City: Minneapolis, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (651) 465-5711

Description: Carved by glacial meltwater, Interstate State Park follows the cliffs and bluffs bordering the beautiful St. Croix River. Established in 1895 when Minnesota and Wisconsin created separate parks across the river from each other, this was the first example of an interstate park collaboration in the country.The main attraction of the park, besides the St. Croix, are the unusual basalt formations and potholes and the greenstone cliffs that were formed before there was any complex life on Earth. There is much to do at Interstate State Park. Cliff climbing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, picnicking, and playing volleyball (equipment is available in the park office) all forestall boredom. For daredevils, cliff diving into the St. Croix is also a popular—and very unofficial (in fact, illegal)—activity.The park has a 22-acre campground with 37 drive-in sites (including some without electricity) located near the Glacial-Pothole Trail that fills up quickly in the summer months—reservations are highly encouraged. You can also camp here in the winter, although you’ll have to break out the snowshoes or cross-country skis to get to the campground: The park does not plow the campground roads in winter. Canoes can be rented at the nearby boat dock and can be reserved by calling the park.