Mississippi Headwaters—Minnesota

Interactive Map

Planning Tips

  1. I stayed at Itasca State Park, which is the most convenient and has a large campground. There are also other nearby state parks.

  2. Minnesota state parks can be reserved 120 days in advance.

  3. This is probably a long-weekend or midweek trip.

  4. Bemidji and Park Rapids are about the same distance and same size towns. Park Rapids is a better choice for services and entertainment.

Highlights

This is a great short trip, if only to see where the Mississippi River begins. Itasca State Park has a few other things to see, which include the picturesque Lake Itasca shoreline an I recommend seeing the view atop the Aiton Heights Lookout tower. Otherwise, this is just a pretty relaxed place to while away a few days.

The state park has a nice series of hiking and bike trails. Paddling or fishing on the lakes and streams are other available activities. Bikes and canoes or kayaks can be rented in the park.

In season, Park Rapids offers a number of different entertainment options and Bemidji has a Giant Paul Bunyan statue for photo ops.

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Itasca Average Temperatures and Rainfall