WHERE IS THE MISSISSIPPI
RIVER IN MINNESOTA? 

At its humble beginnings at Itasca State Park, the Mississippi River flows 694 miles across the state before leaving Minnesota. It is the fourth-longest river in the world and the largest on the continent. In Minnesota, the river flows through multiple cities and towns, lakes, valleys, bluffs, prairies and woodlands.  

For the ultimate road trip, follow the Great River Road, which follows the river and spans 565 miles through 43 communities. Visit Bemidji, Grand Rapids, the Brainerd Lakes area, Little Falls, St. Cloud, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Red Wing, Wabasha-Kellogg, Lake City, and Winona. 

It’s also popular to follow the river along the Mississippi River Trail, which winds roughly 620 miles downriver from its source at Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. The trail is largely located on the shoulders of paved and low-traffic roads and includes long segments of scenic state and regional trails. 

Itasca State Park is in Park Rapids, Minnesota. It is Minnesota’s oldest state park, established in 1891 and is Minnesota’s third-most visited state park. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota's state parks. Save time by ordering one online before you arrive at the park.  

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO
DO AT ITASCA STATE PARK? 

Itasca State Park is one of Minnesota’s largest state parks, with 32,000 acres and over 100 lakes to explore. After you spend some time at the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, other popular activities include exploring the park's 49 miles of excellent hiking trails, boating or fishing on one of the park's 100 lakes, and climbing the Aiton Heights observation tower for an eagle's-eye view of the hardwood forest, and more. 

Grab a bite to eat at the historic Douglas Lodge or Mary Gibbs Café in the park. You can rent kayaks, bikes, pontoons, canoes, and more at Itasca Sports.  

Itasca State Park is also a popular spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in the winter. Don’t miss their annual luminary event. 

WHAT IS NEAR
ITASCA STATE PARK? 

Itasca State Park is less than 30 minutes from downtown Park Rapids, one of Minnesota’s most charming main streets, which features Greet and Gather, Blu North Boutique, The Trading Post, Molly Poppin’s Gourmet Snacks, The Good Life Café, Revel Brewing, Minnesoda Fountain, and more.  

Looking for something a little more extreme? Test your limits at the Character Challenge Course, where you can go zip-lining, go on a ropes course, and more. For family fun, play a round of mini-golf at the western-themed Birdie’s Mini Golf.  

Itasca State Park is also 40 minutes from Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji. 

Find more things to do in Bemidji.  

WHERE CAN I CAMP IN
ITASCA STATE PARK? 

Itasca State Park has more than 200 campsites, including drive-in, electric, RV, backpack, cart-in, group, and cabin sites. You can also stay at Douglas Lodge or the Headwaters Inn.  

You can make a camping or lodging reservation up to 120 days before your arrival date, and it is highly recommended. Same-day reservations with no reservation fee are available, whether you're booking your site from home, from the road, or even from the park. 

If you’re looking for reservations, the Minnesota State Parks system has a helpful system online that’ll allow you to book a specific campsite or cabin.   

Learn more about camping in Minnesota. 

CAN I TAKE MY DOG TO
ITASCA STATE PARK? 

Yes, you can take your dog to Minnesota’s state parks. If your dog is hiking with you, keep it on a leash and clean up afterward.  

Learn more about dog-friendly travel ideas in Minnesota.