Love the idea of stepping into a kayak before breakfast or ending a workday with a golden-hour hike? In Somerset, you can. This small river town of about 3,000 residents offers relaxed living, direct access to the Apple and St. Croix rivers, and quick trips to scenic state parks. You are also within about 30 miles of the Twin Cities, with approximately 36 driving miles to downtown Minneapolis depending on route and traffic. In this guide, you will see why outdoor lovers choose Somerset, what a typical weekend looks like, and what to know if you plan to buy near the water. Let’s dive in.
Why Somerset fits an outdoor lifestyle
Set where the Apple River meets the lower St. Croix, Somerset gives you a true river-town feel with easy nature access. The village keeps a friendly scale, with basic services and civic info centralized through the municipal site. For work and city outings, you can reach Hudson in roughly 13 miles and Minneapolis in about 36 miles, so a split lifestyle is possible. For buyers comparing values with the metro, a county-level snapshot shows median listing prices in the low-to-mid $400Ks, which is helpful context next to many Twin Cities neighborhoods.
River days on the St. Croix and Apple River
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway access
The St. Croix is a federally protected waterway known for calm stretches, scenic bluffs, and well-managed public landings. If you like day paddles, a classic trip runs from the Osceola or Interstate Park area downstream to the Somerset takeout. Somerset Landing is a common endpoint for these lower-river floats and is frequently used by paddlers and outfitters. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards through outfitters listed by the National Park Service, many of whom run shuttles and can target Somerset landings for drop-off or pick-up.
Apple River tubing basics
The Apple River is Somerset’s summertime showstopper. Expect 2 to 4 hours on the water depending on levels and route. Several private operators provide tube rentals and convenient shuttles, which keeps logistics simple. Popular picks include Float-Rite Park and other nearby tubing campgrounds, with scenes that range from laid-back to lively on peak summer weekends.
Safety and river rules
Before you go, review current rules for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Superintendent’s Compendium outlines regulations on camping, portable toilet requirements in certain sections, swimming restrictions at specific landings, and prohibited activities like cliff jumping. On the water, life jackets are strongly recommended for all paddlers, and a leash is smart for SUPs. Be mindful of seasonally changing flows, watch for poison ivy and ticks on shore, and pack out what you pack in to keep beaches and sandbars clean.
Trails and state parks nearby
Willow River State Park: waterfalls and easy hikes
About 10 to 15 miles from Somerset, Willow River State Park is a go-to for hikers, families, and photographers. The falls deliver a big payoff on short-to-moderate trails, and the park supports year-round fun. In winter, you will find snowshoe routes and cross-country ski opportunities, with programs and event updates posted by the Wisconsin DNR.
William O’Brien State Park: four-season river miles
Across the river in Minnesota, William O’Brien State Park sits on the St. Croix and offers riverside hiking, canoe and kayak access, and camper cabins. In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails give you a solid Nordic option within a short drive from Somerset. Always check the Minnesota DNR page for current conditions and any seasonal construction that could affect access.
Scenic drives and bike access
On rest days, scenic drives along the St. Croix and local Rustic Roads deliver standout leaf color in fall. The St. Croix Crossing bridge area also offers pedestrian and bike access between Stillwater and Houlton, which opens up longer rides and riverside views. Pair a short hike with a slow drive and a picnic to round out a relaxed weekend.
A simple seasonal playbook
- Spring and early summer: Waterfalls at Willow River, first paddles on the St. Croix, and cool-weather hikes before the crowds build.
- Peak summer: Apple River tubing days, St. Croix canoe and kayak trips, and campsite weekends near the river.
- Fall: Leaf-peeping from river overlooks, quiet paddles in crisp air, and scenic backroad drives.
- Winter: Groomed cross-country skiing at William O’Brien, snowshoeing at Willow River, and cozy town evenings after trail time.
Campgrounds, outfitters, and concerts
If you want an easy base for tubing weekends, Float-Rite Park anchors the Apple River scene with tube rentals, a shuttle system, and on-site camping. You will also find other multi-night options nearby, including larger operations and smaller family campgrounds for a quieter pace. For St. Croix trips, use the National Park Service’s outfitter list to find current canoe, kayak, and shuttle services that run the lower river and coordinate takeouts near Somerset.
Music lovers get another outdoor perk: Somerset Amphitheater hosts seasonal concerts and camping events that draw national acts. Schedules and on-site camping policies vary by show, so confirm details before you go. If you prefer absolute quiet, note that some summer weekends can be busy around campground corridors and event dates.
Everyday convenience and commute
Somerset keeps errands simple, with a compact village core for services and municipal contacts. Schools are clustered on a single district campus, which many families find convenient. For city-days and flights, you can reach Hudson in minutes and the Twin Cities in under an hour depending on traffic and route. That mix makes Somerset a fit for people who want nature out the back door without giving up access to work and big-city amenities.
Buying near the water: what to know
If you are shopping riverfront or close to shoreland, add these items to your checklist:
- Shoreland zoning and setbacks: County shoreland rules, plus National Park Service and DNR restrictions along the St. Croix, can affect docks, accessory structures, tree removal, and septic placement.
- Floodplain and insurance: Review FEMA floodplain maps and talk with your insurer about requirements and premiums for waterfront or low-lying parcels.
- Permits and improvements: Even small projects near the water may need permits. Start with local municipal contacts and county zoning for guidance.
- Public vs. private access: Many river landings are public, while shoreline parcels are often private. Confirm deeded access, easements, and any shared paths.
Want help reading a survey or interpreting a flood map before you make an offer? A local agent who works this corridor can connect you with zoning staff and environmental pros and help you weigh lifestyle goals against maintenance or regulatory needs.
Is Somerset the right fit for you?
If your best days include rivers, state-park trails, and a quick route to the city when you want it, Somerset belongs on your shortlist. You get real outdoor access, small-town ease, and a reasonable commute profile, especially if you split time between home and office. When you are ready to explore homes, compare neighborhoods, or map out a riverfront due-diligence plan, we are here to help. Reach out to the Platinum Real Estate Team for tailored guidance and a clear next step.
FAQs
How close is Somerset to the Twin Cities and Hudson?
- Somerset is within about 30 miles of the Twin Cities, with approximately 36 driving miles to downtown Minneapolis depending on route and traffic. Hudson is roughly 13 miles away, so you can reach it in about 12 to 15 minutes.
Can you tube the St. Croix River from Somerset?
- The Apple River near Somerset is the main tubing river with operators offering rentals and shuttles. The St. Croix is a popular paddling river for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, and outfitters listed by the National Park Service can plan trips that use Somerset-area landings for takeout.
Are there four-season outdoor activities near Somerset?
- Yes. Hike and see waterfalls at Willow River State Park from spring through fall, paddle the St. Croix in warm months, and use groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at William O’Brien and Willow River in winter.
What should buyers check before purchasing riverfront property in Somerset?
- Review shoreland zoning, FEMA floodplain maps, riparian easements, septic and permit rules, and any NPS or DNR restrictions along the St. Croix corridor. Also confirm whether access is public or private and plan for environmental and flood disclosures during due diligence.
