Interstate State Park is a Minnesota state park near Taylors Falls, covering 281 acres. Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. It offers camping or lodging. Entry needs a state park vehicle permit, $7 for a day, as the DNR fees page said on October 19, 2026.
- 281acres
- Taylors Fallsmailing town
- Yesovernight stays
- $7day vehicle permit
- Scenic river views
- Canoeing
- Camping
- Fishing
- Rock climbing
- Potholes – not what you think!
Plan It In Three Lines
- Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Cost: a $7 one-day vehicle permit or a $35 year-round permit, per the DNR fees page of October 19, 2026; confirm before you go.
- Pets: leashed (six feet or shorter) outside buildings, lodging and beaches, per the DNR rules page; park-specific limits are listed below.
About The Park
The DNR describes it: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit Facts
- AddressPO Box 254 307 Milltown Road Taylors Falls, MN 55084
- Phone651-539-4500
- Park hoursDaily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Park office hoursRanger Station Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 2 PM Visitor Center Hours: Closed until Spring 2027.
- Emailinterstate.statepark@state.mn.us
- Park GPS point45.39492, -92.66784 (DNR printed coordinates)
- Official pageDNR page for Interstate State Park
Trails
| Season | Trail type | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Accessible | 0.5 mile loop in picnic area | — |
| Summer | Self-Guided | One-half mile loop, Glacial Potholes Trail | — |
| Summer | Hiking | Four miles | Rugged trails with many steps. |
| Summer | Paved Bike | — | The multiuse href="https://swedishimmigranttrail.com"> Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail passes through the park. |
| Winter | Snowshoe | Anywhere in the park | 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. |
Camping And Lodging
| Type | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites | 37 sites, available seasonally | These 37 sites include several non-electric sites on the river. Camping is available from April 1 through the third weekend in October. |
| Electric Sites | 22 sites | All sites have 20- and 30-amp service. |
| RV Length Limit | 45 feet | Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. |
| Accessible Sites | 4 | The campground has four accessible drive-in campsites. Two have electric hookups. |
| Group Camp | Four sites, each accommodating up to 25 people | All sites are walk-in access only, and are located in a stand of white pines adjacent to the St. Croix River. There is a water spigot, fire rings, tables, and vault toilets – no showers are available to campers in the group camp. Site 1 and 2 – located on the river. Site 3 and 4 – away from river but with a river view. Reserve Now –> |
Reservations go through the DNR system; start from the park page.
On The Water
| Type | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Access | — | Only can accomodate small boats, canoes and kayaks. Pontoons and other large vessels will not be able to launch here. |
Other Recreation
| Type | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Picnic Area | — | A large picnic area next to the St. Croix River with numerous picnic tables and pedestal grills. |
| Picnic Shelter | Call the park office to reserve either shelter | Open shelter: fireplace, electricity, fully open sides. Enclosed shelter: accessible, fireplace, electricity, stone sides with open doorways and windows. |
| Volleyball | In picnic area | Pick up equipment at park office. |
| Other | Rock climbing | 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. |
Amenities
| Type | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger Station | 307 Milltown Road | Located near the campground, picnic area, and canoe/kayak launch and rental. |
| Visitor Center | 256 Traprock Street | Located in the glacial potholes area of the park, near the stoplight in Taylors Falls. |
| Interpretive Exhibit | — | 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. |
| Historic Site | — | The park contains two historic districts with CCC/WPA-era buildings. |
| Gift Shop | — | Souvenirs and gifts available in the park office or at the seasonal Nature Store in the visitor center. |
| Rentals | — | Private concessions operate seasonally for canoes, kayaks, and shuttles. Call 651-465-1080 for information. Fishing kits (reel, rod, stocked tackle box), sensory kits (headphones, fidget toys, calming toys), birding kits and kids discovery kits (activities and stories for ages 5-12) are free to check out from the visitor center. |
| Firewood | — | — |
| Ice Sales | Seasonal | — |
Pets And Permits
Statewide, the DNR rules page says pets are welcome in state parks on a leash six feet or shorter, attended at all times; only service animals are allowed in buildings, lodging, tours and beach areas. A vehicle permit costs $7 a day or $35 a year (DNR fees page, read October 19, 2026). See the parks passport page for the full price list.
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.
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Directions.
Nearby Places
- Wild River State ParkState Park, about 10 miles away in a straight line
- William O'Brien State ParkState Park, about 13 miles away in a straight line
- Afton State ParkState Park, about 38 miles away in a straight line
- Minnehaha Regional Park and Minnehaha FallsRegional Park, about 42 miles away in a straight line
- St. Croix State ParkState Park, about 43 miles away in a straight line
- Chain of Lakes Regional ParkRegional Park, about 44 miles away in a straight line
What We Could Not Verify
- Current alerts, closures, trail and campground conditions: they change daily. Read the DNR park page before you go.
- County: the DNR page does not state it, so we do not print one.
- Fees for lodging and group sites, and day-by-day availability: set by the DNR reservation system.
- Permit prices were read on October 19, 2026 and the DNR page shows no effective date.
- The map point is the park’s printed coordinate, not a verified entrance.
Related Pages
More In St. Croix Valley & East Central
- Banning State Park
- St. Croix State Park
- Wild River State Park
- Events in St. Croix Valley & East Central
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Interstate State Park?
It is near Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The DNR address is PO Box 254 307 Milltown Road Taylors Falls, MN 55084.
How much does it cost to visit Interstate State Park?
A one-day vehicle permit is $7 and a year-round permit is $35 on the DNR fees page we read on October 19, 2026. Check the fees page before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Interstate State Park?
Pets are welcome on a leash six feet or shorter outside buildings, lodging, tours and beach areas, per the DNR rules page. The park page states no extra limits we could read.
Sources
- Interstate State Park (DNR Recreation Compass data) (read November 1, 2026).
- Minnesota state park fees (DNR) (read November 1, 2026).
- Minnesota state park rules (DNR) (read November 1, 2026).
- Minnesota State Parks Passport, all places, park fees and rules.