Accomplishments
The Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake Parks have been very busy supporting projects and improving accessibility for all park visitors. Look below to see a few highlights of what we have been doing recently.
Horizon Rock Shelter
Rebuilding and Restoration of the historic CCC Horizon Rock Shelter!
A fundraising campaign through St. Croix Valley GiveBig and numerous donations from first-time to long-time visitors of the Interstate park helped us raise $40,000 to restore the historic CCC shelter building. The wonderful work was completed by Lift Bridge Builders of Stillwater, Minnesota.
1939 Construction
1939 CCC crew building the original Horizon Rock Shelter.
After the Fire
The Horizon Rock Shelter building, after fire consumed the roof.
Fundraising Campaign
Fundraising campaign to “Raise the Roof.”
Early Construction
Early Construction on the shelter.
Construction Underway
Reconstruction underway (photo courtesy Lift Bridge Builders).
Construction Underway
Reconstruction underway (photo courtesy Lift Bridge Builders).
Construction Underway
Reconstruction underway (photo courtesy Lift Bridge Builders).
Completed Shelter
The Horizon Rock Shelter, completely restored.
Silverbrook Mansion
“Search for ‘Silverbrook’ and you will find rumors … enough notoriety for a lifetime. However, this is not where my research guided me, and the truth is far more fascinating.” – Haley Prochnow
Teaming up with the St. Croix Falls Historical Society, we obtained a matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant program to design and install three interpretive panels at the site of the historic Silverbrook mansion, located at the southern end of Interstate Park.
We encourage you to hike to the site of the Silverbrook mansion and check them out! To learn even more, read Silverbrook and the St. Croix Valley Country Club on St. Croix360.
Silverbrook Mansion
Silverbrook Mansion on the St. Croix River, 1940. Image courtesy of Interstate Park and later colorized.
Silverbrook History
One of the new interpretive panels depicting the early history of the Silverbrook Site.
St. Croix Country Club
One of the new interpretive panels depicting the history of the St. Croix Country Club.
The Rideauxs
One of the new interpretive panels depicting the history of the Rideaux Family’s ownership of the site.
Other Accomplishments of 2025
- Numerous Special Programs and Events
- Wood Vending Machine (Wood Available 24/7)
- Pothole Trail Decking & Signs
- Horizon Rock Trail Base Improvements
- Naturalist Grant ($4,000 for new supplies and equipment)
- Pollinator Pocket Prairie
- 5th Annual Ice to Water Race
- AED Devices for Park Safety
- Nature Story Time Grant
- ADA Picnic Table Installation
- ADA Sidewalk to Riverbottom Shelter Building
Bird Hikes
Spring bird hikes led by local experts.
Penny Press
A new Penny Press adds an inexpensive souvenir to the Ice Age Center.
Voyageurs!
Living History at the park with late 1700s voyageurs.
Forts Folle Avoine
In person sharing about the early history of the St. Croix Valley.
Nature Story Time
A Nature Story Time activity down by the beach.
Build a Bluebird House
A spring program to learn about bluebirds and build a bluebird house to bring home.
Pocket Prairie Garden
New landscaping in front of the Ice Age Center highlighting native plants.
Geocaching 101
Teaching program participants about geocaching.
Membership Opportunity
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