading took a back seat to agriculture and logging.
Logging of the hardwood forests soon became a vital interest.
The Sauk River provided a corridor for the passage of wood from Stearns County to the St. Cloud area.
The granite industry flourished with this growth.
Evidence of this industry still exist today along the Sauk.
The development of an agricultural economy provided for developing mills along the Sauk.
With the advancement of railroads to the area, the small mills along the river declined.

Conduct

Pack trash out. The river is flanked by private land. Be courteous.
Overnight camping and campfires are allowed only on established campsites.
Watch campfires very carefully.
Where toilets are not provided, campers should relieve themselves a reasonable distance from the site and river.

Beware of the hazards that may have been omitted from the map or route description. If you have comments or corrections, or if you would like additional maps or information, call or write: Parkinfo@co.stearns.mn.us. Stearns County Parks Department, 1802 Co Rd 137, Waite Park MN 56387 or call (320) 255-6172.