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Near St. Croix Falls in Polk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

Interstate Park

State Park Movement in Wisconsin

 
 
State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 11, 2014
1. State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker
Inscription. In 1878 the Legislature set aside 50,000 acres of “Public Trust Fund Lands” as a “State Park.” These were scattered timbered lands located in Lincoln, Iron, Vilas and Oneida Counties. Because no effort was made to develop these lands, the Legislature of 1897 rescinded its previous actions and during subsequent years the lands were sold.

Many Wisconsin citizens at that time believed that areas of state-wide significance should be acquired for the use and inspiration of the people. Here at the Dalles of the St. Croix this public interest first took form. Harry D. Baker of St. Croix Falls and George H. Hazard of Taylors Falls headed groups from their respective states for acquiring land on both sides of the river for an Interstate Park. In 1895 their efforts caused the Wisconsin Legislature to authorize a “Commission for the Interstate Park at the Dalles of the St. Croix.” Under its direction in 1900, the first land was acquired.

Still dedicated to the original concepts for public use, State Parks have now been developed in all parts of the state. They include sites of historic, archeologic, and geologic values as well as thousands of acres of the finest natural scenery in Wisconsin.
 
Erected 1964 by Wisconsin Conservation Department. (Marker

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Number 143.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public WorkEnvironmentNatural FeaturesNatural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
 
Location. 45° 23.753′ N, 92° 38.632′ W. Marker is near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, in Polk County. Marker is on Park Road, half a mile west of Wisconsin Highway 35, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located in Interstate Park next to the gift shop. This is a fee area and admission is required. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dresser WI 54009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Interstate Park Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); A Place that Welcomes Many… (approx. 0.4 miles away in Minnesota); Glacial Potholes (approx. half a mile away in Minnesota); First Settlement, buildings, steamboat (approx. half a mile away in Minnesota); Geology of the Taylors Falls Region (approx. 0.6 miles away in Minnesota); Folsom House (approx. 0.6 miles away in Minnesota); Chisago Hotel (approx. 0.6 miles away in Minnesota); Town House School (approx. 0.6 miles away in Minnesota).
 
Also see . . .
State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By John Neitz, October 10, 2020
2. State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker
In front of Ice Age Interpretive Center at Interstate State Park. Ice Age National Scenic Trail can be seen in the background.

1. Friends of Interstate Park website. (Submitted on June 13, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Interstate Park. (Submitted on June 13, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
 
State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By John Neitz, October 10, 2020
3. State Park Movement in Wisconsin Marker
With Ice Age Interpretive Center building in the background.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 584 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:   1. submitted on June 12, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin.   2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2020, by John Neitz of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 19, 2024