View of the St. Croix River from the top of Angle ...
INTERSTATE STATE PARK AT TAYLORS FALLS, MN
The quaint Minnesota village of Taylors Falls is a short hour (45 miles) away to the northeast of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. A small town of approximately 1000 residents, this area is jam packed with all-year recreational activities. There are many things to do in the immediate area. Wild Mountain Recreation offers a water park, alpine slide and go karts during summer months, and skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing for wintertime fun. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and climbing are favorite warm-weather activities.
Rock climbing is mostly located in the Interstate State Park. This 300-acre area is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is one of the four state parks specifically designated for rock climbing activities. Interstate Park sees a lot of traffic; upwards of 370,000 annual visitors come out to check out the geologic wonders at the park. It's not unusual to be applauded by a large crowd when one finishes a climb in the Tourist Area. Climbers are required to obtain a climbing permit free of charge from the Park Ranger station, and must carry it with them while climbing. The permits are valid for the calendar year.
Interstate Park is a traditional climbing and bouldering area; there are no bolted sport routes.
Head north on I-35E or I-35W (depending on where you are on the cities), continue on I-35 heading north to Duluth. Take US-8 (exit 132) and follow US-8 east towards Taylors Falls approximately 16 miles. At the bottom of a prominent hill is a stop sign. Turn right in to the Interstate Park parking lot. If you get to the bridge over the St. Croix, you've passed the entrance. If you see the welcome to Wisconsin sign... you are on your own.
From Duluth (and points north)
Head south on I-35 towards Minneapolis/St Paul. Take US-8 (exit 132) and follow US-8 east towards Taylors Falls approximately 16 miles. At the bottom of a prominent hill is a stop sign. Turn right in to the Interstate Park parking lot. If you get to the bridge over the St. Croix, you've passed the entrance. If you see the welcome to Wisconsin sign... you are on your own.
From St. Cloud (and points west)
Head east on MN-95, stay on MN-95 until you get to Taylors Falls.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Interstate SP (Taylors Falls):
In my humble opinion one of the best routes at Taylor's. The combination of vertical and horizontal cracks makes for both jams and face holds. This route protects very well throughout its course, taking stoppers especially well. Start in the middle of the rock and follow the line to the top. The moves switch from fingers to hands towards the top. Also a fun aid route if you can hit it on an off day....[more]Browse More Classics in MN
How come no one besides Ian and Glenn have added anything to this Interstate Park site? Thank you Glenn and Ian! I used to be a Taylors Falls Local (circa 1972-82). I am always intersted in any new development in the area, or fun stories from the past, and this site is lacking both. I illustrated the guidebook "Close to the Edge, Down by the River" - a short-lived and out of print guidebook to Taylors Falls circa early eighties. Back in the seventies, my friends and I toproped all of the lines on That Dam Rock. I don't know if it still goes by that name, but this rock is on the Minnesota side, just below the dam that is upstream from the bridge. When we first climbed on this rock, we were pulling off loose stuff with every move and it appeared that we were doing new lines. Nothing had been published on this rock and I moved to Colorado back in 82, where I no longer am privy to the goings on at TF. Can anyone add any information about That Dam Rock? Does it still go by that name? Has it finally cleaned up into some nice lines?
Back in the seventies, my friends and I toproped all of the lines on That Dam Rock. I don't know if it still goes by that name, but this rock is on the Minnesota side, just below the dam that is upstream from the bridge. When we first climbed on this rock, we were pulling off loose stuff with every move and it appeared that we were doing new lines. Nothing had been published on this rock and I moved to Colorado back in 82, where I no longer am privy to the goings on at TF. Can anyone add any information about That Dam Rock? Does it still go by that name? Has it finally cleaned up into some nice lines?
By Matthew Prom From: West Saint Paul, MN Apr 4, 2008
Hey Tom,
I don't know if anyone has sent you a message regarding your comment at all. I thought I had heard something about it before, but don't recall where. Some of the other guys/gals from MN who climb out there more frequently might know something about it. I will ask around,and the next time I am out there I will take a stroll to the Dam. -MP
Just started climbing at Taylors Falls last summer, so crazy stuff to report on yet. If you're ever back in the neighborhood and want to scout out That Dam Rock send me a message or post - you bring the beta and I'll supply the beer!
Hi ya'll. I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any rocks at TP that have anchor systems at the top for top rope climbing permanently setup. Thanks.
Nope. Permanent anchors are not allowed in the State Park. A few old bolts are present over less popular climbs, which the park is particularly displeased about. There is extensive adequate trees and cracks for setting up topropes over all climbs. Top-rope setup skills required.
Someone recently added a beefy chain around one of the big boulders at the top of the Keyhole Direct route so you don't have to sling it anymore. Not sure who/when but it's definitely shiny and new (as of when I saw it 04/10/2010). As with all TR anchors I find out in the wild, I still set some other anchors around it. I would recommend you do the same.
For those of you who don't know, Tom drew the cartoons for "Close to the Edge, Down by the River a Climbers Guide to Interstate Park" i.e. Taylors Falls.
In 1988 Peter VonGrossmann and I authored and published this fine book. We revised it a few years later.
Times were certainly different then. This was before the rise in popularity of climbing. Smoking cigarettes (and other things), drinking (we usually had a beer in our chalk bag). We had a lot of fun but alas we had to grow up.
Good to hear from you. I am still around and still climbing, though not as often as I would like. When I can get out I still prefer to seek out virgin stone for the FA, since, for me, it is more creative and adventuresome. I have become an inbred local in Douglas County, Colorado. I can see Castlewood Canyon from my front window and Devils Head from my back window. These two areas consume most of my time, though I do get out of my box from time to time. I talk to Peter VonGrossman from time to time. I do miss the old days and the Minnesota crew. Do you still get out and climb?
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