What to See and Do

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the St. Croix River as you explore the ruins of the first commercial sawmill in Minnesota.

Explore the sawmill grounds

When you step into the center of the town of Marine on St. Croix, MN, you’ll see a state historic marker identifying Minnesota's first commercial sawmill, the Marine Lumber Company. A strip of grass stretches behind the marker to the edge of the bluff, which rises above a pile of huge cut stones—evidence of the mill that thrived for more than 50 years, from 1839 to 1895. In the woods to the south are two depressions with the remains of buildings that provided the finishing processes before people shipped the lumber downriver.

Interpretive signs around the site share the history and influence of this once-active industrial site and the people who lived and worked there.

Enjoy the river

Take a deep breath of fresh air and listen to the bubbling brook and chirping birds as you encounter the historic mill ruins along the St. Croix River. The river is also great for fishing, boating, and canoeing.

Visit the city of Marine on St. Croix

Go back in time and visit the town that grew up alongside the mill in the 1830s. Many of the original buildings and storefronts remain intact.

Members always save

Minnesota Historical Society members receive free general admission and a 10% discount on purchases in MNHS stores and in our online store. Become an MNHS member today!

Visit a nearby MNHS historic site

While you're in the area, tie in a visit to the Folsom House, the 1855 residence of Minnesota lumber baron William Henry Carman Folsom. See the Folsom House website for hours, directions, and other information.