Minnesota's second oldest state park, and one of its most visited, is Interstate State Park along the St. Croix River on the East Central border of the state. Less than an hour north of the Twin Cities, Interstate, at 293 acres, is also one of the smallest of Minnesota's 72 state parks.
Interstate State Parks Originate From Joint Venture Between Minnesota & Wisconsin
The "Interstate" name originates from a turn-of-the-century (the 19th into the 20th) joint venture with the state of Wisconsin, just across the St. Croix. Although Wisconsin's Interstate State Park shares the name and the river, the two parks are separately run, by each state's DNR.
Like the nearby towns of Taylor's Falls on the Minnesota side, and St. Croix Falls in Wisconsin, the park sites were chosen for their proximity to the "Dalles of the St. Croix." "Dalles" translates to river rapids surrounded by high walls, and these rapids are just one of the interesting highlights at Interstate State Park.
The park has a 37-site campground at river's edge, boat ramp and canoe rental, and 4 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views along and over some of the best climbing rocks in the region (climbers take note, for the 2009 season, before climbing, a no-fee permit must be acquired at the park office).
10,000 Year-Old Glacial Potholes Highlight at Interstate
However, the biggest draw here are the potholes, and they're not the ones down the street, wreaking havoc on your vehicle's suspension. These potholes are about 10,000 years old, and are essentially the work of sand and gravel whirlpooling cylindrical holes into the rock after the last of the great glaciers retreated. Some are as 10 feet, as deep as 60 feet.
The Glacial Gardens area/trail at Interstate contains more than 80 of these glacial potholes, the greatest concentration in the world. It's a fun place to explore, particularly for kids (who are under close supervision).
The nearby towns of Taylor's Falls and St. Croix Falls have the necessary services and supplies for campers and visitors, and are both great little places to explore in their own right.
Interstate State Park Vital Stats:
- Established: 1895, Minnesota's 2nd oldest state park
- Acres: 293
- Campsites: 37, including 15 electric
- Activities: camping, rock-climbing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, photography
- 4 miles of trails, rugged & picturesque, scenic overlooks
- Nearby towns & services: Taylors Falls (.5), St. Croix Falls (2 miles)
Directions from Twin Cities: Take I-35 north. Take the Taylors Falls Exit, Hwy 8 East. Follow 8 approximately 22 miles. The entrance to the park office is located on the right hand side of the road 1 mile before downtown Taylors Falls.
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