A reconstruction project is underway to reopen Lake Alice and the state park's public water access on the St. Croix River.
In August 2025, Lake Alice experienced a drawdown after a damaged valve in the 1960s water control structure — which manages the lake's water levels — caused the lake to drain into the St. Croix River.
The drawdown also contributed to a buildup of sediment in the river at the state park's public water access. When river levels dropped in September 2025, the access closed because it was unsafe for watercraft to launch.
After several months of project planning, DNR has determined the most cost-effective, long-term solution is to completely replace Lake Alice's water control structure, make flood management improvements, and dredge the St. Croix River at the public water access.
Estimated schedule
Project design: winter 2026
Permitting and field work: summer 2026
Construction and public water access dredging begin: spring 2027
Project completion: fall 2027
Visitor impacts during project work
The following areas are closed to the public through construction completion:
Lake Alice beach
Lake Alice fishing pier
Accessible canoe/kayak launch on Lake Alice
St. Croix public water access*
*The public water access may reopen as water levels allow. Canoes and kayaks can launch on the St. Croix further down the shoreline.