Interstate State Park

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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!

Trails at the park are not maintained in the winter and snow, ice, and rain may make them hazardous for hiking. The Hwy 8 underpass between the River Trail and Sandstone Bluffs Trail is currently covered by a sheet of ice.

New! Virtual Tour:

Take a panoramic virtual tour of Interstate State Park. In this journey you'll peek inside the visitor center, meander the trails, study the park's potholes and geological features and marvel at rock climbers scaling the basalt cliffs. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Panoramic tour | Accessible tour

Park Notes

Learn about the geologic formations of the area and the world-famous glacial potholes here: Geology of Interstate State ParkThis is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Interstate State Park Bird ChecklistThis is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

The Wildflower ChecklistThis is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. is a multi-seasonal guide to the native and non-native flower species found within the park.

Online / Downloadable Walking Tours

Take a walking tour of the Glacial Potholes at Interstate State ParkThis link leads to a video. Check out 13 minute guided photo tour of this unique environment only found in Minnesota. (Flash video, 38,721K)

DownloadThis link leads to an podcast. this tour in MP4 format (26,473K) to use on a portable music/video player such as an Apple video iPpod/iPhone or Microsoft Zune players.

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card

Firewood Restrictions Information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists.

Park Highlights

tree Scenic River Views

tree Canoeing

tree Camping

tree Fishing

tree Rock Climbing

tree Pothole Viewing

Events

view a printable version

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

There are currently no event listings.

Hours

Best time to contact the park:

Spring, Summer & Fall: Daily, 9 a.m. - 3 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.