There is only one place in the entire world where you can tiptoe across the bubbling beginnings of the mighty Mississippi River. Itasca State Park is regarded as the crown jewel of state parks and the premier highlight of the Lake Country Scenic Byway.
People come to walk across the rocks at the Headwaters but also fall in love with the pines, as the square- mile park preserves thousands of acres of old-growth white and red pines.
Beautiful visitor centers and historic lodging complement the natural wonders of the park. Bird Watching? View the Checklist here! Rent a bike, boat, kayak and more at Itasca Sports, Inc located within the park.
Highway 71, and the east entrance is only a couple miles farther north, near the junction of Highways 71 and Itasca State Park encompasses Lake Itasca, the official source of the Mississippi River , and is a scenic area of northern Minnesota that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins.
But the main attraction is walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River on stones at the mouth of Lake Itasca. There are plenty of other outdoor activities to do at the park, such as taking an excursion boat on Lake Itasca, exploring along Wilderness Drive, biking or hiking along more that 30 miles of designated trails, fishing in one of the many lakes, observing the wild flowers in season, or birding.
Like the entire Park Rapids area, wildlife can be seen throughout the park. For more information about events and schedules, call Itasca State Park headquarters at or visit the DNR website. Park Rapids Enterprise File Photo. Lake Itasca Tours offers narrated boat tours to the Mississippi River headwaters.
Aboard the passenger Chester Charles II, the boat cruise follows the same route taken by Ozawindib in when he guided Henry Rowe Schoolcraft to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where they recorded the source of the greatest river in the U.
Canoeing and kayaking are popular along the rivers throughout the Park Rapids area. Fishing, swimming, camping and photography enthusiasts will especially enjoy a serene river excursion.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends planning a trip ahead of time. The Crow Wing River is an excellent choice for family canoeing or tubing; quieter stretches make good swimming and fishing spots. The river flows between a chain of 11 interconnected lakes, which begins near Nevis and Akeley.
Numerous campsites dot the forested riverbanks on the journey southward. In its first 90 miles, the river winds through ancient lake beds, glacial hills, wetlands, nine large lakes and narrow valleys of spruce. Rapids dot the entire river, which offers great walleye, northern pike and muskie fishing. Kickstands go up on the fourth Saturday of September.
Participants can choose between , or mile routes. Winding through seven states, the trail is the longest national scenic trail in the U. Upon reaching Itasca State Park, the trail is in the neighborhood of the Mississippi headwaters before turning south and following the Laurentian Divide.
The trail path is natural, with roots and snags removed and overhanging limbs trimmed for unimpeded travel. Open to foot traffic only, the hikers, berry pickers, hunters, birdwatchers, geocachers, snowshoers and anyone else walking this trail are in for a treat: it meanders through forested hills and valleys interspersed with rivers, lakes, and numerous wetlands.
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