Inaugurated in 1891 Itasca, is the oldest provincial park in Minnesota and the second oldest State Park in the United States trailing Niagara Falls. Itasca State Park covers over 32,000 acres featuring over 100 lakes. Itasca State Park is where the iconic Mississippi River starts it’s a 2552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Itasca State Park is supremely pristine in every season of the year. You are bound to see the most picturesque environments all year round.
Moreover, you will have plenty to do in terms of outdoor activities and naturalist programs available in all seasons. Itasca State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the best that Minnesota has to offer. For generations, people have been coming here and leaving with a whole new perspective and outlook on the great beauty of the United States.
The Accommodations Near Itaska
Itasca State Park houses more than 200 campsites it is located near the Mississippi headwaters and houses the legendary Douglas lodge. This amazing State Park includes rooms for all occasions such as guest rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms and offices. The daily rate for a lodge starts from 85 dollars and goes up to $500. And every dollar is worse the unique experience of this park. the campgrounds are pet-friendly and offer amenities such as kitchens, hot showers, flush toilets and are accessible. There are 22 tents only sites within Itasca State Park as well as 237 overall number of campsites within the park. In the winter, however, the overall number of campsites reduces to 12. Guests and visitors have the choice of daily rentals and weekly rentals. To preserve the pristine and untouched nature of the environment Itasca State Park practices some green policies such as waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. State Park emphasizes energy efficiency and conservation.
Visitor Centers
One of the most popular attractions is the Mary Gibbs Mississippi headwaters center. You can take a short walk to the headwaters of the Mississippi River located very close to the center. There is even an onsite with shops and cafes where you can grab a memorable souvenir and a delicious sandwich. Not located too far is the Jacob Brower visitor center which is open all year round. This visitor center includes features like an information booth exhibits which provide an educational background and an interactive area for the children to play in. If you have any questions, be sure to stop by one of the information and services desks where friendly park staff will be more than eager to help you. If that’s not enough the visitor centers also act as a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can always be connected and share your memorable photos instantly.
Historic Douglas Lodge
By far the most historic landmark in the park is the Douglas lodge. This historic building has been in Itasca State Park since its construction in 1905. A beautiful and serene front yard provides an area to rest under the shadows of the pine trees. You will be welcomed to the center with the huge stone fireplace. If you get hungry there is a restaurant that provides favorites made from classic Minnesota ingredients which will be served in a brightly lit dining room surrounded by views of the pristine environment.
Climate
If you are planning your trip during the wintertime, then be sure to wear something very warm and comfortable because the average minimum temperature for Itasca State Park is around minus 4 Fahrenheit. If you are planning a trip during summer, then you will be welcomed with pleasant temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca nearby is a popular area for activities during the summer in Minnesota with around 500,000 visitors in 2006. Some of the activities you can partake in are canoeing, fishing, boating, and kayaking. It is worth mentioning that if you are found without any of the equipment necessary to enjoy these activities there are always shops nearby where you can purchase them.
The best time to visit Itasca State Park is undoubtedly the fall season. This is the season where all the beautiful colors are visible among the various trees throughout the park. Perfect for taking pictures to show off to your colleagues. The park offers 30 miles of gorgeous hiking trails that you wish would never end. If you do decide to go in the winter, then you could still visit League Itasca and check out the ice fishing and snowmobiles that you can use for transport.
Hiking is a must-do activity if you ever visit Itasca State Park. Itasca is the habitat for over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, ducks, owls, woodpeckers, finches, loons (the State bird) and many more. Amongst these birds, there are also over 50 species of mammals which include Beaver, Black bears, porcupines, and the beautiful and rare Timberwolves. To take full advantage of this huge ecosystem, the Itasca biological station, and labs (IBSL) host an orientation program by the Lake which allows the research of the diverse and pristine environment.