GENERAL PARK INFORMATION
Visiting Homestead Parklands
Homestead Parklands is a St. Croix County Park on Perch Lake. A St. Croix COUNTY Park vehicle sticker is required. Daily and annual passes are good for all St. Croix County Parks. Walk-in or bike-in at no cost. The park is open to vehicle traffic May 1 – October 31, seasonal hours as posted. The park is available in the off-season to non-motorized uses like hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Horseback riding is NOT allowed.
Perch Lake
Perch Lake is located in glacial end moraine, and is a classic example of glacial topography called “Kame Kettle.” The 45-acre lake is designated as an “outstanding water resource” of the State of Wisconsin, and is part of the St. Croix Lakes Cluster Priority Watershed Project. The Lake features unique patterns of a two-story fishery and aquatic flora and fauna.
Park Features
The 85 acre day-use park encompasses 2/3 of the shoreline of Perch Lake. It features a beautiful sandy swimming beach, multiple picnic areas (with tables and barbecue grills), a sand-based playground (with nearby picnic shelter), three miles of hiking/walking trails, a fishing pier, and rowboat rentals (canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddle boards (see the St. Croix County website for prices.) Perch Lake is also an excellent deep-water scuba diving area.
Site Manager
Dustin Timm
I’ve been with St. Croix County for 5.5 years. I have a background in residential construction project management – and after the housing market crash of 2008, I transitioned over to building & equipment maintenance. I currently reside outside of Spring Valley WI with my daughters Macie (12) and Kendra (9). I enjoy many outdoor activities during all 4 seasons from cooking maple syrup in the spring, to fishing in the summer hunting in the fall and snowmobiling in the winter. Being outdoors is something I have always enjoyed, so when the Homestead Park Property Manager position became available, there was no hesitation to apply and pursue the position.I’ve been able to transition into the position very confidently with the help of JR. He did a fantastic job of operating the park and keeping so many things organized and up to date.
Park Projects
Over the next several years, County Park staff will continue to slowly remove the planted pines above the beach access trail. This area of the park is to be restored to its original oak savanna habitat. See accompanying pictures showing what the lake looked like prior to the pine planting.
(photos provided by the Seim family).
Directions to the Park
- From Hudson, take Highway 35 north to County Road V and turn right. Take V to County Road E and turn right. Turn left onto Perch Lake Road, which is at the bottom of the hill and continue past the lake to the park entrance on left.
- From New Richmond, take Highway 64 south to County Road A and turn left. Continue to County Road E and turn right. Continue to County Road I and turn right. Travel 1 1/2 miles on I, turn left onto Perch Lake road. The park entrance will be on the right prior to lake.
- From River Falls, take Highway 35 north to I-94 east. Exit at #4 and turn left at lights. Continue past Will River State Park, through Burkhardt and turn left on County Road I. Continue on I and turn left onto Perch Lake Road. The park entrance will be on the right prior to lake.