Here is something I have been meaning to share with the lake community for a while. The St. Croix Valley Boat Club (SCVBC) is a welcoming, member-run organization that brings together people who love spending time on the St. Croix River. Whether you are a seasoned powerboater, a weekend sailor, or someone who is just getting into river boating and wants to learn from folks who have been at it for years, this club is a fantastic local resource worth knowing about.
What Is the St. Croix Valley Boat Club?
The SCVBC is exactly the kind of grassroots community organization that makes the St. Croix Valley feel like home. It was built by local boaters for local boaters — people who know every sandbar, every quiet backchannel, and every perfect spot to drop anchor for an afternoon on the river. The club organizes group cruises, social events, and educational opportunities throughout the boating season, and it is a fantastic way to meet other people who share your passion for life on the water.
What I love most about the concept is that it takes the solo experience of owning a boat and turns it into something shared. Instead of heading out on your own every weekend, you have a built-in community of folks who are planning group runs upriver, coordinating weekend flotillas, and swapping tips on everything from winterizing your engine to the best spots to watch the sunset on the St. Croix.
Why It Matters for Lake Living Enthusiasts
Living on or near the water in the Twin Cities lake communities means you are part of a broader network that extends beyond the lakes themselves. The St. Croix River connects so many of the places we love — Stillwater, Hudson, Prescott, Marine on St. Croix — and having a community like SCVBC that is dedicated to enjoying and caring for that shared resource is a real asset for anyone who loves the river lifestyle.
For those of us who spend most of our time on the chain of lakes around Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake, the St. Croix offers something different — a change of scenery, a current to ride, and miles of river to explore. The Boat Club is the perfect entry point if you have been thinking about trailering your boat over to the river more often but are not sure where to start.
What You Will Find
- Organized group cruises — Planned outings on the St. Croix with fellow boaters who know the river inside and out.
- Social events — Gatherings on and off the water throughout the season. A great way to meet neighbors and make friends who share your interests.
- Knowledge sharing — From river navigation tips to maintenance advice, the collective experience in this group is hard to beat.
- Community connection — A network of people who care about the St. Croix River and want to enjoy it responsibly.
Who It Is For
The SCVBC is open to anyone with an interest in boating on the St. Croix River. You do not need a fancy boat or years of experience to join. The club welcomes everyone — powerboaters, sailors, pontoon captains, kayakers, and even folks who just love being around boats and the river community. If you have ever launched at the Stillwater boat ramp and wondered who else was out there and where they were headed, this club is your answer.
Getting Connected
The best way to learn more about the St. Croix Valley Boat Club is to visit their website. They keep their upcoming events, membership info, and contact details posted there. Whether you are looking for a group to cruise with this summer or just want to keep an eye on what they have planned for the season, it is worth a visit.
The St. Croix River — A Treasure Worth Sharing
I have written before about how special the St. Croix River is to our region. It is one of the original eight National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it runs right through the heart of our community. From the historic lift bridge in Stillwater to the quiet bluffs south of Prescott, every stretch of this river has something to offer. Having a group like the St. Croix Valley Boat Club dedicated to bringing people together on the water just makes it that much better.
So if you have been looking for a way to get more out of your time on the river, or if you are new to the area and want to meet people who love the water as much as you do, I encourage you to check out the SCVBC. Swing by their website, see what they have coming up, and maybe I will see you out on the river one of these weekends.
Happy cruising, lake community.
More Resources for Life on the Water
- Boat Safety Guide → — Practical tips for staying safe on the water from a retired firefighter/EMT.
- Events Guide → — Festivals, markets, and happenings across the lake communities.
- Stillwater Area Guide → — Living in one of the St. Croix Valley's most beloved river towns.
- St. Croix River Guide → — Navigating and enjoying the St. Croix waterway.