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this tour in MP4 format (26 MB) to use on your own mobile device. Visitor Center Hours:
Visitor Center Hours:
Park by the visitor center and head to the Glacial Potholes Area, an experience not to be missed. Peer into the world's deepest explored pothole, find potholes of all sizes, and enjoy scenic views of the river gorge.
Learn about our world-famous glacial potholes.
The Wildflower checklist is a multi-seasonal guide to the native and non-native flower species found within the park.
Take a 13-minute walking tour of the park's glacial potholes!
Download this tour in MP4 format (26 MB) to use on your own mobile device.
Purchase firewood at the office when it is open, or use the Yodel app. Gathering firewood can spread tree-killing insects and is against state park rules. Protect our trees - please burn only approved firewood!
","directions":"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.
","narratives":{"wildlife":["The diverse habitat in the park is home to white-tailed deer, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, reptiles, amphibians and over 200 bird species. The St. Croix River borders the park and supports numerous fish and mussel species."],"naturalist":["Naturalist programs are available seasonally. Pick up a schedule of activities at the park office, or go to the online events calendar. The park also provides programs to schools and other groups upon request. Call the park office at (651) 465-5711 for more information."],"introduction":["There is so much to do at Interstate State Park along the beautiful St. Croix River. Explore unique geology and stunning cliff-top views, hike trails through diverse habitat, canoe or kayak, or relax on an excursion boat. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbers. Visit in spring for trails lined with wildflowers. Come in fall for picturesque valley views. Experience the park's glacial potholes during any season. These impressive holes were carved into the rock by swirling sand and water thousands of years ago."],"history":["In the late 1800s, the threat of mining prompted citizens from Minnesota and Wisconsin to preserve the Dalles of the St. Croix River. Working together, the first interstate (Minnesota and Wisconsin) park in the nation was established. The Minnesota Legislature established this side of the park in 1895 and the Wisconsin Legislature followed in 1900. Today, the Minnesota and Wisconsin state parks operate separately and offer trails and scenic views along the St. Croix River."],"landscape":["The park's diverse landscape includes floodplains and maple, oak and pine forests. Though small in size, the park is a haven for rare and endangered species."],"geology":["About 1.1 billion years ago, earthquakes erupted from Taylors Falls to Lake Superior and caused at least 10 different lava flows. The hardened basalt rock from these lava flows partly formed the Dalles of the St. Croix and the bottom of the river. From 530 million years ago up until 70 million years ago, the state was washed by advancing and retreating seas. Evidence of these ancient seas is revealed in the sedimentary rocks and formations found in the park. These rocks contain fossil remains of ancient animals, evidence of various creatures, and ripple marks left in stone by the now vanished seas."," There have been many different St. Croix Valleys through the ages. The first formed about 70 million years ago and current valley formed about 10,000 years ago. A glacier formed both Glacial Lake Duluth, now Lake Superior, and Glacial Lake Grantsburg, now extinct. Glacial Lake Duluth was much larger than modern day Lake Superior. As this giant body of ice thawed, its meltwaters roared south to carve out the broad valley of the St. Croix. Only very resistant basalts were able to partially withstand the torrent, resulted in the dalles, potholes, and cliffs we see today."]},"amenities":[{"type":"Ranger Station","notes":"Located near the campground, picnic area, and canoe/kayak launch and rental.","qualifier":"307 Milltown Road"},{"qualifier":"256 Traprock Street","notes":"Located in the glacial potholes area of the park, near the stoplight in Taylors Falls.","type":"Visitor Center"},{"notes":"Exhibits inside the visitor center and interpretive signs along the Glacial Potholes Trail and Sandstone Bluffs Trail reveal the unique geology and history of the area.","type":"Interpretive Exhibit","qualifier":""},{"notes":"The park contains two historic districts with CCC/WPA-era buildings.","type":"Historic Site","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","notes":"Souvenirs and gifts available in the park office or at the seasonal Nature Store in the visitor center.","type":"Gift Shop"},{"qualifier":"","type":"Rentals","notes":"Private concessions operate seasonally for canoes, kayaks, and shuttles. Call 651-465-1080 for information.Fishing kits (reel, rod, stocked tackle box), birding kits and kids discovery kits (activities and stories for ages 5-12) are free to check out from the ranger station.
"},{"type":"Firewood","notes":"","qualifier":""},{"type":"Ice Sales","notes":"","qualifier":"Seasonal"}],"alert":"The campground has had extensive tree work in 2026 and the photos on the reservation site are outdated. Call the ranger station with specific questions about a site as we work to update the campsite photos.
Due to strong currents in the river, swimming is not allowed anywhere at this state park.
Updated September 4, 2026
","directory":"interstate","nearest_town":"Taylor Falls","trails":{"summer":[{"qualifier":"0.5 mile loop in picnic area","type":"Accessible","notes":""},{"qualifier":"One-half mile loop, Glacial Potholes Trail","notes":"","type":"Self-Guided"},{"type":"Hiking","notes":"Rugged trails with many steps.","qualifier":"Four miles"},{"notes":"The multiuse href=\"https://swedishimmigranttrail.com\"> Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail passes through the park.","type":"Paved Bike","qualifier":""}],"winter":[{"notes":"The southern portion of the park near the office offers easier, flat terrain. Snowshoeing in other areas may be challenging due to the steep and rugged terrain.","type":"Snowshoe","qualifier":"Anywhere in the park"}]},"widgets":{"tripadvisor":{"write_review":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReview-g43567-d142982-Interstate_State_Park-Taylors_Falls_Minnesota.html?m=60688","review_rating_count":{"4":"67","5":"136","3":"14","1":"3","2":"6"},"rating_image_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/4.5-60688-5.svg","rating":"4.4","web_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g43567-d142982-Reviews-Interstate_State_Park-Taylors_Falls_Minnesota.html?m=60688","num_reviews":"226"}},"emt_id":8946,"recreation_facilities":{"winter":[],"water":[{"notes":"Only can accomodate small boats, canoes and kayaks. Pontoons and other large vessels will not be able to launch here.","type":"Boat Access","qualifier":""}],"summer":[{"notes":"A large picnic area next to the St. Croix River with numerous picnic tables and pedestal grills.","type":"Picnic Area","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"Call the park office to reserve either shelter","notes":"Open shelter: fireplace, electricity, fully open sides.Climbing permits are required for all group and individual climbers at Interstate State Park. Permits are free, and must be renewed each year.
Individual rock climbing permits (free):
Individual permits are seasonally available at the self-pay kiosk near the visitor center.
Commercial rock climbing permits (free):
Organized groups are required to obtain a new commercial climbing permit each year. This requires submitting a certificate of insurance with required liability limits and naming the State Of Minnesota as an additional insured party. Application forms are available by calling the park office at 651-539-4500. Requests for new commercial climbing permits should be submitted at least seven days prior to the climbing event to allow time to process the permit request.
Rock climbing brochure (PDF)
","qualifier":"Rock climbing"}]},"name":"Interstate State Park"},"message":"Normal execution."}