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!Updated May 7, 2013 PlayCleanGo Day Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us at the visitor center and learn how you can help prevent the spread of terrestrial invasive species and protect our beautiful Minnesota natural resources.
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Park Notes
Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! 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. The Headwaters Café is a cafeteria-style restaurant located in the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and Gift Shop:Winter hours are daily from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 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 geocaching demonstration park. You will need to bring your own GPS unit when searching for our Avian Adventure cache card. The closest demonstration park with GPS units to check out is Lake Bemidji State Park. Enjoy your treasure hunt! Birders:Bird Checklist Year-Round Fun:The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center is open year-round, and the Douglas Lodge Four Season Suites are available to rent year-round. 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. |
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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.
GPS device users: Lat. 47.194648 Long. -95.165012