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.
"E-Nature News and Activities"
-E-News Spring 2010 
-Weekly program schedule
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Road Construction to occur along Main Park Drive and Wilderness DriveBeginning in early August Phase I of a multi-phase road construction project will begin within the park. Be prepared for delays and re-routes thoughout the park. Some sites may be closed to access or re-routed during construction. Details will be posted through out the actual construction. ConstructionPlease be aware that the beach house is not available due to construction. The beach will remain open. 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 NotesGift CardsPurchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Firewood restrictions informationMinnesota 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 CenterVisit 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 ShopThe building is open year-round. Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Internet AccessWireless internet access is now available at certain locations around Itasca State Park! Please note that signal strength may vary. BirdersBird 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 | |
