Imagine the Possibilities

The St. Croix Valley has a rich history and a vibrant cultural life. It’s a great place to live and visit. Yet, our stories and attractions are far flung – from Hastings to Cable, from Prescott to Sandstone. What if we started to envision a future where our history is the basis for regional cooperation and economic growth?

Crownhart Island, Upper St. Croix Lake (Photo by Guy Little)

Imagine a lumber heritage bike trail where families could journey from the forests of the Northwoods to the sites where lumber was cut, milled and distributed to power industrial development and help populate the western prairies. Picture a celebration of cultures, from Ojibwe and Dakota to the French or Scandinavian. Or perhaps a weekend tour of a landscape filled with historic barns and buildings, pristine rivers, lakes, and charming towns.

Now imagine the bike shops, restaurants and motels for travelers, and galleries and interpretive centers that help to tell the story. And imagine work for craftsmen and artists who restore and celebrate our past. These types of projects, and many others, are some of the many ways that National Heritage Areas across the country help residents and visitors celebrate their culture and history, ultimately benefiting their regional economies.