Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park has everything you are looking for to experience your next adventure. Minnesota’s oldest state park, Itasca State Park was designated in 1891 to preserve the grounds around the source waters of the Mighty Mississippi River. The site has grown into a 32,000-acre park with wilderness preserves, over 100 lakes, campgrounds, cabins, trails, and more.

If you are looking for a simple day trip, come visit the headwaters and wade or walk across the shallow waters of the river origin. Take your photo with the iconic brown pine sign and cool off in the river waters. Visit the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, open year-round, to learn more about the area, choose a few souvenirs, or have a meal. Bicycle and watercraft rentals make for an easy way to explore the area for the day. There are multiple trails to choose from for bicycles and hikers.  Several trails are open during the winter as well for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. 

Douglas Cabin, open since 1905, is a great place to enjoy a meal while savoring the view, or have a cup of coffee by the fireplace. 

Itasca State Park has more to do than can be experienced in a day, so why not plan to make a vacation or weekend trip out of it? There is a range of lodging opportunities to choose from. Whatever your style of lodging, Itasca State Park has a place for you. Campgrounds, hostels, cabins, and suites in the Douglas Lodge.  Reservations are encouraged for the busy summer months, but many longing is available year-round. Itasca even has lodging for large groups and makes a fantastic place to hold a family reunion or special event.

If you are looking to add educational or activity-based adventures to your trip, check out the events calendar. From archery to guided tours, frog mucking to yoga, there’s bound to be an event for you or your group! Use the link here to see the calendar of events: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/events.html?location=spk00181