Itasca State Park, State park with Mississippi River source in Clearwater County, Minnesota.
The 132 square kilometer park contains old-growth pine forests, lakes, and walking trails through diverse natural environments in northern Minnesota.
Established in 1891 as Minnesota's first state park, Itasca gained national recognition when explorer Henry Schoolcraft discovered the Mississippi River source in 1832.
The park features buildings constructed in rustic architectural style, reflecting the conservation movement of the early twentieth century in the United States.
Visitors can access over 100 miles of trails, camping areas, boat rentals, and educational programs about the park's ecology throughout the year.
At the headwaters, people can cross the Mississippi River by stepping on stones where the river starts its 3,734-kilometer journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Location: Clearwater County
Location: Hubbard County
Location: Becker County
Inception: 1891
Architectural style: rustic architecture
Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Phone: +12186997251
Email: itasca.statepark@state.mn.us
Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181
GPS coordinates: 47.23970,-95.20750
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:14
Minnesota contains numerous locations away from the main tourist circuits. The state stretches from the shores of Lake Superior to the southern prairies, encompassing historic lighthouses, underground mines, waterfalls, and Japanese gardens. Visitors find both natural landscapes and cultural sites that tell the story of the region's history. Notable locations include prehistoric rock carvings at Jeffers Petroglyphs Site, where indigenous peoples left their marks thousands of years ago, and sacred trees of Ojibwe culture. The geological formation known as Devil's Kettle, a waterfall whose course puzzled scientists for years, attracts visitors interested in natural phenomena. Historic mines provide insight into Minnesota's industrial past, while lighthouses recall the maritime history along the largest of the Great Lakes.
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