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Itasca State Park, Park Rapids, MN

Photo: Mark Evans from Orange City, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Itasca State Park

36750 Main Park Dr · Park Rapids, MN

Why you should go…

Itasca State Park, established in 1891 as Minnesota's first state park, holds the headwaters of the Mississippi River at the north end of Lake Itasca. Start at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, then take a short walk to the spot where the river begins and wade or cross on the log bridge. Beyond that you can climb the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, follow the Wilderness Drive scenic road, walk among old-growth pines, and eat at Douglas Lodge, built in 1905.

  • #state park
  • #mississippi headwaters
  • #hiking
  • #camping
  • #old growth forest

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Itasca State Park, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

    Free

    Pose with the 18-foot concrete lumberjack and his blue ox on the shore of Lake Bemidji, then step into the visitor center.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing