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WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI’S HEADWATERS

Minnesota’s oldest state park – Itasca State Park – was established on April 20, 1891 to preserve the old growth pine trees that were in danger of being logged.

More than half a million people visit Itasca State Park every year to see the giant pines and wade across the headwaters of the Mississippi River State Water Trail.

Park Rapids is the undisputed Gateway to Itasca State Park and the south entrance is a 22-mile drive from Park Rapids north on Hwy. 71. The east entrance is only a couple miles farther north of the south entrance, and then another mile or so west on Hwy. 200 – you’ll find it easily at the junction of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 200.

EXPLORING THE PARK

Itasca State Park encompasses Lake Itasca, the official source of the Mississippi River, and a scenic area of northern Minnesota that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state.

Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes.

Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota’s seven National Natural Landmarks.

CROSSING THE HEADWATERS

The headwaters of the mighty Mississippi It’s hard to imagine America’s greatest river as a burble, but if you venture to the Mississippi headwaters in Itasca State Park, you will be able to wade across Huck Finn’s favorite river as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the

Gulf of Mexico.

The Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center offers outdoor displays, a restaurant and gift shop.

There are plenty of other activities to do at the park, including taking an excursion boat on Lake Itasca, exploring along Wilderness Drive, biking or hiking along more than 30 miles of designated trails, fishing in one of the many lakes, observing the wild flowers in season as well as birding.

For more information about the park events and schedules, call Itasca State Park headquarters at 218-699-7251, email itasca.statepark@state.mn.us or go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ itasca/index.html.

THE STATELY NORWAY PINE GREETS VISITORS

The Ojibwe refer to Norway, or red pines, as “grandfathers.”

When people think of the northwoods, they often think of the towering red pine.

In 1953, it became the official state tree of Minnesota in recognition of its important role in the state’s history, economy and environment. More than a century ago, loggers cut red pines and sent the logs downriver to build houses and businesses.

It’s called a red pine because of the pale red color of its heartwood and the reddish tint of its bark.

Their needles are four to six inches long and grow in pairs. Red pines typically reach heights of 60 to nearly 150 feet. They can live to be about 400 years old.

Itasca State Park has one of the state’s largest stands of Norway pines – about 5,000 acres. The park once was home to the state’s tallest red pine, towering more than 120 feet tall and more than 300 years old. It was blown down during a severe windstorm in 2007.