Interstate Park River and Railroad Trail Loop Hiking Guide
At Taylors Falls, the St. Croix River squeezes through a gorge of dark volcanic rock known as the Dalles, and meltwater from the last ice age drilled round potholes deep into the stone. Interstate State Park protects both, and this loop pairs the rocky River Trail along the gorge with the flat Railroad Trail on an old rail bed. It is about an hour from Minneapolis and unlike anything else in the Twin Cities area.
Permit: Minnesota state park vehicle permit required: $7 one-day or $35 year-round
The Loop
The combined loop is about 3.1 miles with roughly 400 feet of gain. The River Trail, about a mile and a quarter, follows the gorge with rocky footing, stairs and many steps; the Railroad Trail, about a mile and a half, is mostly flat on the former rail bed. Start from the visitor centre in Taylors Falls. The rocky sections take longer than the distance suggests.
The Potholes
The park's glacial potholes were carved by swirling meltwater carrying stones that ground cylindrical holes into the basalt. The DNR says the park contains the world's deepest explored glacial pothole. The pothole area near the visitor centre is the park's busiest spot on nice days; the loop gets quieter as you move away from it.
Safety Along the River
Swimming is prohibited anywhere in the park because of strong currents in the gorge. The rock along the river is uneven and can be slick, and some viewpoints sit above steep drops, so keep children close. The DNR describes the trails as rocky with stairs; wear shoes with good grip. Highway 8 traffic noise carries onto part of the loop.
Permit and Season
A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required: $7 for a day or $35 for a year-round permit. Spring brings high water through the gorge, and autumn colour on the cliffs is a major draw, with crowds to match. Mosquitoes are persistent in spring and summer. The campground and water are seasonal, but the trails themselves are open year-round.
Practicalities
Leashed dogs are allowed on a leash of six feet or less. Taylors Falls has food and a small downtown right next to the park. On the Wisconsin side of the river is a separate Interstate Park with its own trails and fees. At about 55 minutes from Minneapolis, this is a comfortable half-day trip.
Hiking tips for Interstate Park River and Railroad Trail Loop
- Wear shoes with grip — the River Trail is rocky with many stairs and slick spots.
- Stay out of the water; swimming is prohibited anywhere in the park because of strong currents.
- Visit the pothole area early or late on nice days, when it is busiest.
- Bring bug spray in spring and summer; the gorge is known for mosquitoes.
- Buy your Minnesota state park vehicle permit — $7 a day — before parking.
Nearby trails to explore
- William O'Brien Upper Park Trail
- Afton North River Trail Loop
- Pike Island Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Interstate State Park is a perfect Twin Cities day trip, and a rocky trail is more fun with company. Use TrailMates to find Minneapolis hikers heading to Taylors Falls. Download the TrailMates app to connect.