Itasca State Park
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Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Upcoming winter snowshoe and ski programs changed to hikes:Due to poor snow conditions, the upcoming snowshoe walks and lantern lit ski and snowshoe event will been changed to winter snow boot hikes until more snow. See program listings below for details and updates for each program. Bridge Construction:The Mississippi River Bridge within Itasca State Park (along Main Park Drive) is under construction. Park traffic is not expected to be impacted by this work. Still Open:The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center is open year-round, and the Itasca Suites (aka 4-Season, 6-plex) are available to rent year-round. Closed for the Season:Douglas Lodge Restaurant/Lodge and cabins; Forest Inn Gift Shop; Mary Gibbs Cafe; Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Gift Shop. |
Park Notes
Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Firewood Restrictions Information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. Virtual Tour:Stand at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, go inside Douglas Lodge, and get a birds-eye-view from an observation tower. Download the Itasca State Park guide and map Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center:Visit the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. Outdoor interpretive displays on the plaza are available for viewing year-round. Be sure to take the short walk to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, which offers visitors a glimpse of this historic location. Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and Gift Shop:The building is open year-round, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Internet Access:Wireless internet access is now available at certain locations around Itasca State Park! Please note that signal strength may vary. GeoCaching:Itasca State Park is not a demonstration park for the Wildlife Safari. You will need to bring your own GPS unit when searching for our critter card. The closest demonstration park with GPS units to check out is Lake Bemidji State Park. Enjoy your search for the critter cards! Birders:Bird Checklist |
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Hours
Best time to contact the park:
Daily, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
tel: 218-699-7251
fax: 218-699-7210
email: itasca.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
South entrance to the park is 23 miles north of Park Rapids on U.S. Highway 71. From Bemidji, the east entrance is 30 miles south on U.S. Hwy 71 and 1/10 mile north on State Hwy 200. The north entrance is 21 miles south of Bagley on State Hwy 92/State Hwy 200.