Interstate State Park

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Interstate

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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 a 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!

Camper Alert! Beginning October 31, 2009, the campsites which are Non-Reservable ("first come, first serve") will be switched from their existing locations. The following sites will be Interstate's Non-Reservable campsites beginning October 31:

23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

All other remaining sites will be Reservable through the reservation system.

New Climbing Permits Required in 2009! Individual permits, which are issued without charge, are available year-round at the park office and daily Memorial Day through mid-October at the visitor center. Organized groups are required to obtain a new Commercial Climbing Permit each year. Application forms are available by calling the park office at 651-465-5711 and should be submitted at least seven days prior to the climbing event. See additonal details under Recreation Facilities.

Park Notes

The Geology of Interstate State Park is a comprehensive document explaining the geologic formations of the area and the world-famous glacial potholes.

The Bird Checklist at Interstate State Park.

The Wildflower Checklist is a multi-seasonal guide to the native and non-native flower species found within the park.

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season!

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List

Park Highlights:

check mark Scenic River Views

check mark Canoeing

check mark Camping

check mark Fishing

check mark Rock Climbing

check mark Pothole Viewing


Next 90 days of events at this park

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Hours

Best time to contact park staff in the Spring, Summer, and Fall is 9-3 daily. Winter hours will vary. Please leave a message.

Contact

307 Milltown Road
Taylors Falls, MN 55084

tel: 651-465-5711

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.