This Unique Midwest State Park Offers Stunning Foliage To Experience In The Fall

No matter how one feels about the changing of the seasons, it's pretty hard not to be enchanted by autumn. It's a dreamy, contemplative part of the year, from putting on a cozy sweater and picking out a pumpkin to taking a hayride and getting outside of town to see leaves ablaze in oranges and reds, like a forest offering its own sunset. As you plan your trip, though, do not forget the essential travel hacks for your leaf-peeping fall vacation.

There are many great spots to experience the fall foliage in the Midwest and across America. One such place is Interstate State Park. A unique riverside oasis, the park is just an hour outside Minneapolis, spans both Wisconsin and Minnesota (hence the name), and becomes a leafy dream and a hiker's haven in autumn.

Picture morning mist hanging over the lazy river as you wander by towering basalt cliffs, explore fascinating glacial potholes, and take trails weaving through maple and oak trees in all their fiery fall colors. Make a day trip to either state's side of the river, swing through both, or spend a casual weekend at a campsite and kayak the river. No matter how it's done, Interstate State Park is a stunning place to experience any season. It is even more breathtaking during the peak fall season, from late September to mid-October.

What separates Interstate Park from other forested Midwest destinations is the St. Croix River, which is part of a gorgeous National Scenic Riverway. Thousands of years ago, moving glaciers and their melting water carved the river's course, which now serves as 125 miles of the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota and splits the park in two. Since they're each run by the state in which they're located, the parks operate separately. You'll need a day or state park pass that's valid for whichever side you visit. 

They're twin parks with many of the same features, but, naturally, there's a bit of rivalry over which reigns supreme — the Wisconsin Visitor Center makes the case for the Badger state. Both have modern campgrounds with dozens of sites that can be booked online, and fall is the perfect time to go on your next camping adventure. Each side also features plenty of hiking trails and has the geological features the park is famous for. These include rocky outcroppings, tall basalt bluffs, and glacial potholes, which were formed by powerful glacial river currents that swirled sediment like sandpaper, carving deep holes into the stone.

A bridge across the river at the north end of the parks connects them, with the town of Taylors Falls on the Minnesota side, while the quaint St. Croix Falls is the Wisconsin village nearby. There are hotels and cozy cabins in the area if you're looking to spend a weekend exploring Interstate State Park, but don't want to pitch a tent. No matter where you stay or which side you visit, the river valley comes alive in autumn and offers stunning opportunities to connect with nature.

With fiery leaves overhead and the St. Croix River gleaming below, the glacial landscape of Interstate Park means hiking highlights abound — there's even rock climbing opportunities on the cliffs. On the Minnesota side, there's the Glacial Potholes Area, which isn't quite a trail but an area to walk among enormous rock formations, potholes, and volcanic basalt boulders. It's the perfect spot if you only have an hour or two, while the Walter F. Mondale River Trail (2.4 miles) hugs the cliffs and offers a longer hike with stunning views.

On the Wisconsin side, the Pothole Trail is a short but fun jaunt featuring the glacial potholes. The River Bluff Trail has sweeping views of the river valley to soak in all the fall colors and a picnic area. But the ultimate Interstate Park experience would be to see the river surrounded by autumn trees from the cliffs above and from down on the water. Having the small towns close by elevates the experience because they offer kayak and canoe rentals, and there's even a riverboat tour. 

The perfect fall day would be to start with a cup of coffee in Taylors Falls, explore the glacial potholes near the Minnesota-side Visitor's Center, and then head out on an autumn hike. In the afternoon, rent a kayak from Taylors Falls Canoe, cruise 7 miles downriver, and take its shuttle back to town for a well-earned burger and fries at the classic Drive-In Restaurant. Whether you're chasing fall colors, exploring glacial geology, or simply craving a weekend of nature and small-town coziness, Interstate State Park is the perfect fall escape. It's two parks in one, offering twice the beauty and twice the adventure, all in one magical getaway.