Itasca State Park

About

Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. At the heart of the 32,000-acre forest wilderness, the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the gulf. Points of interest include old growth pine forests, over 100 lakes, numerous historic sites and structures, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The park offers year-round recreation, including camping, lodging, hiking, biking, boating, paddling, fishing, birding, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and naturalist-led educational programs. Itasca State Park is the official starting point of both the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Mississippi River Trail U.S. Bike Route. It is also a highlight of Minnesota's Lake Country Scenic Byway.

Celebrated as "Minnesota's Own Resort", Itasca State Park offers visitors from around the world a wide variety of camping and lodging options. The historic Douglas Lodge, built in 1905, is a beautiful example of the rustic architecture often seen in national parks. Visitors can book a comfortable room on the second floor, or enjoy casual dining at the Douglas Lodge Restaurant. Lodging options located throughout the park range from historic to modern and are sized to accommodate individuals or groups. Two campground and several backcountry campsites offer over 200 opportunities to camp under the stars. 

Nestled within Itasca State Park you will find the Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary, which was established in 1939 at the suggestion of the Minnesota Academy of Science to preserve a part of the wilderness character of the state that existed prior to logging and settlement. in 1965, it became Minnesota's first National Natural Landmark. Most of the sanctuary (1,601 acres) was designated a state Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) in 1989, as the finest example of Great Lakes Pine Forest in north-central Minnesota. The SNA is located along the western side of Lake Itasca and protects roughly two miles of undeveloped shoreline along the lake. A mosaic of eighteen native plant communities occupy the site, dominated by fire-dependent red pine-white pine forest communities. More than 280 native plant species have been documented here, including several varieties species listed as endangered or threatened in Minnesota.