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 the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. 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.
Park Highlights:
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Historic Sites
Unique Ecosystem
Old Growth
Camping
Drive-in Sites 223 Sites
Located in two campgrounds
Electric Sites 160 sites
Located in both the park's campgrounds.
RV Length Limit 60 Feet
Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites 4 sites
There are two sites located in Bear Paw Campground and two sites in the Pine Ridge Campground.
Backpack Sites 11 sites
Sites are 1-5 miles from parking area.
Cart-in Sites 11 sites
Located in Bear Paw Campground. Carts are available to haul gear to campsites located 100-500 feet from parking area.
Group Camp 1 Site - Accommodates up to 50 people
Elk Lake Group Camp - Hand pump for water, vault toilets and a small, screened shelter building are available. Tents, trailers, campers and RVs are permitted with limited space.
Trails
Summer
Wheelchair Accessible 1.5 Miles
Accessible trails include the Headwaters Loop Trail, Doctor Roberts Trail that takes you to the Old Timer's Cabin and the self guided trail at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.
Self Guided 3.25 Miles
A trail guide for the Dr. Roberts Trail is available for purchase at the gift shops. Landmark trail has interpretive signs throughout. The trail at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, the Forestry Demonstration Trail and the Blowdown Trail are also self-guided trails. The Aiton Heights Fire Tower includes interpretive information and signs.
Hiking 49 Miles
Trails take you through some of the most scenic parts of the park.
Paved Bike 16 Miles
A 6 mile paved trail connects Douglas Lodge with the Mississippi River headwaters. Bikers can also share an addtional 10 miles on the Wilderness Drive Loop with automobiles.
Boardwalk Accessible
Trail below Douglas Lodge that runs to the Old Timer's Cabin is an accessible boardwalk. This portion is part of the Dr. Roberts Trail. Great for orchid viewing during spring/summer.
Winter
Cross Country Skiing 13 Miles
Easy to difficult trail. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing.
Snowmobile 31 miles
Trails circle the perimeter of the park and connect with other trails that lead to Park Rapids, Walker, Bemidji, Bagley, Mahnomen and Detroit Lakes.
Snowshoe Anywhere in park
Trails for snowshoeing include; Dr. Roberts, Schoolcraft, Brower, Mary Lake, LaSalle, or anywhere in the park, except groomed trails and roads.
Recreation Facilities
Summer
Picnic Area Lake Itasca
Located on the lake between the Headwaters area and swimming beach. Includes: picnic shelter, bathrooms and play area.
Picnic Shelter Open Shelter
Has electricity and is available for rent by calling the park.
Playground Adjacent to Swimming Beach
Accessible. Includes: swings, slides, climbers and bouncers.
Volleyball Adjacent to Swimming Beach
Pick up equipment at Itasca Sports Rental.
Winter
Warming House Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
A warming area and restrooms are located in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and is open 24 hours during peak winter season. The visitor center has a gift shop and many interpretive displays open during regular business hours.
Water
Fishing Pier Accessible
Located on Lake Itasca and Ozawindib Lake.
Swimming Beach Within the park
Located on Lake Itasca.
Boat Access Throughout the park
Lake Itasca, Ozawindib Lake, Elk Lake and Mary Lake.
Boating Restrictions Speed Limit Restrictions
On all lakes within the park.
