The park contains the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road: Deer Creek Section, a surviving section of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road built in 1853, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the end of this ice age 10,000 years ago, meltwater flowing out of Glacial Lake Duluth carved the St. Croix River Valley.

As the river tends to overflow its banks in spring, inundation-tolerant species like silver maple and basswood dominate the floodplain.

During the summer, visitors can see black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and rough blazing star (Liatris aspera).

These efforts involve controlled burning to reduce built-up thatch and clearing plantations of farmer-introduced pines.

Prevalent mammals include beaver, raccoon, river otter, fox, coyote, squirrel, mink, and white-tailed deer.

Wild River State Park's bird list documents 200 species that can be viewed at different times throughout the year.

Although intended as a highway for troop movement, this route from Hastings, Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin was one of the first roads in the territory and attracted a flood of civilian and commercial traffic.

When Minnesota achieved statehood in 1858, responsibility for the road devolved to the state, which did not have the funds to finish the project.

[3] Traces of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road can also be seen in Minnesota's Banning State Park.

Severe floodwaters in 1954 left Nevers Dam structurally unsafe, and NSP removed it the following year.

In addition to Nevers Dam, Northern States Power had acquired much of the land on either side of the river.

However it was the creation of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in 1968 that finally prompted action by both parties.

The main objection to the trade had always been that Chisago County would lose a sizeable amount of property tax income.

As a compromise the state agreed to pay the county a declining percentage of the lost tax revenue for 10 years.

NSP donated 4,497 acres (1,820 ha) and the value was matched by federal funds to buy land from other owners.

The main campground boasts 94 drive-in sites—34 of which have electrical hookups—along with six camper cabins, showers, and flush toilets.

The trail center functions as a warming shelter in winter, and offers ski and snowshoe rentals.

A concessionaire based inside the park rents canoes hourly and daily, and provides shuttle service back from take-out points.