The Ladder Tank Trail can be reached without having to enter the park via the road. Park along Washington Road between U.S. Hwy. 8 and Kentucky Street; the trailhead is on the road’s west side.
The trail runs atop a tall ridge of sediment left by the meltwater of a retreating glacier that was last seen in these parts some 10,000 years ago. The ridge offers fantastic views of the St. Croix River with visibility of up to eight miles on clear days.
While not technically in Interstate State Park, the Ladder Tank Trail can be extended by taking the brief Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk from the overlook to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitors Center.
Read more about day hiking Interstate State Park in my Hittin’ the Trail: Day Hiking Wisconsin and Minnesota Interstate State Parks guidebook.
