Interstate State Park

Interstate Park comprises two adjacent state parks on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, both named Interstate State Park. A deep gorge with glacial potholes and other rock formations called the "Dalles of the St. Croix" is a scenic feature of Wisconsin's oldest state park.

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As a part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, the Ice Age Interpretive Center features photographs, murals and other information about the great glaciers. On the Minnesota side, two areas contain National Park Service Rustic style buildings and structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The discovery of the copper pike and, shortly thereafter, two stone projectile points, suggested that the Interstate Park site was also very old and that the bison had been hunted for food by Native Americans living in the area.

It is a splendid testimonial to the era of volcanoes and glaciers that formed this place, the magnificent Dalles of the river presenting the terminus of Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail. A few miles south, the agreeable river town of Osceola features an historic downtown district that includes a waterfall – Cascade Falls, Osceola Mills grew around grain milling and steamboat building enterprises. Here, osprey and bald eagles nest, soar and swoop over the bluff-lined waters, scooping their dinner from the fish-filled river; legendary rock formations stand sentinel over the forest; crystal clear waters whisper down spectacularly beautiful Curtain Falls; and the National Ice Age Trail ends its thousand mile journey from the East. Eventually, trails and roads led to fledgling farming and dairying communities to the east, and to placid lakeside resorts.

Hikers will find two major trailheads right in town. The first is the 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail, which highlights the effects of melting glaciers on a landscape. The Ice Age Interpretive Center is located in the park. The second is the 98-mile Gandy Dancer Trail. Popular with hikers, cyclists, ATV enthusiasts, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, this old railroad bed runs through the north woods all the way to Superior. There are an excellent swimming beach and Beach House at scenic Lake O' the Dalles. A boat launch provides access to the St. Croix River and the interesting towering rocky gorge formations on the Dalles of the St. Croix River, and for the unique glacial potholes that are the deepest in the world. Popular activities at Interstate include camping, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing, swimming, fishing and boating, snowshoeing, hiking and backpacking, exploring, eagle watching, boat excursions, wildlife watching, naturalist programs, golf, mini golf, volleyball, interpretive exhibits, history, and bicycling.

Interstate State Park Private Campgrounds and Camping Reservations

Interstate State Park Map

Direction:
Interstate State Park in the City of St. Croix Falls - Polk County (Northwest WI).

Location

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