At the Pothole Trail in Interstate Park, gorge views meet traces of the Ice Age. The 0.4-mile loop offers views of the gorge of the Dalles of the St. Croix River and of potholes carved by glacial water. In Polk, nature is therefore not just scenery, but also history that unfolds right along the trail.
River Landscapes and Traces of the Ice Age
Interstate Park is Wisconsin's oldest state park; it was established in 1900. The park is also home to the Ice Age Interpretive Center. Its exhibits cover Ice Age geology, the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), wildlife, and Lake O' the Dalles. The center also includes a classroom, an auditorium, and a gift shop. It offers interpretive programs year-round, including guided hikes, wildlife programs, and family-friendly activities.
The Lake O' the Dalles Trail offers a different perspective on the landscape. The one-mile loop circles the 23-acre Lake O' the Dalles and is used for wildlife viewing. For those interested in trails through varied landscapes, the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail offers a longer route: the 14-mile trail follows a former railroad line through maple and oak forests, wetlands, prairies, and farmland, passing seven scenic lakes along the way.
Trails for Every Season
The limestone surface and flat grade of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail make it suitable for biking, walking, and jogging. In winter, the trail is open for ungroomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. D.D. Kennedy Park also has a clear connection to winter, but with different trail conditions: the 106-acre natural area on Balsam Branch in central Polk County has 11 kilometers of trails groomed for cross-country skiing. This makes it easy to compare the information for the two destinations: winter activities on the Stower Trail are listed without groomed ski trails, while D.D. Kennedy Park has groomed cross-country ski trails.
The southern section of the Gandy Dancer State Trail runs 47 miles through Wisconsin and through Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren, and Webster. A state trail pass is required to bike on the Gandy Dancer State Trail. Another trail section, nearly six miles long, runs through Straight Lake State Park, from the headwaters of the Trade River to Straight Lake and Straight River. The name of the trail itself is not needed to identify the described route and its endpoints.
Water, Wildlife, and Local History
At Rainbow Lake in Straight Lake State Park, there is an accessible fishing spot along the shore. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers more than 200 miles of clean water through wooded landscapes, with currents that range from calm to fast. Activities available there include paddling, boating, fishing, and camping. The St. Croix Wild and Scenic Riverway forms the western edge of Polk County.
The county's history can also be explored at specific sites. The Polk County Museum is housed in the former Polk County Courthouse, built in 1899, and presents the history of Polk County across three floors. Its educational offerings include public programs, exhibits, and research resources. Alongside nature and landscape, history and learning are also distinct interests to explore in the region.
At Polk County farmers markets, you'll find seasonal produce, handmade goods, and local specialties. Market dates and participating vendors vary by season.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Luck, St. Croix Falls, Rock, Pierce, Ozaukee, Dane, Marathon, Sawyer County.
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