Itasca State Park Visitor's Guide (2024)

If you’re looking for a good spot for your next big outdoor adventure in Minnesota, look no further than Itasca State Park. This park is located in the heart of north-central Minnesota and is one of the most scenic state parks in the area. While it’s best known for being the source of the iconic Mississippi River, there’s much more to do and see at Itasca State Park.

History of Itasca State Park

Itasca was first deemed a state park in 1891, making it the second-oldest state park in the United States and the oldest in Minnesota. It received this honor in large part because it contains Lake Itasca, the source of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

The park was first discovered thousands of years ago by Native American tribes looking to expand their hunting land. The area remained mostly uninhabited for several thousand years until unknown tribes moved into the region more permanently. To this day, there are remnants of houses, statues, and tools left behind by these tribes.

More Recent Exploration

The first documented exploration of Itasca State Park occurred in 1832 and was done by Henry Schoolcraft and his Anishinaabe guide, Ozawindib. During this trip, Schoolcraft gave the state park its name, Itasca, which is derived from the Latin words for “head” and “truth.”

After its discovery, Itasca was invaded by loggers, hunters, and adventurers looking to make money off the fruitful land. While this made the region extremely popular, it also led to much of the surrounding forest being cut down by loggers.

It wasn’t until 1891, when there was a single pine forest left standing, that Jacob V. Brower led the charge at turning the forest into a state park. The state did this on April 20, and the decision was reached by the margin of one vote. Itasca State Park remained mostly untouched until 1909 when the Itasca Biological Station and Labs were built.

Landscape

Since the headwaters of the Mississippi River are in Itasca State Park, the park’s focal point is Lake Itasca. This lake is the official source of the Mississippi, the second-longest river in North America after the Missouri River.

Aside from Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River, most of the park consists of a dense forest of pine trees. Throughout this forest, you’ll find more than 150 smaller lakes resulting from shifting ice and glaciers from as long as 10,000 years ago.

The park is over 32,000 acres in size, making it one of the biggest state parks in Minnesota. While most of this area is flat, several small hills and valleys are located throughout.

Wildlife

In addition to lakes and rivers, Itasca State Park is a bit of a bird and animal sanctuary. If you spend enough time in the park, you’re bound to run into several of the 200-plus bird species known to roam Itasca. These birds include:

  • Bald Eagles
  • Hummingbirds
  • Loons
  • Chickadees
  • Herons
  • Cormorants
  • Grebes
  • Owls
  • Tanagers
  • Warblers
  • Finches
  • Hundreds more

While birds are the most common animal found in the park, there are also more than 60 different large mammals that you can see.

  • Timber Wolves
  • Porcupine
  • Beavers
  • Black Bear
  • White-Tail Deer
  • Bobcats
  • Otters
  • Flying Squirrels
  • Many More

Ecology

Itasca State Park consists mostly of lakes, rivers, and pine forests. Some pine trees within the park are estimated to be over 200 years old, making them some of the oldest trees in the state. As such, people come from all over to walk through the ancient forest as much as they do to see the source of the Mississippi River.

While red pines are the most common tree you’ll find in the forest, you’ll also see:

  • Bigtooth and Quaking Aspen Trees
  • White Pines
  • Paper Birch Trees
  • Various Northern Hardwood Species
  • Conifer Bogs
  • Jack Pine Barrens
  • Eastern White Pines

There are also fourteen different plant species within the park that are members of the endangered species list in Minnesota. Some of these plants can’t be found anywhere else in the state, which makes Itasca State Park a hotspot for plant junkies.

Many of these plants and animals can be seen in the Itasca Natural Area, designated in 1965 by the Secretary of the Interior.

Places to Visit in Itasca State Park

If checking out the various birds, animals, and plants at Itasca State Park aren’t your thing, here are a few other spots to visit.

The Douglas Lodge

The Douglas Lodge was built in 1904 and is the oldest existing structure in the park. It’s home to a parlor, a restaurant, a hotel, and a clubhouse and has been expanded to include various cabins and guest suites. It’s a great place to stay at the park for a time or enjoy a hot meal or your morning coffee.

Do the Wilderness Drive

If you want to take in the sights and sounds of Itasca State Park from the comfort of your vehicle, do so by driving the Wilderness Drive.

