Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s first state park, established in 1891, located around Lake Itasca in north-central Minnesota and noted as the site of the Mississippi River’s headwaters. The park covers roughly 32,690 acres and preserves a mix of lakes, forests, and wetlands.

The park’s main attraction is the outlet of Lake Itasca, where the Mississippi River starts; the site is marked and accessible by short boardwalks and trails. Visitors also use the park for camping, paddling, fishing, and trail hiking through pine and hardwood forests.

The park was created following conservation efforts in the late 19th century to protect the source of the Mississippi; advocates such as Jacob V. Brower played a role in preserving the area. Facilities developed over the 20th century to support recreation and interpretation of the headwaters.

Itasca State Park lies in north-central Minnesota surrounding Lake Itasca and is managed as a state park. The landscape is a mix of lakes, old-growth pines and mixed forest across relatively low, rolling terrain.

• Established: 1891; Minnesota's first state park, covering about 32,690 acres and containing the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
• Headwaters access: A short boardwalk and footbridge cross the Mississippi where it leaves Lake Itasca, providing direct access to the river's visible beginning.

What to See #

• Lake Itasca: Forms the source of the Mississippi River where the river flows out of the lake; the headwaters area is reached by a short boardwalk and marked for visitors.
• Douglas Lodge: A rustic lakeside hotel and visitor facility on park grounds offering lodging and a central gathering point for visitors since the early 20th century.
• Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center: Park visitor center with exhibits about the Mississippi headwaters, regional natural history, and park management; serves as the main orientation point for visitors.