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.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Road Construction to occur along Main Park Drive and Wilderness DriveStarting the week of August 9, 2010, road construction work will begin on Main Park Drive within Itasca State Park. Phase I will include Main Park Drive along the east side of Lake Itasca from the North Entrance and going south to the Clearwater/Hubbard County Line (near the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center). Additional phases, which will include work along Wilderness Drive, will occur after the Main Park Drive section is completed and will be weather dependent. Public access to certain sections of the park will be carefully controlled along the construction routes. Some areas will be closed to access and portions of the road will be closed as construction work is underway. Visitors will be rerouted through and around the park as the different phases of the project get underway. Please observe road closure signs and detour routes during the construction. Please be patient with the minor delays as the culverts are replaced and the road is resurfaced. Additional updates will be posted as the project progresses. Visitors in the park can stop at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center or Douglas Lodge for updated postings. The anticipated completion date for the initial phase along Main Park Drive is September. At this time we are uncertain of the completion date for the Wilderness Drive construction phase. Construction UPDATE: For the week of August 31- September 3: Construction has begun between the Hubbard/Clearwater County Line (just south of Preacher's Grove) and the University Field Station for the week. The asphalt on this section of road is being milled and relayed. The section of Main Park Drive between the Hubbard/ Clearwater County Line (just north of the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center) and up to the Campground entrance will be closed to all vehicle access on Thursday, September 2. As of Thursday, September 2 and until further notice, for access to the Headwaters, Wilderness Drive, Lake Itasca boat launch/Itasca Sports Rental, picnic grounds, University Field Station and campground registration, please enter the park from the North Entrance (located along Hwy. 200). For access to Preacher's Grove, Peace Pipe Vista, and other sites in the construction area, please call or visit the Jacob Brower Visitor Center for daily access routes. 218-699-7251. At this time drivers are asked to watch their speed when driving on Main Park Drive. Be aware there is no center line striping at this time in the milled areas. Please use caution and remain attentive while driving in the areas with roadwork.
New email and telephone numbers!Our email address has changed to Itasca.StatePark@state.mn.us Also, please be aware of our new telephone numbers: call 218-699-7251 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 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 NotesE-Nature News and Activities:E-News Spring 2010 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. 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, from 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. |
Park Highlights | ||||||
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CampingHours
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@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.
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© 2010
MN Department of Natural Resources |
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DNR is an equal opportunity employer | |
