Our house on the St. Croix River, less than an hour from the Twin Cities, was built as a summer home by my parents, on a larger property in the family since 1912. Set very close to the river shore, the house enjoys unparalleled river views and easy access down a short path to the shore, to great swimming, a dock and boat landing. The St. Croix River is a federally-protected National Scenic Riverway, with no development whatsoever on the Wisconsin shore and hills directly across from the house, so the setting is pristine, quiet, and unspoiled. The water is clean, the bottom is sandy, and the swimming is great, as is the fishing. 1 canoe and 2 kayaks are available for renter use. . Originally built in 1940, the house has been added to and updated over the years. The master bedroom suite was added in 1959 and renovated in 1993, and the kitchen was enlarged and fully remodeled in 1993. Facing the river is a flagstone terrace, outside fireplace, front lawn with eating table, comfortable seating, a hammock, and birdfeeders with numerous visitors. Our hummingbirds, goldfinches and woodpeckers are regulars here, and you're sure to hear and see the spectacular pileated woodpecker if you keep the peanut feeder filled. There are three bedrooms with twin beds, one an expansive master bedroom with laundry room and bathroom. A screened sleeping porch closest to the river has two more beds. One bathroom has a tub and shower and the other bath has a stall shower. In addition there is an excellent outside shower (with hot!), great after a swim. The kitchen is fully equipped, with eating table plus a pass-through to the dining area of the living room. The kitchen also has a built-in sofa bed for an occasional visitor, or for relaxing while dinner is cooking. The large living room is comfortably furnished, has a bow-front with large windows facing the river, and an efficient, cast-iron fireplace-insert. Kitchen and master bedroom both have ceiling fans and there are several portable fans. Close to the house is a tennis court, shared between 2 other families. Just north of house is a deep shady ravine with a spectacular double waterfall and pristine stream that flows into the river next to the house. Fishing is good up and down the shoreline or from the dock. Next to the property is a public boat-launching ramp, and just a mile south is the William O'Brien State Park, with camping sites, hiking trails, and boat launching ramp and separate swimming pond. The closest town, 10 minutes south, is the historic village of Marine-on-St-Croix, once a major sawmill for the white pine logging industry during the mid-to-late 19th and early 20th century, when huge log drives were the principal traffic on the river. The larger town of Stillwater,18 miles south on the river, was also a major center of the lumberjack era and today offers antique shops, paddlewheel steamboats and numerous restaurants. The town of Taylor's Falls, known for rock climbing and Interstate Park at the spectacular Dalles, is an equal distance upriver to the north.