Our Mission

Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks is a non-profit organization established to support the park’s naturalist program in its efforts to increase public awareness and appreciation of the park’s natural and cultural history.

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Angle Rock
Deer at Straight Lake Park
Glowing Sunset over the St. Croix River
Michigan Lily

Invitation to Explore

Foraging through steep-walled bluffs, there are deep valleys rising to tree-covered heights, serene forests, lush meadows, and teeming wetlands.

Maybe you have visited Wisconsin’s Interstate Park. You have enjoyed and appreciated all that Wisconsin’s oldest state park has to offer.

You have hiked its scenic trails, climbed its massive boulders, and peered into a mysterious pothole. You have navigated the wild and scenic St. Croix River by boat or canoe or explored its shoreline and camped near its banks.

You have known the serenity thrills, wonder, and deep satisfaction that experiencing this unique state park affords.

Perhaps you have also visited Wisconsin’s newest state park, Straight Lake Park.  It lies nestled deep in the woods, just 20 minutes north of Interstate Park in Luck, Wisconsin.

Kayak on St. Croix River

A 2025 Annual Park Sticker Makes a Great Gift!

The annual Interstate Park Wisconsin sticker goes on sale on December 2, 2024. These make an excellent gift!

A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas. Admission stickers can be purchased online or at most individual properties via drive-up window service, electronic sales kiosks or self-registration stations.

Buy a sticker at the park office or ONLINE.

2025 Annual Sticker

Some trails lead up hills to overlook sparkling lakes—others weave through the forest and follow parts of the Ice Age National Hiking Trail.

Perhaps you have watched the eagles as they soar above the dark waters.  If you have been lucky, perhaps you’ve even spotted a rare cerulean warbler as it catches its next insect meal.

Both Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks have so much to offer. Here is your chance to give back.  We invite you to become a Friend of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks and join a group of people who share your love and appreciation for these two parks. We have banded together to help support the park’s education program in these ways:

  • To encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate in the education program.
  • To increase public awareness, knowledge, appreciation and stewardship of the park’s unique natural and cultural history, especially the forces and processes of Ice Age glaciation and how it shaped the land.
  • To promote participation in nature-based outdoor recreation.

Explore our website and see how we are accomplishing these goals and find out about the many opportunities to help.

Check out our latest posts…

2025 Ice to Water Trail Run 5k/10k and Dalles Dash – July 26th, 2025

To register for the event, please visit: https://www.active.com/st-croix-falls-wi/running/races/ice-to-water-trail-run-2025   The 5th annual Ice to Water 5K/10K Trail Run and Dalles Dash Kids Run takes place in beautiful Wisconsin Interstate Park, on Saturday July...

Dive into the delightful world of bluebirds and craft your very own bluebird house!

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 AT 1:30pm Ice Age Center Interstate Park WI Presentation is FREE. Come and learn about bluebirds from Lowell Peterson, St. Croix County representative for the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin. Following the Presentation BUILD YOUR OWN...

Pollinator Prairie Project Underway at Interstate State Park – Donations Welcome!

***If you're interested in donating to this or other pollinator habitat projects at Interstate State Park, please continue reading about our project and instructions for donating. We thought you'd love to hear about our new Friends' of Interstate and Straight Lake...

Historic CCC Building “Horizon Rock Shelter” in need of HELP from you!

If you've spent much time at Wisconsin's Interstate State Park, you've probably found your way to a treasured shelter on the Horizon Rock Trail. You may have wondered, "what happened, how did this burn down?" From the rock outcropping, you can see the horizon and...

Sunset over the St. Croix River

A glowing sunset over the St. Croix River. Photo captured by Tammi Braund.

Explore the beauty of Wisconsin’s Interstate Park!

Calling all nature lovers! Are you looking for a beautiful place to explore, hike, camp, or just relax? Then look no further than Wisconsin's Interstate Park. This stunning park is located on the St. Croix River, straddling the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota....

What to Expect Hiking at Interstate Park

What to Expect Hiking in InterstateInterstate TrailsPothole Trail.4 mile loop The western terminus of the 1,200-mile National Scenic Ice Age Trail and the most geologically unique trail in the park. A short hike to scenic views of the Dalles of the St. Croix River...
Cover for Friends of WI Interstate State Park and Straight Lake State Park
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Friends of WI Interstate State Park and Straight Lake State Park

Friends of WI Interstate State Park and Straight Lake State Park

We are a non-profit organization established to support the park's naturalist program in its efforts to increase public awareness and appreciation of the park's natural and cultural history.

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Over 50 people attended the Geocaching event at WI Interstate Park. Geocaching is a great way to explore the park and find a few surprises. ... See MoreSee Less
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This local artist took time to see and capture the beauty of Lake O the Dalles. ... See MoreSee Less
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Sign up by Friday, July 11 to make sure to get the tshirt you choose. More to come but the first order is going in tomorrow. Register and join our fun event using the shared links. ... See MoreSee Less
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"Check out the events happening at Interstate this weekend! On Friday July 11th, Take a Hike on the Silverbrook Trail where the naturalist will be roaming from 1-2:30 pm to answer any questions. On Saturday the 12th, enjoy a Pothole Trail Guided Hike from 1-2 pm. On Sunday, July 13th, kids are invited to join the naturalist in the Ice Age Center to learn about the birds of Interstate Park and their amazing adaptations, followed by a hike to see what birds we can find! Afterwards, from 1-3pm stop by the beach to learn paddling techniques from volunteer Bob Whaley and try some kayaking or canoeing for free! All supplies are provided, no sign-up required! If you have any questions, please email Maia.Lieske@wisconsin.gov or call (715)-483-3742.” ... See MoreSee Less
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Members and Sponsors

City of St. Croix Falls
Wisconsin DNR
Wild Rivers Conservancy
Village Pizzeria
Falls Chamber of Commerce
J&S General Contracting
Village of Osceola, WI
Trollhaugen Ski and Snowboard
Sir Smoke A-Lot's BBQ Pit Stop
Andrie Electric
Osceola Chamber
Ice Age Trail
ABC Building<br />