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Headwaters FAQ

 

 

                                                                                                         Image courtesy Guy Little

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How did the St. Croix River get its name?

It is not clear.  A leading theory is that the name St. Croix, which means "Holy Cross," was originated by the French trader Nicolas Perrot in 1689.

  • What is the headwaters lake of the St. Croix River?

Upper St. Croix Lake

  • Where is Upper St. Croix Lake located?

Solon Springs, in southeastern Douglas County

  • What direction does the St. Croix River flow from its headwaters?

South

  • If the St. Croix River flows south, why does the nearby Brule River flow north?

The origin of the Brule River is in a marsh just north of Upper St. Croix Lake.  This point is the southern edge of the Superior Basin.  Upper St. Croix Lake itself is in the St. Croix Basin.  A divide separates the two basins.

  • What is a Flowage?

Simply put, a flowage is a lake with a river flowing through it.  The Gordon Flowage is a body of water behind the Gordon Dam with the St. Croix River flowing through it.  Flowages are called "impoundment" type lakes.

  • Where is the Gordon Flowage?

The Gordon Flowage is near Gordon, Wisconsin.  It is 14 miles downstream from Upper St. Croix Lake.

  • What is the history of the Gordon Flowage?

The Flowage was originally created by a natural obstruction the Chippewa called Namai Kowagon (Sturgeon Fish Dam).  Early explorers named it Whitefish Lake.  The Flowage was later enlarged by lumbering interests and again by a WPA project.  The current name of the Flowage is the same as a nearby town.

  • What is the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway consists of the St. Croix and Namekagon  Rivers.  This Riverway is one of the eight initial rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act enacted on October 2, 1968.

  • Is the Gordon Flowage part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

No.  The Riverway starts downstream from the dam at the outlet of the Gordon Flowage.

  • Why doesn't the Scenic Riverway extend all the way upstream to the headwaters of the St. Croix River?

That is a good question!  It is being investigated and hopefully there will be an answer soon.  If you know the answer, please email FOTSCH

  • Does the headwaters area include any lake associations?

Yes, the Upper St. Croix Lake Association in Solon Springs, and the Gordon Flowage Association in Gordon.