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 …
Reviews
Tripadvisor
4.8/5 · 559 reviews
5-star
77%
4-star
11%
3-star
5%
2-star
2%
1-star
5%
Recent reviews
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Nov 23, 2024
It's super pretty, and there are so many things to do. It is very exciting and entertaining the whole time you're there. There are so many plants and there are a lot of nice trails. I think it's best…Full review by Roving37862673328
Oct 19, 2024
I was here when I was a kid, about 65 years ago, and I visited with my wife and kids in the 70's, and finally on my own (widower) this year, 2024. Other than there now being a visitors center, not …Full review by F4981JCmichaels
Sep 18, 2024
This is a really cool park. It is so amazing to see the headwaters of the Mississippi River! It is especially neat to see for us as we live in St. Louis where the river looks nothing like it does her…Full review by vorktravel
which campground is better? Bear Paw or "the pines" campground? Any input would be appreciated! It will be just my husband and I. Looking forward to walking the trails, and seeing the sites! Thanks!!
A:
My husband and I camped at Bear Paw in a wonderful cabin and it was AWESOME!! There are many trails to explore and beautiful areas to take great photos & selfies....very quiet …
My husband and I camped at Bear Paw in a wonderful cabin and it was AWESOME!! There are many trails to explore and beautiful areas to take great photos & selfies....very quiet and serene....
Is it worth the drive up from St Paul for the night? We're attending a wedding on a Friday night and considering driving up Saturday morning and spending the afternoon there, before returning back to St Paul for a flight Sunday afternoon. We're most interested to see the headwaters but is there enough else to do there for the day? Seems like the Douglass Lodge is nice, but any other places nearby to stay? Thanks!
A:
The headwaters are a fun place to visit, to see the start of the mighty Mississippi and walk in the water. There is a daily fee of $7. Other lodging options in Park Rapids but it’s fun to …
The headwaters are a fun place to visit, to see the start of the mighty Mississippi and walk in the water. There is a daily fee of $7. Other lodging options in Park Rapids but it’s fun to stay in the historic lodge. Also keep in mind the drive time is 3.5-4 hours each way. I personally wouldn’t want to be driving from there to the airport for an afternoon flight the same day. Sounds stressful. Currently there is construction around the airport causing delays with detours too. Hope this is helpful.
Are there paved bike trails throughout the park? Which campground is better to stay in with an RV? Which campground are the headwaters located in? How much does a campsite for an RV cost per night?
A:
Yes, there are MANY paved trails. You can check prices & reserve a campsite via the MN DNR website. You will have to select your park & dates. We stayed at Bear Paw …
Yes, there are MANY paved trails. You can check prices & reserve a campsite via the MN DNR website. You will have to select your park & dates. We stayed at Bear Paw campground at Itasca, which is closer to the lodge and visitor center. Pine Ridge campground is closer to the swimming beach, if that matters to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is an aquatic management area?
A:
Aquatic management areas (AMAs) may be established to protect, develop, and manage lakes, rivers, streams, and adjacent wetlands and lands that are critical for...
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