Driving Directions to Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing to visit the St. Croix Valley Forest. In this post, we’ll explain how to get to the forest and share our local recommendations.

Please save these directions before heading to the forest as cell phone service may be unreliable.

Forest Address

12630 Lakamaga Trail N, Scandia, MN 55047

Most people use Google Maps to get to the forest. Below is the link to the exact forest location.

Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley (Google Maps)

Directions from the West, South, North

1. Take I-35 to Highway 97 (2 miles south of Forest Lake)
2. Exit Highway 97 and follow east to Lofton Ave N (about 8.5 miles)
3. Turn right (south) onto Lofton Ave N (.25 miles) and turn right onto Maxwill Ave.
4. Once on Maxwill Ave., go about 1.25 miles to a stop sign
5. Turn left onto Lakamaga Trail, and drive 0.4 miles
6. You will see a green sign for Better Place Forests on your left. Turn left at the open gate and follow the driveway for the entrance to Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley. 

Directions from the East

1. Take Highway 95 north from Stillwater (or north on Highway 95 from I-94 near the Hudson Bridge). 
2. Continue to follow MN-95 N/St. Croix Scenic Byway/St. Croix Trail North.
3. Turn left onto Scandia Trail North (MN-97). 
4. After 1.6 miles, turn left onto Olinda Trail North. 
5.  Continue straight to stay on Olinda Trail North for 2.1 miles.
6. Turn right onto 195th St North.
7. In half a mile, continue onto Lakamaga Trail North. 
8. In 0.8 miles, you will see a green sign for Better Place Forests on your right. Turn right at the open gate and follow the driveway for the entrance to Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley.

Important Tips

• The forest is incredibly peaceful, but cell phone service can be unreliable.
• We recommend wearing sneakers or hiking boots and bringing a jacket. We have walking sticks, hand-warmers, and umbrellas in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
• Please save these directions as service on the way to the forest may be unreliable.

Contact Information

If you have questions leading up to your tour, you can reach our team directly at:

Phone Number: 651-337-4004

Email Address: stcroixvalley@betterplaceforests.org

We look forward to seeing you in the forest soon!

All forest visits require a reservation. If you haven’t made one yet, please reach out to our support team to schedule yours today.

 

Helpful Links

Your Upcoming Nature Memorial Ceremony in St. Croix Valley

Things to Do and Places to Stay in St. Croix Valley