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
Trail at Straight Lake Park
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

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…

2023 Mammoth Challenge

Photo credit: Linda Stevens Shober Autumn has brought us deep and saturated color covering the river valley and some rains have brought back life to the flora, fauna, and fungi flanking our trails. Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks welcome you to the...

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

Great way to have your children learn about and experience nature. Come join the fun!🌎 ... See MoreSee Less
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With sincere gratitude the Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks thank the women of 100 Women Who Care for their donations.Thank you to everyone who attended in person or sent your donation check for our November 2023 Quarterly meeting! Together, we were able to donate $13,700 to Friends of WI Interstate State Park and Straight Lake State Park! This organization, whose mission is to support, assist, and promote the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services, will use our donated funds to support area school districts' field trip programs and welcome approximately 7,500 children to the parks.Thank you for supporting this group and our communities! Together, we have donated $236,000 to date! Congratulations! ... See MoreSee Less
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Excellent place to experience great mental and physical health!Make every day a day of Thanksgiving! Image: looking out from a lofty perch through a forest of white pine and white birch, a peaceful and reflective St. Croix River flows through a balsalt gorge of the Dalles of the St. Croix. Photo was taken from the River Bluff Trail in Wisconsin Interstate State Park. NPS/Peterson photo.#ShareMyStCroix ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Kathy Haines for all she does for FIP. She is a true HERO! ... See MoreSee Less
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Members and Sponsors

Wild Rivers Conservancy
Wisconsin DNR
City of St. Croix Falls
Village Pizzeria
Falls Chamber of Commerce
Village of Osceola, WI
Osceola Chamber
Andrie Electric
Ice Age Trail
ABC Building<br />