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Celebrate Winter on the Sparkling St. Croix

St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance
NEWS RELEASE

DEC. 23, 2005--Historic rivertowns. Spectacular scenery. Outdoor recreation and indoor events. These are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors year-round to the lower St. Croix River Valley of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

January through April is a great time to visit the valley for wintertime activities as businesses, attractions and communities "Celebrate Winter on the Sparking St. Croix" as part of a promotional campaign, "Celebrate Winter on the Sparkling St. Croix," sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance. Many valley lodging establishments are offering special discounts and packages for skiing enthusiasts and other visitors.

SCVRTA is a 12-year-old partnership of more than 100 businesses, 15 chambers and economic development corporations and associations, the National Park Service, UW-River Falls, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Explore Minnesota.

Its Web site, www.saintcroixriver.com, features details on indoor cultural events and museums, hot air ballooning, downhill and cross-country skiing, state parks activities, an events calendar and lodging discounts.

Nestled between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the lower St. Croix River flows between bluffs of limestone and sandstone, beginning as a narrow gorge with steep vertical walls, then slowing and widening into the scenic Lake St. Croix.

In 1972, the 52-mile section of the river known as the lower St. Croix was designated a National Scenic Waterway, assuring that visitors will enjoy its natural treasures for years to come. Six state parks, more than 50 public and privately-owned parks and preserves, and scenic overlooks along the St. Croix make the region's natural beauty available for public use all year. In the winter, many of the state parks feature torchlight cross-country skiing, hiking or snow shoeing events. The spectacular Interstate Park in Wisconsin also offers customized nature tours.

Event Highlights:

This winter will heat up with Hudson's Hot Air Affair, a hot air balloon festival that features daily launches and a torchlight kazoo parade. Don't miss ehe exciting Moon Glow of balloons that lights up the winter night. Dates in 2006 are Feb. 3-5.

Those who are seeking a tasty treat might want to partake of the "Chocolate March" on the first three Sundays in March. Groups can tour up to 19 unique bed-and-breakfast inns and lodging establishments while also sampling chocolates from Valley chocolatiers. Complete details are at http://www.innsofthevalley.com

Visitors can stay at a cozy inn or bed-and-breakfast, enjoy pampering at many spas or antique shopping and sprees at the valley's scores of fine retail shops. Other outings can include stops at community museums and heritage centers, visits to art galleries and theatre performances, or a scenic drive along the river, followed by dining at outstanding restaurants. For others, a visit may include snowmobiling on area trails, an early spring round of golf at one of the valley's 24 courses, or attending a community event.

The Scenic St. Croix Valley is an ideal place to find respite and relaxation. It's located just 30 minutes from downtown Saint Paul, 45 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and 45 minutes from the Mall of America.

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Last updated: Thursday, 22-Apr-2010 16:06:54 Central Daylight Time