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A Scenic Landmark Along the St. Croix River

Located in Taylors Falls along the St. Croix River, Interstate State Park is one of Minnesota’s most visually striking and historically important state parks. Towering cliffs rise above the river, dramatic rock formations line the gorge, and forested trails weave through a landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and glacial forces.

This park holds a unique place in history. Interstate State Park is shared between Minnesota and Wisconsin, making it the first interstate park in the United States. The St. Croix River forms the border between the two, with each state managing its own side while protecting the same remarkable river valley known as the Dalles of the St. Croix.

Established in 1895, it is also one of Minnesota’s oldest state parks, created to preserve the rugged beauty of the river gorge for future generations.

Geology That Tells an Ancient Story

The defining feature of Interstate State Park is its geology. Massive basalt cliffs formed from ancient lava flows more than a billion years ago. During the last ice age, powerful glacial meltwater surged through the valley, carving steep gorges and drilling perfectly rounded holes into solid rock.

These formations, known as glacial potholes, are the park’s signature attraction. More than 200 potholes have been identified, some large enough to stand inside. One of the deepest explored, often called the Bottomless Pit, plunges roughly 60 feet into the bedrock.

Another memorable landmark is Angle Rock, where the river makes a dramatic turn through an ancient fracture in the landscape. Standing here, it’s easy to see how immense natural forces shaped this valley over thousands of years.

The St. Croix River itself is part of a federally protected National Wild and Scenic Riverway, preserving both the natural environment and the remarkable views that define the region.

Hiking Trails and River Overlooks

Interstate State Park offers several miles of hiking trails that explore forest, cliffs, and river overlooks. While the trail system is compact, the scenery changes quickly, making each route feel distinct.

The Pothole Trail is one of the park’s most memorable walks, winding directly through the glacial pothole area. Visitors can walk beside, above, and sometimes down into the formations, seeing up close how water and stone shaped the bedrock.

The River Trail follows the St. Croix through wooded terrain, offering peaceful stretches of hiking with frequent glimpses of the river below. It connects major areas of the park and provides a relaxed way to take in the landscape.

For elevated views, the Sandstone Bluffs Trail climbs to high overlooks that reveal the full scale of the river valley. From these vantage points, the St. Croix cuts a winding path through layered cliffs and forested ridges.

Camping at Interstate State Park

Camping is available on the Minnesota side of the park, set within a quiet wooded area not far from the St. Croix River. The campground provides a comfortable base for exploring the trails, scenic overlooks, and geologic features that make this park so distinctive.

Drive-in campsites offer convenient access for short stays or extended weekends, and many visitors appreciate how close everything is — from hiking paths to river views — without needing to travel far once you arrive. The campground is well suited to a range of camping styles and is easily accessed by smaller travel trailers and campervans such as the Mini-T Campervan.

With trails, river scenery, and dramatic rock formations nearby, the campground makes it easy to settle in, relax, and enjoy the natural setting at your own pace.

More Than Hiking: Recreation on the River

Beyond hiking, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. The basalt cliffs make this one of Minnesota’s most popular locations for rock climbing, with routes that overlook the St. Croix River gorge.

Canoeing and kayaking are also common, especially along calmer stretches of the river. Paddling through the valley offers a completely different perspective of the cliffs and rock formations rising above the water.

Wildlife watching, photography, and picnicking are popular in every season, with autumn drawing many visitors for the vivid fall color that fills the river valley.

The St. Croix River Valley Through Time

The St. Croix River has long served as a natural corridor for travel and trade. Native peoples used the valley for thousands of years before European settlement. In the 1800s, the river became central to the logging industry, carrying massive timber rafts downstream.

By the late nineteenth century, the dramatic scenery began attracting tourists, artists, and conservationists — leading directly to the creation of the park to preserve the landscape.

What to Explore Nearby

Interstate State Park sits in the heart of the St. Croix Valley, an area known for scenic river towns and outdoor recreation.

Taylors Falls offers shops, restaurants, and river views just steps from the park entrance. Sightseeing boat tours provide a relaxing way to experience the gorge from the water. Across the river, the Wisconsin side of Interstate State Park offers additional trails and overlooks that expand the experience even further.

The surrounding region also features biking routes, scenic drives, and small towns that reflect the heritage and landscape of the St. Croix Valley.

Why Interstate State Park Stands Out

Interstate State Park combines dramatic geology, scenic river views, accessible hiking, and rich regional history within a compact and easy-to-explore setting. Few places in Minnesota offer such clear evidence of glacial power or such striking views of a protected river valley.

Whether visiting for a day hike, a weekend of camping, or simply to stand beside ancient rock formations shaped by water and time, Interstate State Park remains one of Minnesota’s most memorable outdoor destinations.