Itasca state park, a minnesota state park located near park. Itasca state park, minnesota tourist attractions, sightseeing. See where one of americas most famous rivers begins at this minnesota state park. Itasca state park bring the entire family to pine ridge campground. Under the new park commissioner, logging around itasca continued for another 14 years. Many years ago i visited itasca state park to see the origination of the mississippi river. It will flow a total of 694 miles before working its way out of minnesota. Find state park activity guides or find a place to stay overnight. What to do tourism park rapids chamber park rapids mn. Visit itasca state park on your trip to lake itasca or united. The 10 best things to do in itasca updated 2020 must see. Itasca state park covers more tan 32,000 acres, and features over 100 lakes so there are plenty of places to take the family, and get back to nature there are also fascinating attractions to see within the itasca state park, not just the general park activities.
Only a short distance from park rapids, itasca state park attracts many guests looking to walk across the headwaters of the mighty mississippi before it wanders its way to the gulf. Located in itasca state park, mn minnesotas oldest park and the start of the mississippi river. Itasca state parks recreational activities cover all four seasons of the year. The 10 best things to do in lake itasca 2020 with photos. The best things to do near itasca state park, lake itasca. Walk across the mighty mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the gulf of mexico. Itasca state park in minnesota was first established in 1891.
It takes around 209 to reach minneapolis to itasca state park. Jul 20, 2016 64yearold woman creates incredible camper van for fulltime living van tour duration. This large, developed campground has a playground for the little ones, and kids of all ages will want to explore the historic landmarks like wegmanns cabin and the itasca indian cemetery. Minnesota state parks chippewa national forest cass lake. Henry schoolcraft determined lake itasca as the rivers source in 1832. The top 10 things to do in lake itasca with kids family. Itasca state park established in 1891, itasca is minnesotas oldest state park. One of the camps more notable projects was the construction of the old timers cabin built in the summer of 1934. The fastest route from the twin cities is i94 to the clearwater exit, u. Itasca state park is one of the gems in northern minnesota. To find the driving direction from minneapolis to itasca state park which is 334 by road, click on show directions after entering start and end locations in the calculator control. Pitch your tent or park your rv at bear paw campground and let nature do its thing. Bring your pooch along to itasca state park for more than 30 miles of pet friendly hiking trails.
You can also search for cities 1 hour from lake itasca, mn or 2 hours or 3 hours. Things worked out in the end that is, its hard to imagine how the public could adore itasca state park any more than it already does. Hi mississippi headwaters hostel, itasca state park hostel hotel. Itasca sports rental lets you experience this magnificent park in so many fun ways, youll have trouble deciding what to do first. It takes a little more than four hours in good conditions.
Discover lake itasca, minnesota with the help of your friends. There you can enjoy hiking, biking, and bike rentals while enjoying a piece of history. You can even rent a pet friendly pontoon and head out on the water for some sightseeing. Points of interest include old growth pine at preachers grove, peace pipe vista, bison kill site and over 100 lakes. Park drive and bear paw drive lake itasca, mn 56470. Another great achievement that you can put in your bucket list check off is that you will be able to say you walked across the mississippi river at least the beginning of it. Do the following actions, which require internet access, before you arrive.
Download the employment application, complete and email it to. Shop for deals across a selection of hotels, starting at usd 62 per night. Alltrails has 8 great hiking trails, lake trails, walking trails and more, with handcurated trail maps and. Camp under the stars or stay the night in one of our 45. Complete information on tourist attractions and parks for itasca state park, minnesota, including popular family and vacation destinations and state and local parks and recreation areas. Itasca state park winter weekend itinerary minnesota dnr. If youre planning a road trip or exploring the local area, make sure you check out some of these places to get a feel for the surrounding community. Our favorite time to visit has been fall, but it is beautiful all year round. From here the river flows north to bemidji, where it turns east, and then south near grand rapids.
Stand under towering pines and visit landmarks of centuries gone by throughout the park. Designated as minnesota s first state park in 1891, itasca state park is regarded as the crown jewel of our state parks and the premier highlight. In this 32,000 acre sanctuary, the mighty mississippi river begins its 2,552 mile journey to the gulf of mexico. If youd like to find things to see and do in the area, you may want to check out mississippi headwaters and itasca state park. This park is located just 40 miles from cass lake lodge. This is a list of smaller local towns that surround lake itasca, mn.
