itasca state park

If you are in this area of Minnesota you have to visit Itasca State Park and the Mississippi head waters. The Mississippi runs cold and clear here. The woods are thick with wildlife and be prepared for the Minnesota State bird. Still one of my favorite outdoor spots.

If you are visiting or live in MN this is one place that you have to visit. The history and beauty of Itasca is not something you will soon forget. It's an amazing place for people to visit for all ages. The visitors center is a great place to start and to get your bearings. The employees are friendly and always willing to help. While everything in the park is a must see...the must must sees are: The Indian Mounds, the Headwaters, Douglas Lodge, the white and red pines. Plan on spending at least a day to make sure you can take it all in. You won't regret it.

I've been to this state park a few times and I have to say the best time of year to go is late September thru early October. This is probably the best part of central to western minnesota. Most the the shops are closed this late in the year, but it is quiet and just right for a cool afternoon hike.

The ONLY down side is the cafeteria! The rest is beyond amazing and beautiful. It is crowded even when it's cold. But not overwhelming just be prepared to wait to take pictures of scenic views.

A friend and I drove to Itasca State Park to see the beautiful colours of the changing leaves. The park itself is gorgeous and has many stops throughout to view interesting areas. We especially liked the 300 year old trees at Preacher's Grove and walking across the mouth of the Mississippi (and we didn't fall in!).

We drove through the park one Sunday to see the fall colors and stopped for lunch at the Douglas Lodge. We had to wait 45 minutes but used that time to walk around and visit the souvenir shop. When we were seated we had a view of Lake Itasca. Beautiful! We ordered the wild rice hotdish which was excellent! Wild rice is locally harvested and cooked to perfection. It is used in several menu items so enjoy! This historic lodge is worth the visit. We have stayed here in previous years and loved it. You can't beat Itsaca for scenery- especially in the Fall.

Very accessible, beautiful fall colors. Been to New Orleans before I went to headwaters of the Mississippi. I have mobility issues and was glad to be able to get around easily. Lots of Bikeand Hiking trails for the more mobile.

This is where it starts - the Mississippi - and you should take advantage of walking across the river! The state park has so much to offer - we did the afternoon eagle tour and it sure was worth it! We saw many eagles, herons and other birds. The narration on the boat was well done and enthusiastic. The main lodge restaurant leaves much to be desired (like good food) so pack a lunch!

We stayed in the Itasca Suites for 2 nights. there was sattelite TV and wi-fi. There is plenty to do there, hiking and crossing the mississippi river. The restaraunt is very nice, prices very reasonable. The fall colors had not turned as yet, but still the park was very beauttiful and peaceful. We will go there again and stay longer. There is a park fee $5.00 per night to stay there.

Visited the park in fall last year.it was awesome colors of nature. Took a leisure biking trip up the park and it was interesting. The walk in the colored trees and time with nature was relaxing.

Itasca State Park is one of Minnesota's wonders. A must for any visitor to the area and for Minnesotans as well. Kids love to get wet at the Headwaters of the Mississippi

Lake Itasca State Park is a great place for many reasons. It's the oldest Minnesota State Park, and the size and remoteness of certain areas of the park are breathtaking. We went for a two night camping trip, and left with the feeling there was so much more we could have seen and done. No matter what your hobbies are in the great outdoors, Itasca is sure to offer you something. The bike trail, when combined with the Wilderness Loop, is a challenging but beautifully scenic trail. Along the way you can make many stops, including trails into the old growth forest, the nature reserve, the park's largest red and white pines, and the Aiton Heights fire tower which provides an amazing overlook of the park (stop by here and climb to the top during sunset or sunrise!) If biking isn't your thing, you can drive the Wilderness Loop and stop along the same great stops and find many other hiking trails along the way.The headwaters of the Mississippi River are the most popular spot for tourists at the state park. The headwaters are easy to get to from the north entrance of the park, and is a short trip from both of the main campsites via the bike trail. It's often crowded, but during the middle of the week, if you head out during sunset you can find yourself alone, which is a very surreal feeling. The water is just a few inches deep, so you can wade into the water and literally cross the Mississippi River in a few short steps. You can wade down the river quite a ways if you feel so inclined... you just probably won't make it the full 2,000+ miles to the Gulf!The state park has a very nice visitor's center which explains the history of the park. The only downside is some of the audio and video exhibits seem to be out of order. There's still a ton of information to be had. A few gift shops are also present. They offer some neat Itasca merchandise, although they aren't as cheaply priced as some other Minnesota state parks like Lake Shetek, for example. There is also a bike/boat/canoe rental shop off the Lake, which is nice for those who can't or don't want to bring their own sporting equipment. There's also a nice swimming beach, though most people just go to the headwaters. I can't recommend Lake Itasca enough. Whether you're camping for a few nights or just want to stop by to see where the Mississippi River begins, it's a trip you won't be disappointed in.

The Birthplace of the Mississippi and so much more. The main part of the park is styled much like the National Parks are with a visitor center and giant cabins to stay in. When we came on Labor day weekend there were a lot of people here. Once we got out onto the trails we discovered the nature side of the park. The trails brought us out some great landscapes and lakes. Lots of deer and other wildlife here. The park had a great charm to it and had the feel of the 1920s style National Park which I liked. You can walk across the start of the Mississippi here and thats always cool. Well worth the trip and lots to see.

I loved my stay in Itasca. The backpacking was fairly nominally difficult, but it was incredibly pretty. There are so many lakes and trails that wind around the park you could get lost for days. The campsite was also really nice. The outhouse toilet by it was in great condition and looked new. The campsite itself was alone, secluded, and had a beautiful view of the lake. If you are looking for solitude camping I would definitely recommend the backcountry camping at Itasca National Park. Ranging from only just over a half of a mile or more, after about 200 meters you feel completely submersed in the outdoors. We had a blast!

A definite Woo-Hoo thing to do. The chance to walk across the Mississippi. The whole state park is beautiful. If you are into biking this is a good choice. We were there for the Mississippi headwaters, and were not disappointed. There is a small rock dam where the "river" starts. A large pool is formed at the beginning about 1' deep with a smooth pebble bottom. Loved it!!! The park buildings (snack shop, gifts shop and bathrooms) are easy access and as the entire park kept clean. Bring your water shoes.