interstate state park- wisconsin

Whether in Summer or in the height of Fall colors this park is spectacular. There are many trails and a great little visitor center to explore and gift shop. The highlights for us was pothole trail because you can climb in them and they are interesting and make for great photo opportunities. Also the views were spectacular from up high and seeing across to the MN side. Other areas to enjoy in town is Fawn Doe Rosa to visit the animals up close (deer roam free).

Though sometimes busy on nice summer afternoons, this park is absolutely beautiful. Great hiking, river bluff views, rock formations, and a visitor center to get warm if you are out and about on a cold day. They have winter programming for kiddos sometimes, and a yearly luminary lit winter walk.

We decided to do some winter camping this December, away from the main camps. North camp site, 25 was our chosen spot, Perfect, no power no water, and no people. Gathered our wood from fallen trees, made a fire and took in the beautiful surroundings, over looking the river, with a water fall just out of sight, it really was worth the walk-in, as the site is closed to cars during the winter, they don't plough the road and usually send the winter campers to the south camp site as this is kept clear of snow. Expect 12 plus inches of snow sometimes, snow shoes would be a good idea. Our site was clean, no rubbish or any sign it had been used for a while, which is always a good sign of the type of people who used this site. Water was no issue, there was a small stream nearby where we gathered our water. The ranger was very friendly, helpful, and asked to contact him if we had any problem with the site, or wish to move. Price was very good, camping plus parking was $22, for one night, cheaper than main season of course. Next day we planed to walk the Skyline trail, well that was the plan! But ended up doing the Silver-brook, Point loop, Bluff loop, the lake walk, and the Horizon rock trail. . . I cooked my goose that day, could hardly move after. Lol, not being the most active as I used to be. The views, the frozen lake, the forest, and the well posted trails are everything you could wish for. But being me, I still manage to wonder off the trail, All maintained and most important, clean, no trace of any rubbish anywhere on our walk. The main Ice age centre, was very educational, and full of gifts, T shirt, all the usual items you could want to mark your time here. Summer would require you to book in advance for some of the sites, during the winter no reservation are required, as only mad people like us would want to camp. But even during this time of year, the park can offer the beauty of winter, without the crowds..... And I would highly recommend a visit.

Great hiking trails and some breathtaking views make this park must see! You can really appreciate God's artistic hand at work when you see what He can do with rocks and water! The Pothole Trail is probably the most scenic and the most visited trail in the park. Be sure to get to the park early in the day as the afternoons can get quite busy!

The glacial potholes are worth the trip! Great photo ops here on the St Croix River. So beautiful during the fall months!

No seriously this park has some of the greatest views of Minnesota from Wisconsin. The cliffs down to the river in this area are phenomenal. There is nothing quite like interstate park anywhere else in the world. The Wisconsin side of this park seems much larger than the Minnesota side. Their is unlimited exploring in this park. There is really so many great things to see here. One of the more interesting facts about this area is it's the largest confluence of potholes anywhere in the world. Scientists aren't sure exactly what cause these holes and tubes in the rocks just that they have found these round rocks nearby that they call bowlers. Some theories are that the water causes these rocks to spin around and over time they dig holes through the rock. A great place to visit. Also if you are from Minnesota or any other state other than Wisconsin there is a 10 dollar charge to get into the park. So my advice is to park in Minnesota and walk across the bridge to the Wisconsin side of Interstate state park.

We visited with a family group consisting of fit adults, moderately fit older adults, and kids aged 3, 5, 7, & 12, so we took only two of the shorter trails. The 3-year old was challenged by the rocky trails; the older kids (boys) were a bit too comfortable (no railings; easy to go off the trail). We also had to help a little group of definitely un-fit elder visitors who were struggling to make it down a slope with nothing to grab onto. The park is really nice for adults and older (compliant) kids; however, elders, those wearing inappropriate footwear, families with small children, and anyone who doesn't enjoy scrambling over rocky trails might find it less pleasant. That being said, solo adults will love this. There's also a nice little playground, a small beach area, and clean restrooms.

The views are spectacular in the Summer or Fall. Great fun for climbing and hiking for the whole family. Our girls are teens, so they were up for it, but a bit tougher I would think for little ones. The rock formations and water are so pretty to look at, will definitely return again!

This was our second trip there. The first trip was about 4 years ago. Forgot how cool the potholes are. The only down side is that there were no trails that you could walk along with a stroller. Next time we plan on riding the paddle boats again.

So glad we took time to see n do everything here. It's really beautiful n educational too as is the beginning of the Ice Age Trail that goes all across Wisconsin. Google this for more info. The Nature Center staff are helpful n friendly plus it has a nice in-door display n movie if weather is not good for trail hiking or some in your group have lots of energy n others do not. Trails are challenging, so wear good shoes.....not flip flops as I did..,..but was slow n careful. Scenery is great from the overlooks of the River in all directions n there are numerous vistas. Plus a small lake, plus swimming beach, lots of places to picnic, play frisbee n even volleyball. Take the paddleboat cruise on the River n stop by the Polk County Visitors Center to find more to do in the area (canoe n bike rentals, places to eat n stay) just N of the Park n The Dalles restaurant......also very good!.....

Since we live near here we visit this park often. We love to walk the trails and see the amazing potholes and enjoy the amazing views of the St. Croix River. Highly recommended for families without toddlers (trails lead along the high bluffs along the river). This park features camping, hiking, a beach for swimming and has nearby attractions such as a paddle boat tour and canoeing.

We did some hiking on a couple of trails. Beautiful views from the top and in the canyon area. The mosquitos were out in full force. We had on tons of spray and still got bit, but it was worth it.

We parked in town, had lunch and then walked over to Interstate Park which was very close. A nice little walkway brought us right there. There were mainly rocky paths and trails that brought you around big, deep potholes/craters and it was all over looking the St Croix River. It was a gorgeous day, lots of families out and very fun to walk around. We spent an hour there. Next time we'll bring the kids!

Our family recently visited Interstate State Park for a long weekend. Our favorite trail was only .4 miles long, but we really enjoyed seeing the potholes made from "grinders" and having my husband stand in one of them that was deep enough to cover most of his chest. We also enjoyed the view of the river from the bluff overview trail that morning, which was followed by a few geocache finds before heading to Minneapolis for lunch. There are not many good food options in the area, but we'd still go back for the hiking.

This is a big state park, lots of hiking options but not many for those who need level walking areas.