Interstate State Park, Nature reserve and state park in Chisago County, Minnesota
Interstate State Park is a nature reserve and Minnesota state park in Chisago County, situated along the St. Croix River on the border with Wisconsin. The park is known for its basalt cliffs, narrow river valley, and the geological formations called the Dalles, where water has shaped the rock over a very long time.
The park was established in 1895 through an agreement between Minnesota and Wisconsin to protect the steep rock walls and the river running between them. It is one of the oldest state parks in both states.
The park sits on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, and both states manage their own side together as a shared space. The St. Croix River running through it holds deep meaning for the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, who used it long before European explorers arrived in the 1600s.
The park has access points on both sides of the river, with the Minnesota side offering a visitor center and a small museum that works well as a starting point. Those planning to climb the cliffs or paddle the river should check conditions in advance, as water levels can change quickly after rain.
The deepest pothole in the park, known as the 'Bottomless Pit,' is about 60 feet (18 meters) deep and was carved by spinning stones caught in river currents over a very long time. Along the Pothole Trail, these formations range from a few inches wide to large enough to step inside.
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