Interstate State Park

The Interstate State Park occupies 1,628 acres of land spread out over two different counties in two different states, namely Chisago County in the state of Minnesota and Polk County in the state of Wisconsin. The park is located 45 miles northeast of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, on US Highway 8 and about a mile south of Taylors Falls.

When you arrive at this pawtastic park, you and your pup will find pristine land that protects several significant geological treasures in the region. Some of the well-known features in the area include traces of old streams, about 10 different lava flows, two distinct glacial deposits, valleys, and faults. The park is also the natural habitat for a large number of plant and animal species. Most of the land in the park was once predominantly made up of large Eastern White Pines before logging affected the species. Today, the park is covered by lots of second-growth forests that includes tree species like Basswoods, Maple, and a few Eastern White Pines.

Besides the natural splendor in the protected land, the park also offers lots of recreational activities to its visitors including rock climbing, river fishing, boating (with restrictions), canoeing, hiking, camping, and excursion boat tours.

Dogs are definitely allowed into Interstate State Park, although certain restrictions may prevent dog owners from fully experiencing all that the park has to offer. Off limits areas include park buildings, such as the visitor center and nature store. 

In areas of the park that dogs can venture into, the dog owner should ensure that their pooch is on a leash that is not more than six feet long. Dog owners will be happy to know that there is a designated pet picnic area within the park where you can hang out with your pooch. This doggie area is in the second loop of the River Bottoms Area. 

Stay for a a night, or just a few hours- the pawsibilities are endless!