Adventures in Itasca State Park

Of all the state parks one has visited so far this one gets a medal. It is over 32,500 acres, and includes not only the beginning of the Mississippi River but large traces of Minnesota’s remaining old-growth red and white pine forest. It was established in 1891, had a stormy history involving logging that eventually got resolved in 1922. Lake Itasca was determined to be the headwaters of the Mississippi River by Jacob V. Browser the founder of the park.  

The park had clearly many improvements made incrementally over the years. In particular there is a superb paved bike path. It is used year round and even has a separate map for the winter (cross country skiing and snowmobiling).

Unfortunately it was raining on Monday morning, however we set out, suitably geared, in light rain. We cycled to the headwater site and then down to Douglas Lodge where there was a restauraunt. By this time there was torrential rain and we were glad to stop for a bowl of soup and share a bison burger. The bike back to the RV was in heavy rain and we were glad of a hot shower. We cycled about 15 KM.