Marine started out as a lumber town in 1839. The St. Croix River was instrumental as a source of power for the mill and transportation for the logs. Quietly tucked into the bluffs along the river, Marine no longer harvests lumber - but the river remains an integral part of the community. The city is also located close to William O'Brien State Park and the Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center. The latter is a wildlife preserve with 700 acres of forest, lakes, bogs and marshes.
Daily tours are available.
William O'Brien is a mecca for cross country skiers in the winter, and offers swimming, canoeing, camping, hiking and biking in the summer. In fact, the park's bike trail ends at Marine Elementary School, which has playground equipment and a skating rink open to the public.