Itasca State Park - Minnesota

Address:36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Tel: (218) 266-2114

Minnesota's oldest State Park, Itasca is home to more than 100 different lakes, and is where the Mississippi begins its journey down towards the Gulf of Mexico. Totaling more than 32,000 acres, this Park is filled with diverse wildlife, including birds such as loons, grebs, chickadees and nuthatches as well as beavers, black bears, and wolves, which reside here as well. The landscape is just as unique, with ranges of hills containing coarse gravelly materials and boulders once pock-marked with lakes, bogs, and ponds from glacial times, and knobs and "kettles" formed by stagnant ice masses buried under glacial debris. This park is great for hiking, fishing, and camping as well, and amenities include showers and bathroom facilities. All in all, this park is a naturalist's dream.

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks.