Itasca State Park

A towering giant at Itasca.

A sign marks the beginning of the Mississippi River's journey.

Lake Itasca, off State Route 71, is famous as the birthplace of the Mississippi River and for the old-growth red and white pine forests in the park.

The 32,000-acre state park offers more than 100 lakes with outstanding boating and fishing, and a wilderness sanctuary. The park's natural and cultural history is exhibited at the visitor center.

There are extensive trails in the park, one of the most spectacular leads to Bohall Lake. Twenty-seven varieties of orchids grow along the forest path. There is a 16-mile bike trail loop, which dips into an ancient stand of Norway and white pines.

The paved path on the western edge of the park reaches around a 2,000-acre wilderness area past lakes, towering pine groves and an ancient bison kill site.

A privately-owned excursion boat offers interpretive tours on Lake Itasca.

Most overnight visitors to the park camp out at Pine Ridge and Bear Paw Campgrounds.

Historic Douglas Lodge is open Memorial Day Weekend through early October for lodging and dining.