Interstate State Park
There is so much to do at Interstate State Park, located on the beautiful St. Croix River. Visitors can climb the cliffs of the St. Croix River Dalles, canoe the flat-water, watch kayakers rush through the rapids, or relax on an excursion boat. Spring brings a great diversity of wildflowers and in fall, the St. Croix River Valley forest is ablaze in the autumn colors of red, gold, and orange. The geology that formed this park intrigues visitors, and brings geologists from all over the world. At least 10 different lava flows are exposed in the park, along with two distinct glacial deposits, and traces of old streams valleys and faults. During the summer, hike the trails and explore the glacial potholes that make this park unique.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Updated Oct. 2, 2013 Canoe Rental Closed due to Federal shutdown. Osceola Landing on St. Croix River Closed due to Federal shutdown. National Park Service primative shoreline campsites along St. Croix River Closed due to Federal shutdown. Boat Launch Construction Complete The boat launch project has been completed and the launch is now open. Those parking overnight in the lot should still check in at the park office. Parking in the lot requires a $5 daily or $25 annual Minnesota State Park permit. Facilities The visitor center is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Please fill out a self-pay envelope for a vehicle permit at times when the visitor center is closed. Fall Campground Closure The park's campground will be closed from Oct. 20, 2013 to April 1, 2014. Fall Weekend Parking On fall color weekends (often the last in Sept. and the first in Oct.), the park is an intensely popular destination. The state park lot near the glacial potholes may fill by mid-morning. Parking is usually available on these busy days at the south entrance of the park (one mile west of Taylors Falls on Highway 8 at the campground entrance). Both the River and Railroad trails lead from there to the glacial potholes area (a 1.25 mile walk). Both state park lots require vehicles to have an annual Minnesota State Park permit or a $5 daily permit. You may also park in town, and walk under the Highway 8 bridge and into the park. |
Park NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park. Learn about the geologic formations of the area and the world-famous glacial potholes here: Geology of Interstate State Park The Wildflower Checklist Online / Downloadable Walking ToursTake a 13-minute walking tour of the Glacial Potholes at Interstate State Park Download Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Interstate State Park. Birders:Bird Checklist |
this tour in MP4 format (26 MB) to use on your own mobile device. Park Highlights | ||||||
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Scenic River ViewsHours
Best time to contact the park:
Spring, Summer & Fall: Daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Winter: Hours will vary. If no one is available, please leave a message.
Contact
307 Milltown Road
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
tel: 651-465-5711
email: interstate.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
From the South: 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.
From the North: Take I-35 south. Take the North Branch Exit, Hwy 95 East. Drive approximately 22 miles, passing through downtown Taylors Falls. At the stoplight, turn right, heading 95 South for approximately 1 mile. Turn left to the park office.
From the East: Take Hwy 8 west into Minnesota. After crossing the St Croix River, continue traveling on Hwy 8/95 South through the first stoplight. After approximately 1 mile turn left to the park office.