Our Mission

Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks is a non-profit organization established with the purpose of supporting, assisting, and promoting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services at Wisconsin Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks.

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Give Big 2026! – Let’s Plant Some Trees

Governor Evers joins park staff and volunteers to plant a tree for the 125th Anniversary.

Planting a tree is more than conservation—it is a promise to the future. Each tree helps restore lost canopy, support wildlife, and strengthen the health of our parks. With your support, we are replacing trees lost to Emerald Ash Borer and renewing the landscape with new life. Together, we are planting hope and growing a stronger future for our parks.

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. (Remember, an annual pass is now valid for 12 months from the time of purchase.)

Celebrating 125 Years!

September 20, 2025 marked a special day for Interstate Park.  Individuals from around the state and region came to help us celebrate this milestone!

The day was packed with history and programs throughout the park.  Park visitors, DNR staff and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers participated in the day’s festivities.  Events included nature journaling, learning to rock climb, guided hikes on the Pothole Trail with the Traprock Chapter of the Ice Age Trail, History of the Wisconsin State Park System, the history of the Silverbrook Mansion, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and so much more!

The year’s not over, and there’s still more to come.  Watch for information on our Annual Meeting and Fall Festival in October!

A few photos from the 125th Celebration!

Check out our latest posts…

New Trail at Interstate Park Explores CCC History

Come explore the new trail at Camp Interstate! Step back in time as you follow the path of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that operated at Interstate Park during the 1930s. Established during the Great Depression as part of President Franklin D....

Friends Honored by WI DNR

The Friends of WI Interstate and Straight Lakes received their plaque tonight recognizing them as the Wisconsin DNR Friends Group of the year for 2025. A lot was accomplished. Thank you to everyone that helped the group have success.  

A Walk to Summit Rock

There are places that quietly stay with you long after you leave. For many visitors, Summit Rock Trail at Interstate State Park is one of those places. The trail begins beneath tall pines, winding across ancient basalt rock shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago....

Nature Sure is Sweet!

On February 27, participants of Nature Storytime were literally treated to a fun morning of experiences at Interstate Park. This week involved the children and their parents learning all about maple syrup.  They read books about making maple syrup with helper Carol...

Live Animals Provide a Learning Opportunity!

On February 13, a special nature storytime adventure was enjoyed by more than 80 people at the Ice Age Center at Interstate Park. Wildlife educator, Chris Cold, with the help of several of his feathery and scaly friends informed nature storytime participants of many...

Candlelight Night Fun

Winter Fun! Nearly 500 people came out to experience winter fun by candlelight on February 7!  People could choose to cross country ski or to hike four different routes at Interstate Park. Guests were also welcomed by warm fires and fun at the Ice Age Center which...

Not Just for the Birds!!

Last week during Nature Storytime, kids, moms, dads and grandmas made peanut butter sunflower seed pine cones for the winter birds to eat. After finishing the bird treats, we made homemade waffles for everyone and sang songs. It was a fun thing to do on a cold winter...

Audio Tour Updated!

Interstate park Naturalist, Maia Lieske, has recently updated the audio tour available for Interstate Park with 12 stops throughout the park. You have the opportunity to further explore the beauty and history of the park. In this audio tour, you will learn about the...

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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.

A preview of what you may see on the CCC Camp Interstate Trail at WI Interstate Park. The trail is about a quarter of a mile long made of crushed trap rock. There is a parking lot near the start of the trail. Also, a shelter and bathrooms are near the trail. ... See MoreSee Less
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This is another great project made possible through the collaboration between the Friends of WI Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks, Park staff, and Ben and his crew from Grimsby Services LLC. Funding was provided by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant. ... See MoreSee Less
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Members, Sponsors and Partners

A special Thank You to our community partners who’s generosity and support help us deliver outdoor educational and recreational activities throughout the year.

Andrie Electric
City of St. Croix Falls
Village Pizzeria
ABC Building<br />
Falls Chamber of Commerce
Village of Osceola, WI
J&S General Contracting
Osceola Chamber
Wild Rivers Conservancy
Trollhaugen Ski and Snowboard
Wisconsin DNR
Ice Age Trail