Interstate State Park

The St. Croix River branches off the Mighty Mississippi at Hastings, Minnesota, and stretches north to a series of lakes south of Superior, Wisconsin. It proved a handy visual guide for those mapping out the borders between Minnesota and Wisconsin. It also is where you can find a state park that straddles that border. It is known -fittingly enough- as Interstate State Park. 

Nestled on the south side of Taylor's Fall's, Minnesota, and St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Interstate is chock full of natural beauty. The park's most amazing feature is the Dales along the St. Croix. These jagged cliffs gouged out by glacial movements eons ago have been a tourist draw ever since the area was first settled. "Wow" is the only way to describe them.   

The area around the Visitor Center located on the Taylor's Falls side of the river is dotted with numerous interpretive signs. One particular cliff in this area is popular with rock climbers. Other cliffs can be climbed as well, but note: A small fee applies to this. For the exact details, check the park website or contact them directly. More casual tourists can board an excursion boat on this side of the park.  

They are short jaunts along the river aboard a steamboat-style, diesel-powered tour boat named the Taylor's Falls Queen. The park also offers interpretive walks of the geological wonders on the Minnesota side. On the flip side of the coin, the Wisconsin side is a haven for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. Fall leaf-viewing on both side of the river are especially worthwhile in the fall.

If you are not looking to "rough it" at Interstate, Taylor's Falls has only a bed and breakfast and some cabins for immediate-area lodging. The best bet for staying close to Interstate Park is the Holiday Inn Express off of U.S. Highway 8 in St. Croix Falls. Nearby towns in Minnesota such as Forrest Lake and North Branch have hotels within easy driving distance of the park as well.  

A daily parking permit is required when visiting the park. A year-round vehicle permit for $25 is available here. Souvenirs? The usual round of them (baseball caps, T-shirts, etc.) can be found in the park gift shop. All in all, Interstate State Park is well worth a visit. Be it as a day-trip or something longer. Don't visit the St. Croix River Valley without stopping by!

Photo of St. Croix River on Taylor's Falls side of Interstate State Park by Richard H.