Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions
Itasca State Park
Trail conditions:
Spring is marching along with most of the ground snow melted by Wednesday, April 19. Snow piles were still visible throughout the park and shady areas still hold some snow pack. Thursday, April 20 we are getting snow. There is 1-inch accumulation by 4 p.m. on Thursday with more snow falling. Temperatures are forecast to rise by end of week and early next week, so the melting should continue. Trails will have a combination of exposed ground and snowpack. The bike trail still has snowpack in shaded areas. When hiking, be aware of the "spring thawing conditions" which include slippery/muddy/snowy conditions on trails.
Trail Caution: Trail users, be aware that there is equipment located on the snowmobile trail at the north end of the park, between the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center and Wilderness Drive/Lake Ozawindib. Use caution or avoid this area of trail.
Other things to do in the park: Walk down to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River as the water flows year-round. Watch for the return of birds. Swans, mallards, wood ducks, belted kingfishers, bald eagles, and great blue herons are being seen around the open water and on the lake ice. Park lakes are frozen and beginning to melt. Park users should use caution around any bodies of water, especially near the Mississippi Headwaters where open holes are forming in the lake ice as temperatures continue to warm with the onset of spring.
Skiing |
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Trail conditions: closed |
Trail groomed? no |
Trail base: " |
Trail mileage: 13 |
Difficulty: all levels (track) all levels (skate) |
Snowmobiling |
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Trail conditions: closed |
Trail groomed? |
Trail base: " |
Trail mileage: 31 |
The trail(s):
The trail offers a beautiful look of the mixed forests in northern Minnesota. Travel through wooded areas, around lakes and through one of the most popular parks in the state. Throughout the trail, you may see a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, fisher, wolves, fox and otter.
Facilities:
- The Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Winter Camping is available in Pine Ridge Campground and the backpack sites. Campers can register at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. For lodging: The Four-Season Suites are available to rent year round; featuring seating area, kitchenette, bedroom, and bath. The Headwaters Inn is open for winter rental and features 6 individual rooms and a common area.
Last updated on April 20, 2023. Local snow depth is 1".
Getting there
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
The trailhead is located in the park, which is 21 miles north of Park Rapids off of Highway 71 (East Entrance) or using the North Entrance along Highway 200. Follow park road to the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center or the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center parking lot.
Parking is available at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.
Contact
Phone: (218) 699-7256
Email: [email protected]
Winter contact hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.