Statement of Significance (as of designation - September 25, 1997):
This was the largest and one of the best examples of Depression-era recreational demonstration area (RDA) planning and design in the country. Forty-six RDA/state parks were planned by the National Park Service during the New Deal. In addition to providing recreation, RDAs were intended to "retire" marginal agricultural lands for the new and better use. The many remaining structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps typify the intentionally rustic style so popular for park design at the time.

Condition:
Fire completely demoilshed one contributing building, the Garage and Shop building (30174) at St Johns Landing Group Camp. 2. Severe bank erosion along the St. Croix River threatens the veiw from the Public Use area. Original Stone steps were lost in the erosion.

1. completed the restoration of the log and stone Combination Building (30266) in Riverview Campground. 2. Completed a detailed GIS layer of all buildings to aid in the mgmt. of historic structures. 3. Ongoing efforts to restore some of the original view sheds and scenic vistas in the park. 4. Ongoing efforts to restore original forest communities and more open forest through the utillization of mechanical vegetation removal and prescribed fire.