The Headwaters of the Mississippi River

You’d be remiss if you didn’t make a trip to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River and witness the source of the mightiest river in the country. From that point in Itasca State Park, the river starts its 2,500-plus-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. You can even take a picture next to the Headwaters Monument to document your visit!

Brower Visitor Center

The Brower Visitor Center is a great place to start your journey through the park and gather educational information about different things to see and do.

Mary Gibbs Center

This visitor center is named in honor of Mary Gibbs, who risked her life to save the pine forest within Itasca State Park. The center opened in 2005 and tells Mary’s story as well as the history of the park.

Camping in Itasca State Park

Whether you prefer a comfortable RV, a cabin, or something more primitive, there are plenty of camping options at Itasca State Park.

RV Camping

There are two campgrounds within Itasca State Park, Bear Paw Campground and Pine Ridge Campground, offering a total of 223 sites between them. Of these sites, 160 of them have electricity and are capable of supporting RVs. The maximum allowable RV length is 60 feet, which includes the length of your towing vehicle, so plan accordingly.

Tent Camping

Each of the 223 campsites in the park can serve as a tent site. In addition to these sites, there are also eleven primitive sites that are only accessible via backpacking. There’s also a large group campsite that can hold up to fifty people, making it perfect for family, work, or church outings.

Cabins

If you don’t have an RV but don’t want to stay in a tent, there are plenty of other options in terms of lodging.

  • Douglas Lodge
  • Douglas Cabins
  • Four Seasons Suites
  • Bear Paw Cabins
  • Mississippi Headwaters Hostel
  • Forest Inn

Most Popular Things to do at Itasca State Park

Because of all the different camping options and things to do at the park, it’s one of the most visited state parks in the country.

Hiking

There are tons of great hiking trails throughout Itasca State Park. If you only have time to do one, you should check out Preachers Grove or the Itasca Fire Tower Trail. Both options offer staggering views, but the Fire Tower Trail has a fire tower you can climb!

Fishing

Because there are over 150 lakes in Itasca State Park, including Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River, fishing is one of the top things to do within the park.

Biking

In addition to all the great hiking trails, Itasca is known for having one of the best bike trails in the state. The combination of Wilderness Drive and the trail connecting Douglas Lodge to the Headwaters Area makes for sixteen of the most scenic miles in the park, and it’s entirely paved.

Boat Tours

Taking a tour on the Chester Charles II 141-passenger boat is another must-do at Itasca State Park. The boat takes you on a cruise around Lake Itasca and offers a deck with 360-degree views, so you won’t miss a thing.

Canoeing

There are also plenty of canoeing and kayaking options in Itasca, including a dock at Lake Itasca. You can also go swimming on Lake Itasca’s beach and set up a picnic once you’re done.

Hunting

Itasca State Park hosts an annual whitetail deer hunt to keep the deer population in check.

Other Recreational Activities

If you’re looking for even more fun things to do, here are some of the most popular activities at Itasca State Park.

  • Picnics
  • Playgrounds
  • Volleyball Courts
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Snowmobiling

Fees to Expect

Everyone entering the park will have a daily fee of $7 per vehicle, or you can pay an annual fee of $35. There are additional fees for camping, boat tours, equipment rental, reserving a cabin or hotel room, and reserving the picnic shelter and pavilion. These fees vary depending on the time of year and where you choose to stay. Check out their website for the most up-to-date information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there toilets and showers at Itasca State Park?

Flush toilets are available during certain times of the year, and non-flushing vault toilets are available year-round. There are also shower facilities available in Pine Ridge and Bear Paw Campgrounds.

Are there dump stations at Itasca State Park?

Because none of the sites at the campground offer full hookup for RVs, there is a seasonal dump station at Bear Paw Campground and a year-round dump station at Pine Ridge Campground.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s plenty to do and see at Itasca State Park. It’s one of Minnesota’s most popular and most visited state parks for a reason. From viewing the source of the mighty Mississippi River to exploring the dense pine forest that surrounds it, you should put Itasca on your list of places to visit inMinnesota!

Love spending time outside? Thendiscover the Minnesota Outdoorsto continue learning new ways to reconnect with nature!

  • About the Author
  • Latest Posts

Ryan Cunningham

Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.

A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.

When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.

Itasca State Park Visitor's Guide (2024)

FAQs

How many people visit Itasca State Park? ›

It was named as a National Natural Landmark in 1965, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. About 500,000 people visit Itasca State Park annually.

