Interstate Park Climbing

Located along the picturesque St Croix National Scenic Riverway, Interstate Park is Wisconsin’s companion to Minnesota’s Interstate State Park. Established in 1900, it is Wisconsin’s oldest state park and home to the western terminus of the Ice Age Trail. 

Interstate features an abundance of roped climbing and bouldering on billion year old basalt. The rock is highly textured in places, and smooth and almost sandstone-like in others. In contrast to the Minnesota side, there are almost no water-polished rocks and the climbing is generally more separated from the popular hiking trails. Along with the East Bluff of Devil’s Lake, it is one of two state natural areas in Wisconsin in which (roped) rock climbing is permitted. 

Camping is available within the park at two campgrounds, but because of the area’s popularity reservations can be difficult to come by. Nearby options also include the Minnesota side of the park, Straight Lake State Park, and Wild River State Park.

A daily vehicle admission or annual Wisconsin State Park sticker is required. You can also park on the Minnesota side and walk across the the US Highway 8 bridge. 

If you’d like to support the park please consider joining or making a donation to the Friends of Interstate Park