The trail and others it connects to offer a variety of geological wonders families will love to explore, including billion-year-old rock, glacial potholes, and great vistas. Perhaps among the most exciting views are those of the St. Croix River Valley.
To reach the park, take U.S. Hwy 8 to downtown Taylors Falls. The park’s main entrance is on the highway’s south side next to the bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Park in the lot right at the park entry and walk south, taking the Lost Pothole Trail into the pines.
Several spur trails lead to the cliff overlooking the river. The gorge was carved out some 10,000 years ago when floodwaters from melting glaciers during the last age rushed through the area, leaving the vertical walls of basalt. That black rock is 1.1 billion years old.
Here’s a video of the river, looking toward the taken along the Lost Pothole Trail:
Here's an article more fully describing the trail and those connecting to it.
Read more about day hiking Interstate State Park in my Hittin’ the Trail: Day Hiking Wisconsin and Minnesota Interstate State Parks guidebook.
