Interstate State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Interstate State Park is located in Wisconsin, straddling the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly for hikers and rock climbers. Some of the reasons to visit include the stunning scenery, the geological formations, and the opportunity for outdoor adventure.
One of the main points of interest in the park is the Dalles of the St. Croix River, a scenic gorge carved by the river over thousands of years. Visitors can hike along the river, view the dramatic cliffs and rock formations, and even climb on the cliffs with a permit. Another area of interest is the glacial potholes, which are formed by swirling water and rocks during the last Ice Age.
In addition to hiking and rock climbing, visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and camping within the park. The park offers both primitive and modern campsites, as well as group sites and cabins.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was the first state park in Wisconsin, established in 1900. It is also the only state park in Wisconsin with a designated wildlife area, which provides habitat for a variety of animals including deer, otters, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Interstate State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is at its busiest. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the fall when the leaves change color, or during the winter when the park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Interstate State Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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