St. Croix National Parks

St. Croix's Caribbean location and colorful history have made it a haven for history buffs and nature lovers from all over the world. After all- we were the first American soil that Christopher Columbus landed on at the end of his second voyage to the New World in 1493!

Organizations such as the U.S. National Park System and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife oversee several locations and parks on island. Come see the majestic forts you can explore that house old dungeons, protected ecological preserves to kayak through night or day and beautiful beaches that are home to endangered turtle species.

See also: history

Buck Island Reef National Monument
Christiansted
NPS Official Site

Can you believe it? An underwater National Park? In all total, the park encompasses 176 acres above and below water. It was established a National Monument by a Presidential proclamation in 1961 and grew in 2001 to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." Above water- take a hike along the nature trail to the highest peak for a breathtaking view. Below water...ahhhhhh. Treat your eyes to abundant native marine flora a fauna, vibrant coral reefs, playful fish, friendly rays and the occasional endangered hawksbill turtle. There is an "official" underwater trail off the east end of the island that is accessible mostly by full or half day snorkeling tours. Signs have been mounted underwater to indicate interesting structures, marine life habitats, etc. The island is accessible by boat only. There is no fee to access the island on a private boat, however fees do vary for full or half day snorkeling excursions depending on the tour operator.

Christiansted National Historic Distric
Christiansted
340-773-1460
NPS Official Site

This 7 acre area is mostly on the Christiansted waterfront and was established as a National Historic Site in 1952. The five historical structures exist on the site are the Fort Christiansvaern, the Scale House, Danish Custom House, Steeple Building, and the Danish West Indie & Guniea Company Warehouse. The goal of this site is to preserve the historic structure and illustrate the Danish influence here between 1733 and 1917. Fort Christiansvaern and the surrounding buildings are open Monday through Friday 8-5 and Saturday from 9-5. An informative walking tour is available at the visitor center at the park headquarters. Admission is $3 per person.

Fort Frederik
Frederiksted
340-772-2021

On the west side of the island lies Fort Frederik, which was built in the 18th century out of necessity by the Danish government to protect St. Croix against invasion of European powers, smugglers and pirates! It gained its status as a National Landmark because of the role it played in two events that eventually led to the dissolution of salvery in the Virgin Islands in 1848. In 1848, Emancipation Revolt ended slavery in the Danish West Indies, but inaugurated a 30-year period of serfdom based on contract labor that ensured continuing control by plantation owners. Then in 1878, escalating tensions erupted into the Labor Riot and Fireburn, which ended the contract labor system.

Fort Frederik is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday 1:00pm to 4:00pm and admission is free.

Point Udall
The eastern most point of the United States
East End, St. Croix

The Millenium Monument was erected in 2000 to commemorate the beginning of a new millennium for the United States, as this is the first place American soil sees the sunrise. Known as Point Udall, the drive to this east end monument is breath-taking as you look below at the multi-blue, reef-laden waters. Once you arrive at "the point" you encounter the monument, which is actually a large sundial and even more breath taking views. There is no admission charge to for the monument.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park
Also known as Columbus Landing
Salt River
340-773-3663
NPS Official Site

Not only is Salt River important historically, it is also a protected ecological preserve. Columbus landed at this spot in America's Paradise in 1493, but encountered the not-so-friendly Carib Indian tribe. This led to the first documented conflict between Europeans and Native Americans. Some believe that Columbus never set foot on land, sending out a search party to explore the new land. Either way- we are proud of this beautiful area, which is recognized as a National Landmark.

Salt River is no longer a fresh water supply, but is now a tropical ecosystem that supports threatened and endangered species. The NPS works jointly with the government to manage this 1,015 acre park, which holds some of the largest mangrove forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon. Admission is free, but take advantage of the historical and ecological kayak tours.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Located on St. Croix's west end
Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department
340-773-4554 or 340-772-4902

Sandy Point, located on St. Croix's west end, was designated a Natural National Landmark in 1980. This is the only place in the United States where the endangered leatherback sea turtles regularly returns to nest. There is no admission to enter the park and is only open on Saturday and Sunday. Sandy Point is the longest stretch beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Depending on when the turtles begin their nesting season, Sandy Point is closed from about mid May until the beginning of September. Find out more.