We’ve reached pretty much peak color time across most of the state and it coincides with some warmer weather, so it’s time to head out and enjoy fall in Wisconsin. There are plenty of amazing and awesome places to hike, but one of the very best is all the way on the west side of the state in Interstate State Park. This park is shared between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and it was Wisconsin’s first state park.

It’s awesome for all those reasons, but it’s also the western terminus of the Ice Age Trail and there’s an Ice Age Interpretive Center that’s worth checking out. You have to check out the Pothole Trail, which is one of the most interesting trails in the country. And what you’re really here for are the views of the Dalles of the St. Croix since the park is divided by the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

You simply cannot match the amazing views on these two short trails that connect. You see gorgeous rock formations, the St. Croix National Riverway, amazing color and the steep gorge while hiking the very end of the Ice Age Trail in what is arguably the most geologically interesting part of the whole 1,000 miles. And you'll end up at the Interpretive Center that tells the story of Wisconsin's amazing geological history and the trail with which to explore it.
Flickr/WIDNR
The colors here are extraordinary. Where you have forest cover, there's light streaming through and creating a colorful blanket above your head.
Flickr/Cbarron
There's an observation deck that gives sweeping views of the valley, which is really a gorge created by melting glaciers from the Ice Age. There are a number of awesome trails here, so you can make your hike as long or as short as you'd like. The Pothole Trail is just a 0.4 mile loop. The Horizon Rock Trail connects the Pothole Trail to the Ice Age Center via a 0.5 mile linear trail, so in less than two miles, you can cover some amazing, beautiful ground.
AllTrails.com/ToddParsons
You truly won't believe the different geography and geology you find here.
TripAdvisor/2LaneTraveler

Related Stories

The Wisconsin Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

The Wisconsin Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

 This Historic Park Is One Of Wisconsin's Best Kept Secrets

This Historic Park Is One Of Wisconsin's Best Kept Secrets

 The 10,000-Acre State Park In Wisconsin That Stands Out From The Rest

The 10,000-Acre State Park In Wisconsin That Stands Out From The Rest
There aren't many other places where you can both soak in the colors from below and hike up to see the tree canopy from above.
Flickr/cbarron
The views down on the Dalles of the St. Croix are breathtaking any time of the year. You'll feel like you have a panoramic view and the colors are stunning.
AllTrails.com/JennaDobosenski
You have your choice of trails and difficulties here, which makes it the perfect place for a fall hike. It's truly more colorful than you can even imagine.
TripAdvisor/2LaneTraveler
No matter where you are in the park, you'll feel immersed in fall and get to enjoy all the wonderful parts of this spectacular state area.
TripAdvisor/2LaneTraveler
You will not regret taking a trip to Interstate State Park to explore these short trails that give you views like you won't find anywhere else. Fall in western Wisconsin is augmented by the deep gorge, the gorgeous water and all the interesting geology is here.
Flickr/WIDNR

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Wisconsin Highway 35 just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 8.

Learn more at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Page for Interstate State Park or the website for Friends of Interstate State Park.

As this is part of the National Ice Age Scientific Reserve, the National Parks pass is honored for admission. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay an $8 day fee or get the $28 Wisconsin State Parks sticker that gives admission to all Wisconsin state areas for the year.

Looking for more great fall views? Check out these awesome birds-eye views of Wisconsin’s fall foliage.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Wisconsin