Interstate State Park
St. Croix Falls, WI
Basalt cliffs and a deep gorge along the St. Croix River, with trails above the water and glacial potholes in the rock. Come in autumn for color and wear shoes with good grip on the rocky paths.
Interstate State Park was founded in 1900 and is Wisconsin's first state park. Together with its sister park on the Minnesota side, it forms the first interstate park in the United States. The centerpiece is the basalt gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix, whose walls rise 50 to 250 feet (15 to 75 m) above the river. The rock holds more than 80 glacial potholes, the whirlpool-carved hollows left by the Ice Age. The Wisconsin side is also home to the western end of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
About 9 miles (14 km) of hiking trails cover the park. The Pothole Trail leads to viewpoints over the gorge, and the Ice Age Interpretive Center tells you more about glacial geology. Allow two to three hours for a walk. The rock is uneven and can be slippery, so shoes with good tread are advisable. The campgrounds offer around 85 sites, and the fall foliage makes an autumn visit especially rewarding.
- Nearest town
- St. Croix Falls, WI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.3944, -92.6544
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Wild River Group CampsitesCampsite11 mi from Interstate State ParkTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Wild River State Park CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Interstate State Park · 112 pitchesElectricityShowersWaste disposal
- Ojiketa Regional ParkCampsite12 mi from Interstate State ParkDrinking water
- Riverway CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Interstate State ParkTents
- Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Interstate State ParkMotorhomes
- Golden AcresMotorhome stopover18 mi from Interstate State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Wisconsin · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Interstate State Park?
Interstate State Park is in St. Croix Falls, WI, at GPS 45.3944, -92.6544. It is about 41 mi from Minneapolis.
Can you camp near Interstate State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Interstate State Park MN, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Interstate State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Historic Downtown Stillwater (24 mi), Mill City Museum (41 mi), Minnehaha Falls (43 mi) and Jay Cooke State Park (88 mi).
When is the best time to visit Interstate State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)