Half a million visitors a year visit Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. New visitors centers near the entrance and at the headwaters add to the value of your park experience and appreciation for all Itasca has to offer year round. Itasca State Park-Headwaters of the Mississippi River, 22 miles north of Park Rapids on US Hwy 71. A spectacular work of nature, 500,000 tourists visit Itasca State Park each year. The park offers 32,690 acres to explore with 2,000 acres of wilderness sanctuary, designated as a National Natural Landmark. The Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico here. At the outflow from Lake Itasca, millions of visitors have walked across the headwaters, wading in the footsteps of American history. The park has become a natural and cultural landmark with camping, lodging and naturalist programs for all ages. Year-round recreational opportunities include fishing, canoeing, biking, swimming, picnicking, hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and winter camping. Designated as Minnesota's first state park in 1891, Itasca State Park is regarded as the crown jewel of state parks and the premier highlight of the Lake Country Scenic Byway.
on the Main Park Drive at the public boat access on Lake Itasca. Rent pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, pontoons, paddle boats, bikes and fishing boats. Convenience Store, bike repair, camping gear and other services available. |
