Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls in Polk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Walk Through a Glacial Landscape
Photographed by McGhiever, May 26, 2024
1. Walk Through a Glacial Landscape Marker
Do you think winter in northern Wisconsin is long? Imagine a glacial winter that lasts thousands of years. Snow falls on top of snow. The polar ice cap expands and creeps into North America, covering this area.
The last great episode of the Ice Age, called the "Wisconsin Glaciation," ended about 10,000 years ago. Creeping ice radically altered the terrain. Debris deposited when the glaciers melted formed an amazing variety of glacial landscape features across the state.
Glacial meltwater transformed landscapes in other ways—especially here. Torrential meltwater sculpted a basalt gorge and potholes that are highlights on the Pothole Trail.
The Pothole Trail Begins Here
This trail overlooks the edge of the famous gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix River. Along the mostly flat 4/10-mile trail, that includes some uneven ground, you will find potholes of many sizes and shapes. The trail is also the western terminus for the 1200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Head east, and this could be the beginning of a very long walk.
The Ice Age National Scientific Reserve preserves evidence of the glaciers. The Reserve consists of nine sites administered jointly by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail provides the opportunity to hike along the glacier's edge and view glacial features. Scan this code for a link to more trail information.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.
Location. 45° 24.015′ N, 92° 38.861′ W. Marker is in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, in Polk County. It is in Interstate State Park. It can be reached from the intersection of the main park road and the road to the North Campground. The marker is at the start of the Pothole Trail, a few steps from the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dresser WI 54009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and in Western Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Glacial Potholes (approx.
Photographed by McGhiever, May 26, 2024
2. Walk Through a Glacial Landscape Marker at the start of the Pothole Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
