Itasca State Park is where the mighty Mississippi begins it's 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1891 in order to preserve the pine forest and basin around the Mississippi's source, this 32,000 acre park has become a famous and cultural landmark in North America.
Top 10 things to do at Itasca State Park:
10. Swim in Lake Itasca. The beach isn't great, but at least you can say you did it!
9. Visit the Pioneer Cemetery and learn about the first people who live in this area.
8. Take a hike. There are 1- to 5-mile hiking paths throughout the park.
7. Try some fishing! You will need a license, but you can take care of that in the park.
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Top 10 things to do at Itasca State Park:
10. Swim in Lake Itasca. The beach isn't great, but at least you can say you did it!
9. Visit the Pioneer Cemetery and learn about the first people who live in this area.
8. Take a hike. There are 1- to 5-mile hiking paths throughout the park.
7. Try some fishing! You will need a license, but you can take care of that in the park.
6. Have a bonfire at a camposite and wake up in a tent! There are 3 campgrounds here to choose from.
5. Bike a bit. We biked about 2 miles from our campground to the headwaters and saw lots of historic sights along the way, like the old general store and Indian mounds. It was an easy enough ride for everyone 6 to 40 years old. If you don't want to bring your bikes, you can rent them right in the park.
4. Visit the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. This new building and exhibit has a reasonably priced gift shop, restrooms, café, and outdoor interpretive displays.
3. Visit the Historic Douglas Lodge. Now 100 years old, the lodge is a relaxing place with a beautiful stone fireplace, dining room, and coffee shop. We ate there twice, once for ice cream and once for breakfast. Both were good! Try the wild rice soup, it's a little different than most I've had, not a cream soup, but very good with that locally grown wild rice.
2. Rent a pontoon boat at the Itasca Sports Rental and cruise Lake Itasca on your own for only for the first hour and per hour after that. If you want to be more adventurous, rent a kayak or canoe. There is also a tour boat you can go on and let someone else be the captain.
1. Walk across the Mississippi. Not many people can say they've done it!!
Quick Tips:
Make your reservations early. Even the campgrounds fill up quickly.
Email the park: itasca.park@dnr.state.mn.us.
Best Way To Get Around:
You need a car to get there, but while there, you can hike, bike, boat, whatever! Read Less