Water and land activities
Itasca State Park is home to the Mississippi River’s headwaters, which begin at Lake Itasca. Explore Minnesota shared the local legend that claims individuals who cross the headwaters “will live a long and happy life.” Why not test the legend out and cross the waters yourself? In addition to seeing if the myth is real, you can explore both the Mississippi River and the plethora of other lakes, trek the land, or even pause just to observe it all.
Take a boating tour if you want to see the park and learn its history, or if you want something quieter and more personal, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Paddle along with the current and breathe in nature’s stillness. There are also more than 45 miles of trails that weave throughout the park, making for great hiking adventures. For those who prefer biking, there are 16 miles of biking paths for you to explore.
Considerations for your visit
Itasca State Park is historic, it’s the oldest one in the state. Ever since it opened in 1891, it’s been drawing people in from all over. It’s located in Park Rapids, Minnesota, but the heart of the town is about 20 miles away. If you’re planning to fly into Minnesota to visit, you’ll want to fly into the nearest airport, which is the Bemidji Regional Airport. From there, you’ll need to hop in a car and drive about 35 miles to get to the state park.
There are multiple campgrounds located throughout the park, so whether you bring a tent or RV, there’s an opportunity to choose the best campsite for you, just be sure to pay the fees. Each camping site is first come, first served. For those wanting something a little bit less rustic, you can reserve a cabin in the park, or a hotel at one of the aforementioned towns.
The park is open year round and is busiest between Memorial and Labor Day. Fall is a particularly special time to visit because of the foliage reflecting on the water, it’s truly a breathtaking sight. If you come in the winter, you’ll have a bunch of winter activities to choose from such as skiing and snowshoeing. Summer and spring are the ideal times for camping.