Established in 1891, itasca is minnesota s oldest state park. Purchase a park permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of minnesotas state parks and recreation areas. The park encompasses over 5,000 acres of rugged beauty with 6 miles of hiking trails as well as a spur trail to the superior hiking trail. Community info city map, area services, clubs, nonprofits, theaters and an area snowmobile map. Itasca state parkpark headquarters park rapids, mn. Hiking, biking, fishing and boating are very popular recreational activities within itasca state park.
There is only one place in the entire world where you can tiptoe across the bubbling beginnings of the mighty mississippi river. Ccc camp sp1 was the first state park ccc camp approved in minnesota and was assigned to itasca state park. Pick up a map and get an update on trail conditions or recent wildlife sightings. Itasca state park is a state park of minnesota, united states, and contains the headwaters of the mississippi river.
You can just fly from minneapolis to itasca state park. Established in 1891 to preserve remnant stands of virgin pine and to protect the basin around the mississippis source, this park has become a famous natural and cultural landmark in north america. Established in 1891, itasca is minnesotas oldest state park. Spend the day exploring the area and seeing some of the local attractions. Looking for a great trail in itasca state park, minnesota. Bemidji state park is located just 30 minutes from cass lake lodge. Things to do near itasca state park on tripadvisor. Its a memory maker, says terri dinesen, manager of another minnesota state park who was visiting itasca on her. Hi mississippi headwaters hostel, itasca state park, minnesota get. Itasca state park, minnesota travel vacation guide. Itasca state park was established by the minnesota legislature on april 20, 1891, making it the first of minnesotas state parks and second oldest in the united states, behind niagara falls state park.
A visit again in august 2019 revealed the park has made improvements that have enhanced the beauty of the. The camp occupied a site just north of the park beginning on june 27, 1933. There are more than 100 lakes within itasca state park s 32,000 acres, but it is most notable for its access to the headwaters of the mississippi river. Itasca county 123 ne 4th street grand rapids, mn 55744 phone. Also, pretty rad to be able to walk across the mississippi river, like another commenter mentioned. Best camping in and near itasca state park hipcamp. Itasca campground tour, itasca state park, minnesota trip 1. Itasca state park is home to the headwaters of the mississippi river, aiton heights fire tower one of the few towers open to the public, minnesota s record red pine, a variety of naturalist programs and historical buildings. Book lake itasca hotels close to top sights, landmarks, and popular restaurants, and discover what this destination is all about. Home to lake itasca, it is over 32,000 acres of forest and lakes that are connected by a web of hiking trails and roads. Top 10 hotels in lake itasca, minnesota cancel free on most.
Spend a winter weekend exploring itasca state park, where you can visit the headwaters of the mississippi river state water trail. Take your travel expert with you download world travel guide. Itasca state park, located just 22 miles north of park rapids, is 33,000 acres waiting for you to discover. We stopped at the visitors center in lake itasca state park, obviously filled with all things mississippi river. Itasca has been a site for rarities such as minnesotas second record. The mighty mississippi river begins its winding journey to the gulf of mexico as a mere 18foot wide kneedeep river in itasca state park. Lake itasca is where it all begins the site of the headwaters of the mighty mississippi. Itasca state park is minnesotas oldest state park and is the headwaters of the mississippi. This is where the mississippi river begins its 2,552mile journey to the gulf of mexico.
Things to do around itasca state park half moon trail. Itasca state park, home of the headwaters, is beautiful with many trails, campgrounds, etc. At itasca state park, the mighty mississippi river begins its 2,552mile journey to the gulf of mexico. The county park and recreation program was established in 1984 to develop, manage, maintain, and coordinate park and recreation resources throughout itasca county. At that time one merely stepped across a tiny trickle to proclaim i did it. Best trails in itasca state park minnesota alltrails.
Also an intro to heartland lakes, a park rapids downtown walking map and dates for events and festivals all over the area. Designated as minnesotas first state park in 1891, itasca state park is regarded as the crown jewel of our state parks and the premier highlight of the lake country. This info may change due to circumstances, please verify details before venturing out. Itasca state park is a state park of minnesota, united states, and contains the headwaters of. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. The land department provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities through its park system. Itascas extensive stands of boreal forests with mixed hardwoods provide excellent habitat for many northern species such as crossbills, gray jays, finches, thrushes, blackbacked woodpeckers, and warblers. With over 34,000 acres and almost 560,000 visitors each year, it is one of the most popular state parks in mn. The temperance river state park is one of many state parks along the north shore of minnesota and is located near tofte off of highway 61 near mile market 80. Person holding a geopdf showing their location blue dot at itasca headwaters. Itasca sports is your source for outdoor fun in itasca state park.