New Year’s Day 2026 Hike - WI Interstate State Park-St. Croix Falls, WI +Loggers

Let’s kick off 2026 with a long 8-9 mile hike at scenic Interstate State Park – Wisconsin! Following the hike, join us(optional) for food/drinks at Loggers Bar & Grill, 2071 Glacier Dr., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. Menu | St. Croix Falls, WI | Loggers Bar & Grill

Our route will include some of the winter-only trails along the St. Croix River in lieu of the Pothole, Summit or Echo Canyon summer trails that include snow and ice covered rock stairs along the bluffs. That said, be prepared for some challenging sections as winter hiking can be full of fun surprises.

THE HIKE: We will hike 8-9 miles in ~3-3.5 hours at a medium pace (19-20 minute mile), pausing a few times to take in the natural surroundings, in addition to a 10-15 minute snack and bio break about halfway through. The terrain is uneven and varies with rocks, roots, loose gravel, snow, ice, water, mud and dirt. There are some hills. Grippers (ie. Kahtoola Microspikes) and/or poles are recommended due to packed snow and ice that is typical on the trails this time of year. I will be bringing my grippers and a backpack to carry them in as there may be need to take them off and on with the different trail sections. Also, please remember to bring some water, snacks and anything else you need for a 3+ hour hike.

FACILITIES: There is drinking water and modern bathrooms at the visitor center, some pit toilets along the route.

PARKING: An “America the Beautiful” national park pass OR a Wisconsin State Park pass is required to enter this park. A single day WI state park pass for a non-WI resident is $16. A 12-month vehicle admission pass is $50. Passes can be purchased online in advance or as you enter the park. [https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission .](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission .)

According to their website, (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/interstate/info), WI Interstate Park is part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and so Federal annual or lifetime passes https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm are honored and vehicle admission fees are waived with these passes.

Sorry, no dogs, +1s or children allowed. Only Twin Cities Hiking Meetup members who agree to these expectations will be welcome on the hike.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.
Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup

We'll meet in front of the Ice Age Interpretive Center, just past the park office/ranger station. I look forward to seeing you there!