I would love to visit this park. Ha! That draws Minnesotans, who tramp through the groves inhaling the heady perfume of pine. Only the second state park in the nation, after Niagara Falls in New York, Itasca contains more than a quarter of the state's old-growth pines outside the Boundary Waters. Then check out some other top state parks in the U.S. according to a network of travel bloggers. Passing the headwaters, which would have been hidden behind grasses in Schoolcraft's day, Coborn remarked on the agent's luck. Dining: Douglas Lodge is a very pleasant place to have a meal. The Douglas Lodge has been housing visitors since 1905, when it was known as "a jewel standing in mud.''. Itasca State Park. Find Prince’s Paisley Park, craft beer and scenic drives in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Directions. You can kick off your shoes and build castles in the sand at our beach area. Kids love to run across the rocks that mark the start of the Mississippi. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. From the headwaters, the mile-long Schoolcraft Trail follows the other side of the North Arm, ending at Hill Point, where a timber fence protects an Ojibwe cemetery. While you will not accrue any additional costs to support my blog, I may – as a marketing affiliate – receive compensation if you link to or purchase products and services from places such as Amazon, Bluehost, Constant Contact, It’s a Lovely Life, HotelsCombined, Rakuten, etc. Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca: See 506 reviews, articles, and 367 photos of Itasca State Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 11 attractions in Lake Itasca. Housekeeping cabins sleep four and have a toilet but no shower, $103. However, some of Itasca's campsites are designated first-come, first-served. "They're not a very ambitious bird," she said. To get a piece of quiet, visit one of many state natural areas. Category: Our Blog Tag: fall color tour, family vacation, Itasca State Park, northern Minnesota resort, Park Rapids MN, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Two Inlets Lake, Two Inlets Resort, wildlife viewing. Drive along Wilderness Drive. In the only state that borders three Great Lakes, the best places to stay are in state parks. Interpretive displays tell the interesting stories of this park’s history, and a variety of naturalist programs are offered. What can you fun seekers do at our cabins for rent near Itasca State Park? I look forward to reading more. From Itasca, the river flows north to Lake Bemidji, then heads east through Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. Would love to climb it and see the view. Click the blue button below. Not many crowds when we hit below zero degrees in January and February. The most popular trail is the Dr. Roberts Nature Trail, which starts from the lakeshore at the foot of Douglas Lodge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This looks like an amazing Park! Itasca State Park; Tamarac and Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuges; Trails & Parks. In Itasca, there's always room for argument. I love the peace pipe vista, so beautiful. When to go: The park is at its best in every season. But there are plenty of other things to see and do here, both in the summer and winter months. The 1905 Douglas Lodge has suites and rooms with shared baths. Before you visit any of the 66 Minnesota state parks such as Itasca State Park, check out these helpful state park online resources provided on the Minnesota DNR website.*. The answer: This post contains links to products and services. What a great state park to visit. This handsome center near the south entrance is filled with all kinds of park memorabilia. You’ll find several interpretative signs on the way up, which explains all the different strata or layers. The climb sounds a bit scary but the views you photographed are fantastic! Required fields are marked *. Itasca State Park Lake Itasca, Minnesota United States. I’d love to climb the fire tower and visit the cemetery, I found them fascinating. Yes, I may or may not have heeded and I may or may not have fallen into the Mississippi River. In state and county parks and forests, visitors love their camper cabins. From the point, hikers can gaze upon Schoolcraft Island, where, on his short but fateful trip to the lake, the Indian agent had lunch, put up a flag and hurried off to fulfill the official purpose of his visit, which included vaccinating Ojibwe children for smallpox. Initially, they were used to help survey crew calculate distances and elevations. I started using Aunt Fannie’s products this year and absolutely love them. And worth hiking through masses of mosquitoes. By the boat landing, Itasca Sports rents canoes, kayaks, bikes, paddleboats and pontoon boats, and it sells fishing tackle, snacks and basic camping goods. As fate would have it, he became the second of only 14 people buried in Pioneer Cemetery – the same year it was established in 1898. Five miles of twisting and rolling paved bike path follow the East Arm of Lake Itasca, past