Interstate State Park

The guide is for day visitors driving up from the Twin Cities, campers, climbers and paddlers. It covers the two Interstate parks, the pothole area and trails, camping, what is closed as of November 2026, costs and directions. Facts come from the Minnesota DNR park page, its live data feed and the DNR park map unless noted; sources are at the end.

Minnesota or Wisconsin: which Interstate park?

According to the Minnesota DNR, the threat of mining in the late 1800s pushed citizens of both states to protect the Dalles of the St. Croix, creating "the first interstate (Minnesota and Wisconsin) park in the nation." Minnesota established its side in 1895 and Wisconsin followed in 1900. The DNR adds that "today, the Minnesota and Wisconsin state parks operate separately."

Everything below is about the Minnesota park.

Glacial potholes and the Dalles

The DNR explains the geology in two steps. About 1.1 billion years ago, lava flows hardened into the basalt that forms the Dalles and the riverbed. The current valley formed about 10,000 years ago, when glacial meltwaters linked to Glacial Lake Duluth "roared south to carve out the broad valley of the St. Croix." The DNR map says the meltwater held "fast moving whirlpools of swirling sand and water that wore deep holes into the rock," which are the glacial potholes. The DNR park page says the pothole area holds "the world's deepest explored pothole."

The record also notes the park's two historic districts with CCC/WPA-era buildings, and sedimentary rocks with fossils and ripple marks left by ancient seas.

Acreage: the DNR record lists 281 acres; the 2025 DNR map says 293 acres.

Trails and things to do

The DNR feed lists "four miles" of hiking trail, while its seasonal update says "5 miles of hiking trails that include rocky footing and stairs." The DNR map names these routes:

The DNR feed describes the Glacial Potholes Trail as a "one-half mile loop," while the map gives the Glacial Potholes Area as 0.5 miles one way. The feed also lists a 0.5-mile accessible loop in the picnic area, and the paved Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail passes through the park.

Only have an hour? The DNR suggests parking by the visitor center and walking the Glacial Potholes Area.

Safety rules from the DNR map

• "Cliff jumping and swimming are prohibited."
• "There are cliffs, keep small children close."
• Wear good hiking shoes, "not flip-flops," and stay on trails.

Rock climbing

Every climber needs a permit. The DNR says permits are free and must be renewed each year; individual permits are available seasonally at the self-pay kiosk near the visitor center. Organized groups need a new commercial climbing permit each year, which requires a certificate of insurance; application forms come from the park office at 651-539-4500, and the DNR asks for requests at least seven days before the climbing event.

Paddling and picnics

The boat access fits only small boats, canoes and kayaks; pontoons and large boats cannot launch. A private concession rents canoes and kayaks and runs shuttles in season (651-465-1080); as of November 2026, the DNR says Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental is closed for the season. The riverside picnic area has tables and grills, plus an open shelter and an enclosed accessible shelter, both reservable through the park office.

Camping at Interstate

Showers are seasonal and only for drive-in campers, not the group camp. The dump station is seasonal and open only to campers staying at Interstate.

Reservations: the DNR says all campsites require a reservation. The DNR reservation FAQ allows booking 120 days ahead, with online booking for a newly opened date starting at 8 a.m. Central. The state park reservations guide explains ReserveMN.

Note on site photos: the DNR alert says the campground "had extensive tree work in 2026 and the photos on the reservation site are outdated." Call the ranger station with questions about a specific site.

When to go and current alerts

The DNR suggests spring for wildflower-lined trails and fall for valley views, and says the potholes can be seen in any season. In winter, snowshoeing is allowed anywhere; the DNR says the southern part of the park near the office is flatter, and other areas can be steep and rugged.

As of November 2026, the DNR (alert updated November 4, 2026) reports:

• Entrance closures: the entrance at 307 Milltown Road will be closed on November 24 and December 9, 2026 for tree work. Park at 256 Traprock Street and pay for a permit with the QR code posted in that lot.
• Campground: closed for the season.
• Water: off for the season; bring your own.
• Toilets: vault toilets near the ranger station and portable toilets near the visitor center. (The seasonal update places the vault toilets near the kayak and canoe launch parking lot.)
• Office hours: ranger station Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; visitor center closed until spring 2027.

Fees and permits

From the DNR vehicle permit page and fee schedule, before tax:

Example (derived from the ranges above): two nights at an electric site is 2 × ($20 + $10) + $8 = $68 at the low end, or 2 × ($35 + $10) + $8 = $98 at the high end, before tax, plus a vehicle permit ($7 overnight or $35 year-round). For multi-night stays, ask the park which permit covers your whole stay; the year-round permit covers every visit for a year. The Wisconsin DNR says "a vehicle admission sticker is required" at its Interstate Park; the Minnesota permit pages do not mention Wisconsin, so check the Wisconsin DNR admission page before crossing the river.

Getting there

From the DNR's directions:

• From the south: I-35 north to the Taylors Falls exit (Highway 8 east), then about 22 miles. The park office entrance is on the right 1 mile before downtown Taylors Falls.
• From the north: I-35 south to the North Branch exit (Highway 95 east), about 22 miles through downtown Taylors Falls; at the stoplight turn right onto Highway 95 south for about 1 mile, then left to the park office.
• From Wisconsin: Highway 8 west across the St. Croix, continue on Highway 8/95 south through the first stoplight, then turn left after about 1 mile.

The visitor center and pothole area are at 256 Traprock Street, near the stoplight in Taylors Falls. Browse more Twin Cities and St. Croix Valley guides or the park finder.

Before you go

1. Check you are heading to the Minnesota park at 307 Milltown Road, not Wisconsin's Interstate Park.
2. Avoid November 24 and December 9 at the main entrance, or use the Traprock Street lot.
3. Bring water; it is off for the season.
4. Wear real hiking shoes; several trails have hundreds of stairs.
5. Climbers: get the free annual permit before you rope up.
6. Buy firewood at the park or from an approved vendor; gathering wood is not allowed.

Related guides: Wild River State Park · William O'Brien State Park · St. Croix State Park · Afton State Park

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Sources

• Minnesota DNR, Interstate State Park (camping, trails, alerts, history): https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/park.html?id=spk00178
• Minnesota DNR, Interstate State Park map and guide (PDF): https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00178.pdf
• Wisconsin DNR, Interstate Park: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/interstate
• Wisconsin DNR, State park vehicle admission: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission
• Minnesota DNR, State park fees: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fees.html
• Minnesota DNR, Vehicle permits: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/permit.html
• Minnesota DNR, Reservation FAQ: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reserve-faq/index.html