How much is a day pass to Itasca State Park? ›

Park permits: $35 annual, $26 second vehicle, $12 handicapped, or $7 daily. Camping fees are separate. Book an online reservation 24 hours a day.

Are there bears in Itasca State Park? ›

"Itasca State Park is home to black bears and racoons; avoid attracting wildlife to your cabin by storing scented items like coolers, trash, recycling, and pet food inside a locked vehicle or cabin.

What is an interesting fact about Itasca State Park? ›

This famous state park has a rich history. Some 8,000 years ago, Indian hunters pursued wild animals for food in the Itasca State Park region. They ambushed and killed bison, deer, and moose at watering sites. The Bison Kill site along Wilderness Drive in the park gives visitors more history about this period.

What is the most visited state park in MN? ›

Most visited parks:
  • Gooseberry Falls – 782,125 visitors.
  • Fort Snelling – 702,351 visitors.
  • Itasca – 569,835 visitors.
  • Tettegouche- 564,992 visitors.
  • Split Rock Lighthouse – 544,327 visitors.

What does itasca mean in Ojibwe? ›

She led them to a lake known in Ojibwe as Omashkoozo-Zaaga'igan (meaning Elk Lake—not to be confused with the lake known in English as Elk Lake). Schoolcraft decided to rename the lake after the Latin words “veritas” (truth) and “caput” (head), creating the name Lake Itasca—the “true source” of the Mississippi.

What is the closest town to Itasca State Park? ›

The area is ideal for classic resort cabin or camping vacations. Area towns offer plenty of motels, as well; Park Rapids is 20 miles south of Itasca State Park, and Bemidji is 30 miles to the north.

Can you swim in Itasca State Park? ›

A popular place to enjoy a cool, refreshing dip in the lake on a hot day. The swimming beach at Lake Itasca is sandy and scenic, with a playground, picnic shelter and volleyball net near by. Visit the boat dock near the beach on Lake Itasca and enjoy some time on the water!

Is there wifi at Itasca State Park? ›

Wireless internet access is available at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center and inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (during business hours). Pine Ridge Campground, Bear Paw Campground, the Four-Season Suites, Bert's Cabins and The Headwaters Inn offer wireless internet access for overnight guests.

Is it safe to keep bear spray in a tent? ›

Most bear experts recommend keeping a canister of bear spray in your tent. Properly used, bear spray has been proven to be more reliable and effective than a firearm for deterring bears. Many bear experts recommend sleeping away from your tent wall.

Does deet attract bears? ›

Bears may show curiosity to citronella-scented repellents, but insect repellents with DEET or picaridin do not attract bears. Go ahead and protect yourself from the bugs.

Are there grizzly bears in Minnesota? ›

No, not any more, although grizzly bears may have lived within 50 miles of Ely 5,000 to 8,000 years ago. At that time, much of Minnesota was prairie. Grizzly bear skulls have been found as far east as Ontario and Labrador.

What does the word Itasca mean? ›

Schoolcraft reinforced his claim by renaming the lake Itasca, meaning "true source." The name combines the Latin words "veritas" (truth) and "caput" (head).

How much does it cost to get into Itasca State Park? ›

An annual ($25) or daily ($5) State Park Sticker is required and available at the Park entrance. To contact Itasca State Park: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, 218-699-7251. On the Internet see www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Is Lake Itasca worth a visit? ›

Itasca State Park is one of the best state parks in Minnesota, so it's well worth your time to visit part of it while you stay with us.

How many people visit theme parks? ›

The study estimated that 16.81 million people visited Disneyland Park, 9 million visited Disney California Adventure and 8.4 million visited Universal Studios, Hollywood last year.

What is the largest state park in Minnesota? ›

St. Croix State Park was established as a state park in 1943. It is the largest Minnesota state park, with over 34,000 acres of forests, prairie, wetlands, and river shoreline.

What is the most visited national park east of the Mississippi? ›

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited National Park in the US, drawing over 13 million visitors in 2023.

How many people visit the Mississippi river? ›

Each year, tourism increases by at least 3 percent. More than 12 million people annually recreate on and along the Upper Mississippi River, spending $1.2 billion and supporting 18,000 jobs. More people use the Upper Mississippi than visit Yellowstone National Park.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 5383

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.