See What The Glaciers Left Behind On A Hike Along The Cliffs At Interstate State Park In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published February 12, 2020
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Minnesota is a beautiful state known for its beautiful lakes and vast forests. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to many more unique landscapes, including the rough, rocky cliffs that line some of our waters. It is among these cliffs that you can find some of the state’s most interesting geological features, including a series of fascinating potholes left behind by glaciers at Interstate State Park. Take a hike along the cliffs of this gorgeous park for a trip deep into Minnesota’s geological past. Here’s what you’ll find:
Interstate State Park is a beautiful section of land along the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota. The park spans about 1,300 acres, with about 300 in Minnesota. The other part of the park is in Wisconsin.
Both sections of the park are absolutely gorgeous. The St. Croix River, lined with tall cliffs, is a sight to be seen. In the summer, boat tours of the river and its rock formations are a popular activity in the area.
Boating isn’t the only popular activity at Interstate State Park. Hiking is also an excellent way to see the sights. There are just 4 miles of hiking trails through the Minnesota side of the park, so it’s easy to see everything in one day.
There’s a lot to see, but Interstate State Park is most known for its glacial potholes. One of the park’s most popular trails leads visitors to see them up close.
The potholes are typically formed by thawed on the bottom sides of glaciers. As the ice melts, it forms into a stream. These streams pick up small rocks and other debris, which they carry over the surface of the rock. In time, swirling waters wear the rock down into potholes.
At Interstate State Park, these geological wonders are on display. Visitors can descend into massive potholes for a fascinating view from the bottom. It’s a long way up!
Visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the potholes, too. They may be empty, filled with stones, or even filled with water! These features are fascinating artifacts of Minnesota’s glacier-covered past!
Have you ever visited Interstate State Park? What did you think? For even more evidence of what glaciers left behind in Minnesota, take a look at our article about the mysterious boulders in southwestern Minnesota.
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