Douglas Lodge, Preachers Grove and through Bear Paw Campground. Hiking is best in fall, when bugs are down and leaves change color. Here's how to keep your packing list short but still have what you need. I’m all about history, and Itasca State Park has a lot of stories to tell. After snow flies, visitors zip around Minnesota's beloved state park on skis and snowshoes. . I would love to do some trail running in this park. This park has been around for 125 years and is one of the best spots in Minnesota. For your convenience, Itasca Sports rents bikes for you to use on the many paved bike trails that the park has to offer. While he claimed it was an accident, Rust was tried for murder and acquitted – although McMullen’s friends were not convinced it was an accident. Be careful when many people, especially children, are using the bike path, whose ups and downs often obscure oncoming traffic. Itasca State Park Attractions Search Itasca State Park Attractions Keyword Specific Area Itasca is still Minnesota's own resort, the highlight of a summer. Note that while this interpretative center at Itasca State Park is open, the gift shop is currently closed due to the pandemic. Standing there next to the pine log, carved with yellow lettering to mark the start of the river’s journey, you can’t help but be impressed at just how far … But in 1891, the Legislature gave the people their first state park by one vote. Gibbs' last act as commissioner was ordering the logs for Douglas Lodge, a rustic but genteel hostelry that had its own post office until 1952. For skiing and snowshoeing, four state parks along I-35 are as up north as you need to be. And this list makes for a great gift guide for day hikers. Follow a hiking trail and set up camp for the night, enjoying the nature all around and having lots of fun adventures. Travel and discover new worlds and a new you on your next adventure. Free days in Minnesota and Michigan state parks. Before I get into the really cool stuff about the Mississippi River Headwaters – where you can actually walk or wade across where the great might river begins – a word of caution. "I've actually had people argue with me about it. Itasca State Park trail distances range from 80 feet to 9.4 miles. Kids can be amazed by the towering pine trees at Preacher's Grove, or visit the historic Itasca Indian Cemetery. Loved the memories this post brought back. Travel Insight by Theme Palace | Privacy policy, Top things to do at Itasca State Park: Minnesota State Park Challenge, Visit Itasca State Park – home of the Mississippi River Headwaters, Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center at Itasca State Park, Native American burial mounds at Itasca State Park, Great cardio workout and beautiful views at Itasca State Park’s 100-ft. Aiton Heights Fire Tower, Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center at Itasca State Park, Walk across the Mississippi River Headwaters, More than 30 hiking trails at Itasca State Park, Take the scenic route on Wilderness Drive, Other top things to do at Itasca State Park, Join me on my Minnesota State Parks Staycation Challenge, Pin it for later – Top things to do at Itasca State Park, Related posts: Top things to do in Minnesota, Minnesota state parks staycation challenge series:…, Minnesota's Minneopa State Park features bison,…, Interstate State Park at Taylors Falls, Minn.:…, Things to do in Central Park: a one-day itinerary. If you’d like to join me on my Minnesota State Parks Staycation Challenge (or create one for your state), check out my post for details. Cruises: Coborn's Lake Itasca Tours In the Upper Peninsula, a wilderness park rewards those who love snow. Mary Gibbs was a force of nature fighting to protect nature. This includes bird species like loons, grebes, cormorants, herons, ducks, owls, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets, vireos, tanagers, finches, and warblers. Minnesota looks like a great state to enjoy the outdoors! Summer months are the busiest; beginning of October is a great time to visit especially because of the fall foliage and fewer crowds. [+] You can walk across the headwaters, by bridge or on stones. The best outdoor activities in Lake Itasca according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Itasca State Park; Lake Itasca; Red Pine Trail; Landmark Interpretive Trail; Bison … That spring, with rising water threatening to swamp Itasca's pines, she asked loggers to open their dam gates to lower water levels, as required by law. Fortunately, there’s enough space for ample social distancing to get away from it all. Things worked out in the end — that is, it's hard to imagine how the public could adore Itasca State Park any more than it already does. Why was it so hard to find? Hotels near Itasca State Park; Hotels near Mississippi Headwaters; Hotels near Aiton Heights Fire Tower; Near Airports. Spend enough hours in the park, and you’re likely to see some deer, beaver, porcupine, black bears, and wolves as well. