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Park Rapids, MN
Change City

Itasca State Park

36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470

218-699-7251

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:CampingFishingHikingHistoric SitesUnique EcosystemOld GrowthCampingDrive-in Sites 223 SitesLocated in two campgroundsElectric Sites 160 sitesLocated in both the park's campgrounds.RV Length Limit 60 FeetLength is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.Wheelchair Accessible Sites 4 sitesThere are two sites located in Bear Paw Campground and two sites in the Pine Ridge Campground.Backpack Sites 11 sitesSites are 1-5 miles from parking area.Cart-in Sites 11 sitesLocated 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 peopleElk 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.TrailsSummerWheelchair Accessible 1.5 MilesAccessible 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 MilesA 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 MilesTrails take you through some of the most scenic parts of the park.Paved Bike 16 MilesA 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 AccessibleTrail 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.WinterCross Country Skiing 13 MilesEasy to difficult trail. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing.Snowmobile 31 milesTrails 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 parkTrails for snowshoeing include; Dr. Roberts, Schoolcraft, Brower, Mary Lake, LaSalle, or anywhere in the park, except groomed trails and roads.Recreation FacilitiesSummerPicnic Area Lake ItascaLocated on the lake between the Headwaters area and swimming beach. Includes: picnic shelter, bathrooms and play area.Picnic Shelter Open ShelterHas electricity and is available for rent by calling the park.Playground Adjacent to Swimming BeachAccessible. Includes: swings, slides, climbers and bouncers.Volleyball Adjacent to Swimming BeachPick up equipment at Itasca Sports Rental.WinterWarming House Jacob V. Brower Visitor CenterA 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.WaterFishing Pier AccessibleLocated on Lake Itasca and Ozawindib Lake.Swimming Beach Within the parkLocated on Lake Itasca.Boat Access Throughout the parkLake Itasca, Ozawindib Lake, Elk Lake and Mary Lake.Boating Restrictions Speed Limit RestrictionsOn all lakes within the park.

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