Our Mission

Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State 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.

Learn More

CCC Camp Interstate

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

We can take it!” – The motto was often cited to celebrate the “can-do” spirit of the nearly 3 million men who passed through the program, emphasizing that they could face the challenges of the job and, by extension, the challenges of life during the 1930s.

Click on the buttons below to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps and their role in making Interstate Park what it is today!

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.)

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.

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…

We Can Take It!

"We can take it!" - The motto was often cited to celebrate the "can-do" spirit of the nearly 3 million men who passed through the program, emphasizing that they could face the challenges of the job and, by extension, the challenges of life during the 1930s. Past and...

Nature Storytime’s ‘Frog-ademy’

Where Tadpoles Graduate with Hoppin’ Honors! This past Friday Nature Storytime was 'Toad-ally' awesome! The kids and their families learned all about the world of frogs and their fascinating life cycle. After enjoying a few stories inside, the kids then ventured...

Busy Learning at Nature Storytime!

The children and participants of Nature Storytime continue to learn about nature and science in fun weekly events. Recently we learned about about chemical reactions. We experimented with baking soda and vinegar, making an "erupting" volcano.  Next, we will be making...

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....

Follow us on social media for the latest updates! Our Facebook feed is below.

 

Cover for Friends of WI Interstate State Park and Straight Lake State Park
7,711
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.

We got over 2,000 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Trudy Lorenz, Barbara Ceder, Kevin Rogers, Lynnea Mitchell, Erik Hendrickson, Mark ProhaskaDrop a comment to welcome them to our community, @topfans ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Big thanks to Trudy Lorenz, Lynnea Mitchell, Mark Prohaskafor all your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Flora Hike at Straight Lake Park with Barb Delaney. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Frog Day at Nature storytime /hiking on meadow valley trail ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

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