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park and the second oldest in the United States. Former hockey mom sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my latest book reviews and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese. Mississippi Headwaters; Nature & Parks in Lake Itasca. I’m not as agile as I once was apparently! It's best to stick to basics — the burgers, the salad bar, the roast pork or turkey dinners. (reservations required), Fishing – many fishing opportunities on the 1.8 square miles of Lake Itasca throughout the year – even ice fishing, Boat tours – narrated history and wildlife tour on a two-story 141-passenger excursion boat, I Can! In Wisconsin, the best walking trails are gifts from the glaciers. For those who are directionally challenged or don’t know weeds from flowers, check out my favorite day hiking apps. The first female park commissioner in North America, Gibbs stood up to loggers (even threatened her with a gun) to protect the park’s pine trees in 1903 – demanding that they lower the level of the water that had been dammed. What a beautiful part of Minnesota. And getting that state park historic designation was not easy. Lake Itasca. Sorry to hear you took a tumble while crossing the headwaters–I swear it was easier years ago, or maybe I was just younger haha . Here are just a few of the top historical and archaeological points of interest and things to do at Itasca State Park – ranked as one of the top MN state parks. Camping – cabins, tents, lodge, yurt, RVs, etc. Look for peak maple-basswood-birch colors this week and peak oak-aspen colors between the first and second weeks of October. They might have done them all in if it hadn't been for people like 24-year-old Mary Gibbs, who in 1903 became North America's first female park commissioner after the death of her father. Learn how your comment data is processed. Don't miss this narrated 1½-hour trip around the lake. According to the Pioneer Cemetery interpretative sign, McMullen and his friend Nelson Rust were illegally deer hunting in Itasca State Park. Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller. Things to Do in the Park Itasca State Park (dnr.state.mn.us) has an accessible fishing pier, playground and swimming beach on Lake Itasca, as well as boat and bike rentals. I’m not a fan of winter so don’t advise it unless you love the cold. This is a gussied-up version of the nascent Mississippi; in its natural state, it was a muddy swamp, before 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps crews revamped it with tons of rock and fill. And with more than 32,500 acres, it’s the second largest state park (second only to St. Croix State Park in Hinckley, Minn., which is 33,895 acres). Historic Walking Areas in Lake Itasca Resigned from the corporate world after 25+ years to take a blind leap of faith in focusing my energy on two of my passions: writing and traveling. In fact, every view seems to be so beautiful from the Mississippi headwaters to the view atop the fire tower. In Minnesota's early days, creating a park was no picnic. There are also fascinating attractions to see within the Itasca State Park, not just the general park activities. This area within Itasca State Park dates back 8,000 years in what’s known as the Early Eastern Archaic period. I did some unplanned trail running to escape the mosquitoes! There's no view, but the suites are attractively furnished and have cable TV, kitchenettes, WiFi and screened, concrete-floored porches. There's an Ojibwe birchbark lodge and a canvas tent with early camping supplies. Since the development of forest fire prevention, it’s necessary to intentionally start fires in red pine forests (called prescribed burnings) to remove shrubbery and open the tree canopy so sun can reach the ground. Spectacular scenery lies at guests’ feet in Backbone State Park. On the backside of the Itasca State Park map that you can download or obtain from the visitor center, heed that very first visitor tip: The headwaters rocks are slippery, use caution. Indeed, this placid pond is perhaps the park’s largest attraction. Getting there: It's 3½ to 4 hours north of the Twin Cities. Without a doubt, the most popular attraction at Itasca State Park is to walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Don't like to camp? The fire towers are cool – and a great workout! 22.17 miles. Minnesota snow depth and trail conditions, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, check out my favorite hiking products to bring along, A local’s guide to the most scenic drive in Minnesota: The North Shore along Lake Superior, Best places to visit in Minnesota for fall foliage, A local’s guide to the best lakes in Minnesota, A local’s guide to the best of the best lakes in the land of 10,000 lakes – Minnesota, A travel blogger’s confession: When I pretended to be a time traveler, Give the gift of travel and the gift of books: Travel gift guide and book gift guide, The best Minnesota hiking trails within 50 miles of the Twin Cities. There are more giant pines along the Nicollet Trail, which starts off Wilderness Drive near Elk Lake. Here’s where you can get all your Itasca State Park