Minnesota’s Itasca State Park is one of the crown jewels of a state with an abundance of magnificent parks and wilderness areas. With its old-growth red and white pine forest, the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi and many other things to see and do, Itasca never disappoints.
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's first state park, created to protect the forests and waters surrounding the headwaters of the Mississippi. The park’s 33,000 acres, 100 lakes and headwaters exist today as public lands thanks to the far-sighted efforts of historian, anthropologist and land surveyor Jacob V. Brower. Brower originally came to the area to settle the dispute of the actual location of the Mississippi Headwaters. He saw this region being quickly transformed by logging, and was determined to protect some of the pine forests for future generations. Through his efforts, the pine forest surrounding Lake Itasca were preserved by the Minnesota State Legislature by a margin of just one vote.
Itasca has more than half a million visitors each year for good reason. There is the lure of walking barefoot across the rocks that divide Lake Itasca from the trickle of a stream that starts the Mississippi on its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. My kids have been to this park multiple times over the years, and their interest in wading across the headwaters has never waned. Thinking about the vastness of the river, it’s economic and cultural impact on the history of large swaths of the country, balancing your way across the stones in the headwaters is both awe-inspiring, and just plain fun.
Beyond the headwaters, there are 49 miles of hiking and 16 miles of paved bike trails to explore through virgin stands of boreal forest. There’s a nice swim beach, boat rentals, and just about every kind of overnight accommodation inside the park ranging from a historic lodge, a hostel, small and large cabins, to hundreds of campsites. The State Park is designated as a National Register Historic District with many historic sites within the park.
With the number of visitors and a lot of activity centered in high-use areas, the park during peak summer season can feel crowded at times. But there are thousands of other acres that are much less utilized that you can hike or drive to get a more solitary outdoor experience. If you’re looking for a high-adventure, more roughing-it type of camping experience, Itasca is probably not your ticket. Head farther north to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Voyageurs National Park, or to other state parks or national forests in northeastern Minnesota. Itasca campsites range from open, jammed-in close sites, to several loops with vegetation, better spacing and privacy.
For a great northwoods vibe, head to Itasca. The physical beauty of the park and things to see and do are worth the drive, and enough to easily fill a three day or longer stay. Photos are from multiple visits to Itasca over the last six years.