Itasca State Park

As we hit the road, leaving behind the beauty of Voyageurs National Park, a sense of melancholy mixed with excitement washed over us. Wouldn’t you know it? The sky finally cleared, blessing us with a sunny farewell. We had reached the northernmost point of our summer journey, and now it was time to start our trek southward. As we told our kids we were finally headed home, their joyful shouts and cheers echoed through the phone. Clearly, they missed us as much as we missed them! Fear not, fellow travelers; the journey back promises as many weeks of adventure as the journey here.

The drive to our next campground painted a picturesque scene as we navigated through the remote wilderness. Grammi noted that we hadn’t seen another soul for over an hour. As we rolled into the outskirts of a small, quaint town, the TPMS alarm suddenly blared, alerting us to yet another broken valve stem—the third one on this trip! Thankfully, a nearby church with a spacious parking lot provided the perfect spot to change the tire.

You might wonder why we’ve had so many valve stem issues. Well, they’re about five years old, and the added weight and vibration from the monitoring caps likely took a toll. Ideally, we should have steel valve stems, but finding them has been quite the challenge. I managed to snag one, but the rest will have to wait until we’re back home.

After checking in at Itasca State Park, we went to fill our freshwater tank because our site was an electric-only site. However, a few missed turns had us towing our camper along the narrow, winding Wilderness Road, adding another thirty minutes to our already long day of driving. After blaming my navigator for the detour, I decided to check the map myself. It turns out the friendly lady who gave us directions had mistakenly highlighted the wrong spot on the map. Oops! I had to apologize to my navigator.

Sprawling across 32,000 acres and boasting over 100 lakes, Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park. It’s best known as the birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River. The river begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico at Lake Itasca, flowing over rocks and creating a gentle set of rapids. Here, the river is mere inches deep and between 20 to 30 feet wide, making it one of the few places along its path where I would dare to cross. They say it takes a drop of water 90 days to travel from the headwaters to the Gulf. Imagine what an adventure that journey would be!

The park offers fantastic biking trails that crisscross through its beautiful landscape. Nearly everywhere we went, we traveled by bike, and of course, we had to ride to the headwaters first. It was the busiest spot in the park, drawing crowds eager to stand in the Mississippi River. We noticed a sign indicating a live camera feed, so we texted our kids to let them know. Before long, they texted back, saying they could see us waving. How cool is that?

The beautiful blue sky, dotted with clouds resembling little cotton balls, reflected across the lake. A gentle breeze caressed our faces. The trickling water was clean and clear as a glass of drinking water, though it probably wouldn’t be wise to drink it. Its temperature was a little cool but not unbearable.

Like most others, we waded across the river. There, we found a flat rock on the opposite side to sit. It was a magical place. Everyone around us was jubilant, playful, and laughing aloud. We felt as if we could sit there forever watching the euphoric scene before us.

We waded downstream through knee-deep water, slipping away from the bustling crowd. In the solitude, I reflected on how the meager beginnings of this legendary river, taking the path of least resistance and aided by its many tributaries, grows ever stronger into an unstoppable force of nature. Much like our own life’s journey, it starts with humble origins and evolves with the support of others along the way. Each bend and obstacle we encounter shapes our direction, carving a unique path for each of us.

Mississippi River

Standing in the mighty Mississippi

Though the Mississippi headwaters are the big attraction, there are so many other things to see and do at Itasca State Park. It would take days, if not weeks, to explore all the park has to offer. We explored many of the places on our bikes.

The extensive network of trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing provide a means for exploring. The park boasts over 45 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to serene lakeshores. There are 8.5 miles of paved biking trails that connect to the one-way Wilderness Trail creating a 15.5-mile loop.

In addition to the pleasure of hiking and biking, Itasca State Park is a haven for water-based activities. Lake Itasca and its surrounding lakes offer excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and boating. Anglers can try their luck at catching walleye, northern pike, and bass, while paddlers can explore the calm waters and take in the serene surroundings. Boat rentals are available at the Itasca Sports Rental Concession, making it easy for visitors to get out on the water and enjoy a peaceful day of exploration.

This big snapper turtle swam under the fishing pier.

For those interested in the park’s natural history, the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center provides a wealth of information and interactive exhibits. Named after the park’s founder, the center offers insights into the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. It’s a great starting point for visitors to learn about the unique ecosystems within the park and the ongoing efforts to preserve its natural beauty.

Among the lodging options, there are campgrounds, cabins, and the historic Douglas Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1905, this rustic lodge provides a cozy retreat with modern amenities. It offers rooms, suites, and cabins, each equipped with comfortable furnishings. Guests can relax in the charming lobby next to a large stone fireplace or enjoy an afternoon rocking on the front porch while looking across the lake, followed by a meal at the Douglas Lodge Dining Room.

Itasca State Park is far more than the birthplace of the Mississippi River. With its diverse range of activities, stunning landscapes, and rich history, the park offers something for everyone. We loved our time here exploring the park by bike. It was a perfect blend of peaceful retreat combined with unforgettable memorable experiences. It is an impressive state park and has quickly become one of our all-time favorites.

Until next time—happy days and safe travels.