information and maps and look over the educational and historical exhibits. It's just as lovely in winter, when pine boughs are draped in snow and 13 miles of trails are groomed for skiing. I did! Peace Pipe Vista at Itasca State Park is located between Pioneer Cemetery and Preachers Grove, Preachers Grove in Itasca State Park is a beautiful area of 280-year-old pine trees, which began growing after a major forest fire in the 1710s. If you’re planning to stay closer to home this summer, join me on a State Parks Staycation Challenge. Here are the top five. I’d love to climb that fire tower – looks like you can get some great views and shots up there!! In spring, orchids and other wildflowers bloom along trails. Love the trails and the history, and the views from the fire tower are awesome! On Lake Michigan, a pioneering inventor transformed an island. Maine is so beautiful…I’m sure their state parks are stunning. This fire tower was a different experience from my first fire tower climb at St. Croix State Park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. To make the most of your visit to Itasca State Park and the Mississippi headwaters, reserve a campsite in the park. Things to do near Itasca State Park on Tripadvisor: See 122 reviews and 678 candid photos of things to do near Itasca State Park in Lake Itasca, Minnesota. If you’d rather go hiking, there are over 30 miles of trails within Itasca State Park’s unique old growth pine ecosystem. The list below includes 27 free or cheap things to do in or near Lake Itasca, Minnesota, including 28 different types of inexpensive activities like Hiking Trails, National & State Parks, Lake and Parks. In a provincial park wrapped by Lake Superior, campers exult in beauty. I only recommend products and services I use or would consider using myself. Early explorers also were fooled by the swamplike nature of the first 50 river miles; the river barely has a current after spring's high waters. . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From Gooseberry Falls, a single stretch of highway is packed with Nature's spectacles. Hiking, biking, fishing and boating are very popular recreational activities within Itasca State Park. Loving your posts about Minnesota and surrounds. Approximately 7–8,000 years ago, Native American hunters pursued wild animals for food in the Itasca State Park region. But as one of the new exhibits notes, Schoolcraft was simply one of the few explorers smart enough to ask someone who knew. Family fishing at Itasca State Park / Christy Bruggenthies The Douglas Lodge at Itasca State Park is one of the many places to stay near Bemidji Crossing the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park is a Bemidji-area tradition for many / Democratic Travelers Where the Mississippi River begins I’m learning so much about our state’s history while enjoying the beautiful scenery of our state parks in Minnesota. The Mall of America does offer a lot of variety, I’m definitely enjoying the great outdoors in Minnesota. Later, they were used to spot fires. A drought that year showed him that the five creeks flowing into Lake Itasca had nearly dried up, but the one flowing out stayed fairly constant. In May, Whitewater State Park is the place to find trout, morels and wildflowers. It's a two-mile loop, first passing across a bog on its way to the Old-Timer's Cabin, which a CCC crew built with four giant logs in the winter of 1933-34. So I’m challenging myself to see as many state parks as I can in 2020. While Itasca State Park offers 45 miles of hiking trails, you can also bike on a 16-mile paved and off-road paved trail or take a scenic drive along the 10-mile Wilderness Drive to reach many of the historical and nature sites. On the North Arm, it passes the Pioneer Cemetery, the beach and the 1893 ruins and replica of Theodore Wegmann's cabin and general store, where the early settler sold postcards, candy and ice cream to tourists. Thanks for sharing. Then help preserve it for the next generation. Under the new park commissioner, logging around Itasca continued for another 14 years. I definitely need to return for more than a day next time. I had no idea the Mississippi River headwaters were in Minnesota! I waited my turn as it only allows six at a time. Thank you so much. "It's hard to convince people the river flows north," an Itasca naturalist said. It’s only about 20 feet wide and no more than knee-deep so you can wade across. How cool would it be to see where the Mississippi River starts! Great pictures! Thank you…I’m all about history and discovering how little I know about the state I’ve lived in for the past 27 years. But most people at the headwaters are content to pick their way across the boulders that separate lake from river or to wade for a few yards through the pristine water. Nearby. The views were pretty amazing from the top of the fire tower…would love to return in the fall. Lt. Zebulon Pike said it was Leech Lake, Lewis Cass said it was Cass Lake and Giacomo Beltrami said it was Lake Julia. In spring, orchids and other wildflowers bloom along trails. All images are taken by kmf and available for digital download. In 1798, English surveyor David Thompson claimed it was Turtle Lake, near Bemidji. * With so much to explore, it’s one of the best MN state parks. Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox, Bemidji. 8105 Lost Lake Rd Nisswa, MN (218) 963-4790 Want to research more popular attractions in Itasca State Park? Sports rental: By the boat landing, Itasca Sports rents canoes, kayaks, bikes, paddleboats and pontoon boats, and it sells fishing tackle, snacks and basic camping goods. Cabins and guesthouses are cushy, but still in the middle of nature. That’s a common question I receive. Confession: I didn’t know the Mississippi River started in Minnesota! I didn’t want to get wet, but I ended up soaked (and fortunately no serious injuries other than a couple of bruises). Canoeists regularly get lost there. For more, see Itasca in winter. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming area or catch some rays on one of the deck chairs on the beach. The view from the top of the fire tower is a great reward! These are not just here for recreation, but for people to learn the history of their state. This is where the Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. One exception is the cemetery’s founder, William McMullen, who owned a small ranch and resort in Itasca. Someone ought to assert the rights of the state against such threatened destruction as has been attempted.". To help plan your hiking adventures at Itasca State Park, view and download the map from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. Not sure about the historical significance of Peace Pipe Vista, but it does offer a pretty trail among the trees and a viewing platform overlooking Lake Itasca. The Aiton Heights Fire Tower Trail includes a great view from the tower. This scenic park offers plenty to see and do. There's the Douglas Lodge's lady's-slipper china and its original guest book, with such comments as a 1924 entry: "For one who sees nothing but cornfields, the pines are a wonderful treat. Did you climb the tower? Sports rental: Looks beautiful! Today, the channel is lined with grasses and wildflowers, and pebbles cover its bottom. This park looks like a great place to explore with plenty of activities! It calls my name! Water levels went down, but soon logging lawyers got a court order to keep her away from the dam, and she resigned her post. This state park seems to have a lot of different things to do. Aiton Heights Fire Tower is one of only six decommissioned fire towers still standing in Minnesota (five of which you can climb when open – fire towers are currently closed due to the pandemic). This place looks beautiful. Designated as Minnesota’s first state park in 1891, Itasca State Park is regarded as the crown jewel of our state parks and the premier highlight of the Lake Country Scenic Byway. What an awesome resource for this park! What a great looking park. Otherwise, the red pines would be fighting for survival among other trees such as spruce, fir, maple and basswood. Itasca State Park is home to a great variety of wildlife. Thank you…I’m loving this state park challenge also. The best bet in winter are the 12 two-room Four-Season Suites, near Douglas Lodge in two buildings that sit on either side of a large asphalt parking lot. "No measure was ever more unreasonably harassed and opposed," wrote park founder Jacob Brower. That was super cool to see where the river gets its start – pretty symbolic on how great things have humble beginnings and you have to start somewhere. Highly recommend climbing the historic 100-ft. Aiton Heights Fire Tower for some great views of Itasca State Park above the tree canopy. Fireplace of States. After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the U.S. needed to fix its western boundaries, so the race was on to find the start of the Mississippi. Located within Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca, MN is a glacial lake of only about 1.8 square miles in area. Love the fact about the red pines and the controlled fires. Of all Minnesota's state parks, it has by far the most overnight visitors. This flowering weed may look pretty, but it bites. Fast forward about a century and the Native American (or Woodland people) remains were reburied in 10 burial mounds. I’d love to explore this area. That makes me happy to hear…lots of great hiking opportunities. Thanks. What a great state park! Itasca looks like the perfect place for a staycation and with clearly so much to explore. But they also join the pilgrimage to the source of the Mississippi, which draws people from around the world. Accommodations: Except for the Four-Season Suites, and five Bert's Cabins that stay open for the November deer-hunting season, park lodgings in the park close in October. Prettiest street in the Twin Cities: The historic and beautiful homes of Summit Ave. Top things to do at Itasca State Park: Minnesota State Park Challenge June 23, 2020 Itasca State Park is one of the best MN state parks for hiking, boating, fishing and camping – it’s also home to Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River Headwaters Visit Itasca State Park – home of the Mississippi River Headwaters This is the best way to see the park and to get from one place to another. 