Interstate State Park
4.7(1.8K)google
4.5(52)yelp
RiverRock FormationCanyonHiking TrailCampingScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhotography Spot
Overview
As Wisconsin's oldest state park, Interstate State Park is located along the rugged Dalles of the St. Croix River, a deep volcanic gorge carved by ancient floods. The park is famous for its unique geological formations, including deep glacial potholes formed by spinning rocks thousands of years ago. Visitors enjoy hiking the scenic cliffside trails, rock climbing, kayaking, and learning at the Ice Age Interpretive Center.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeEarly to mid-October during peak autumn foliage in the St. Croix River Valley is a magnificent time to visit. It is highly recommended to hike the famous Pothole Trail early in the morning between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Clear morning light shines straight into the deep glacial potholes, while offering pristine views from the rugged dalles cliffs down onto the emerald waters of the gorge.
Getting ThereSituated right on the state line in Saint Croix Falls. Driving is the most logical transport method; from the Twin Cities area, take US-8 E east across the river bridge into Wisconsin, and immediately turn right onto WI-35 S. The park's main entrance kiosk will appear on your right in under a minute, providing ample parking lots at all major trailheads.
Travel Tips
- Divided by the St. Croix River, this park spans Wisconsin and Minnesota. Crucial regulatory trap: Their state park vehicle admission passes are 100% non-reciprocal. Parking on the WI bank requires a valid Wisconsin DNR vehicle sticker; driving across the state-line bridge to the MN sector requires a Minnesota park pass. Rangers on both sides ticket aggressively.
- The core draws are the deep, vertical stone Glacial Potholes cut into basalt cliffs. Paths traversing these features lack continuous safety infrastructure. Rain layers the rocks in slick moss; flip-flops, backless sandals, and smooth dress shoes are grounds for denial. You must stay inside the steel mesh walkways—climbing over chains for photos is banned.
- The park features a boat launch into the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Monitored heavily by federal National Park Service Rangers, the narrow gorge enforces an absolute 'No-Wake Zone'. Speeding or failing to have Coast Guard-approved Life Jackets (PFDs) physically buckled on all passengers triggers immediate watercraft impoundment and federal citations.
Reviews
Positive
- Superb scenic value! The deep gorge carved by the St. Croix River is magnificent, especially the famous 'Glacial Potholes' geological wonder; visually stunning.
- Perfect trail system with clear signs; ranges from flat accessible waterfront boardwalks (great for seniors) to rugged cliff lines, offering an excellent experience.
- Advanced and complete facilities; the nature center features interactive ice-age exhibits, while picnic loops are shaded with spotless restrooms.
- Great entry value; activities abound including kayaking, rock climbing, and a swimming beach, balancing moderate commerce with raw wilderness quiet.
Heads up
- Crowd density spikes severely during peak autumn foliage or summer weekends; trailheads clog up, lots fill instantly, and cars face long queues.
- During peak summer weeks, riverfront mosquitoes and biting flies are rampant; forgetting heavy-duty repellent makes hiking a painful ordeal.
- Beyond vehicle permits, watercraft rentals and campsite fees rise yearly, and primitive restrooms in older camp loops suffer from average maintenance and odors.
- Public transit is non-existent, and the narrow, winding park roads can be quite tricky to navigate during heavy summer rain or winter blizzards.