Itasca
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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.
Itasca State Park's Newsletters
"E-Nature News and Activities"
-Winter 2009 
"The Source" - Itasca's Volunteer Newsletter
-October 2009
More Itasca information
- Check out Itasca's Ski Report
- Plan your trip to Itasca State Park with the most current issue of the Itasca Park Guide (1.35 MB)
- Become a "Master Naturalist!" Find out more...
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Itasca State Park Thinning Pine PlantationsTwo Red (Norway) pine plantations at Itasca State Park will be thinned starting in late January. The plantations total about 16 acres and are located along the Main Park Drive in the northern part of the park. The thinning is meant to improve the vigor of the tree stands and open the canopy to increase the diversity of the forest understory. Snowmobilers and other visitors are encouraged to watch for signs, watch for trucks hauling and use caution when driving or recreating near these timber operations.Seasonal Changes:Itasca is open in the winter! The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center remains open year-round.Pine Ridge Campground remains available for rustic camping during the winter. The Itasca Suites offer year-round lodging within the park--featuring living/dining/kitchen area, bedroom, bathroom, telephone and TV. New telephone numbers!To reach Itasca State Park, please be aware of our new telephone numbers: call 218-699-7251 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to speak directly to visitor center staff. GeoCaching Reminder: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! |
Park NotesGift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season! Firewood restrictions information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site. Virtual Tour:Stand at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, go inside Douglas Lodge, and get a birds-eye-view from an observation tower. High-speed | Dial-up/ accessible 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. Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 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. Birders:Bird Checklist at Itasca State Park. |
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CampingNext 90 days of events at this park
Hours
Best time to reach the park: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
tel: 218-699-7251
fax: 218-699-7210
email: itasca.statepark@dnr.state.mn.us
Getting There
East 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. From Bagley, the North Entrance is 21 miles south on State Hwy 92/ U.S. Hwy 200.
© 2010
MN Department of Natural Resources