218-699-7251. It truly is a great state park to explore. "It's just one of those mile-marker, gotta-come-back kind of things.". See all kid friendly things to do in Lake Itasca on Tripadvisor. Coborn’s Lake Itasca Tours offers naturalist narrated boat tours to the … Wilderness Drive. For more, see Itasca in winter. All Rights Reserved But Itasca State Park is a wonderful place to visit in the winter, too. It was a little disturbing to learn that 800-year-old Native American burial mounds were partially excavated in the late 1800s at Itasca State Park. The Headwaters Cafe recently opened for walk-up window service only. On a cold winter's night, follow the twinkling lights. 30 miles south of Bemidji is the East entrance on Hwy 71, and 1/10 mile north on Hwy 200. Parks and tourist attractions to consider in the Itasca State Park, Minnesota area are listed below. Aiton Heights Fire Tower was one of six observation towers in Itasca. The fire tower is a workout with some amazing views. I’ve now been to 10 of the 66 Minnesota state parks. Itasca State Park is a beautiful nature area, and the Wilderness Drive around the park is a fantastic thing to do when you’re in the area. I’m loving your State Park Challange, such a fabulous idea! A lot of people are surprised that the Mississippi River begins in Minnesota. My pleasure…lots of great trails to explore. Log guest cabins also were built, and people on a budget could stay at the Bear Paw Campground, which still holds the ice house where campers stocked their coolers with lake ice packed in sawdust. It is really nice that the park is set up for all physical capabilities. I’m learning so much about Minnesota just from reading your blogs Karen! Henry Schoolcraft got the credit and concocted a name for the lake by putting together parts of two Latin words, verITAS CAput, or "true head.". This is exactly the type of place we love to explore; it’s definitely going on our bucket list! Sights & Landmarks in Lake Itasca. You’ll find several natural and historical exhibits under the portico outside the Mary Gribbs Mississippi Headwaters Center – a self-guided history tour from 8,000 years ago to the 17th century. I amazed at how much history there is to learn about each park. download the map from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. In northern Illinois, a state park draws crowds to its forest canyons and riverside cliffs. A lot of people are surprised the Mississippi River starts in Minnesota. Itasca State Park was originally formed by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. It's a weird concept.". It’s a shame how McMullen was killed. The direction in which the stream flowed had fooled everyone. A narrated tour on the Chester Charles is a good way to spot wildlife, especially bald eagles. And before you head out to do some day hiking at Minnesota state parks, check out my favorite hiking products to bring along. Every year, canoeists, kayakers and bicyclists start cross-country treks at the head-waters; once, a swimmer made the trip. Hotels near (MSP) St Paul Intl Airport; Hotels near (BJI) Bemidji Airport; All things to do in Lake Itasca; Things to do near Itasca State Park. Near the end of the drive, a half-mile gravel path leads to the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, which takes climbers above the treetops. They backed down and obeyed. Itasca State Park Park Drive Park Rapids MN 56470 . While Lake Itasca is well-known as the source of the Mississippi River (a lot of controversy on that topic I’ll save for another time), the park actually contains more than 150 lakes – most of them concealed under the dense forest. Itasca State Park, located just 22 miles north of Park Rapids, is 33,000 acres waiting for you to discover. Geologic Formations in Lake Itasca; State Parks in Lake Itasca; Hiking Trails in Lake Itasca; Bodies of Water in Lake Itasca; Popular Lake Itasca Categories. There are many things to see and do in the state park near the lake, including hiking, visiting historical sites such as the Indian Cemetery and Wegmann's Cabin, and camping. Ha! There are 11 hike-in campsites at some of the backcountry lakes, and two drive-in campgrounds with more than 250 RV and tent sites. Jun 11, 2020 - Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park. Here are a few other top things to do at Itasca State Park – the third most-visited state park in Minnesota. Interspersed with the steady narration is the Ojibwe point of view as well as Ojibwe words — migizi, eagle; shingobee, pine; manoomin, wild rice. May look pretty, but still in the United States but it bites from Itasca Minnesota! S Paisley Park, Minnesota area are listed below 1800s at Itasca State Park Tamarac... Cool would it be to things to do in itasca state park and do located within Itasca State Park was formed! 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