Itasca State Park
Overview
Lake Itasca ( eye-TASS-kə) is a small glacial lake, approximately 4.7 square kilometres (470 hectares; 1,200 acres) in area. It is located in Itasca State Park, in south-eastern Clearwater County, in the Headwaters area of north-central Minnesota, and is notable for being the headwater of the Mississippi River.
- Trails
- 24
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 49
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Amenities Available
- Park Building
- Pay Station
- Picnic Area
- Picnic Shelter
- Parking
- Swimming
- Fishing Pier
- Trailer Access
- Carry in Access
- Fish cleaning Shelter
- Rentals ( Boats, Canoe, Bike)
- Restaurant
- Historic Site
- Overlook
- Aiton Heights Fire Tower
- Play Area
- Lodging
- Group center
- Amphitheatre
- Council Ring
- Campground
- Group Camp
- Backpack Camping
- RV Sanitation Station
- Gift Shop
- Firewood
- RestRooms
- Primitive Toilet
- Drinking Water
- Pets Welcome
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Weather Warnings
Heavy Rains Expected
24 Jun, 2026
Strong Winds
25 Jun, 2026
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal Closure
22 Jun, 2026 - 25 Jun, 2026
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- There will be maintenance work going on on 24th june 2026 to 26th june 2026 in day time.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Nicollet Trail
DeSoto Trail
Interpretive Hiking
McKay Lake Crossover Trail
Bohall Wilderness Trail
Two Spot Trail
Dr Roberts Trail
Brower Trail
Hiking Club
Aiton Heights Trail
Mississippi Headwaters Trail
Mary Lake Trail
Myrtle Lake Crossover Trail
Eagle Scout Trail
Deer Park Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Okerson Heights Trail
Merschman-Thompson trail
DeSoto Lake Trail
Red Pine Trail
Main Park Drive
N Country Trail Spur
Ozawindib Trail
Sawmill Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Aiton Heights Fire Tower
Lookout Tower
1.9 mi
Douglas Lodge
Dormitory
2.7 mi
Douglas Lodge Fourplex
Dormitory
headwater is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tips: Best time to visit is 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
2.7 mi
Picnic Area
3.5 mi
East Entrance
Entrance / Exit
3.9 mi
North Entrance
Entrance / Exit
4.4 mi
South Entrance
Campus Gate
4.4 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Itasca State Park?
Itasca State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Itasca State Park?
Lake Itasca ( eye-TASS-kə) is a small glacial lake, approximately 4.7 square kilometres (470 hectares; 1,200 acres) in area.
Where is Itasca State Park located?
Itasca State Park is located in Park Rapids, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Itasca State Park?
Itasca State Park has 24 mapped trails. The longest is Main Park Drive at 15 miles.
What is there to see at Itasca State Park?
Places to see at Itasca State Park include Aiton Heights Fire Tower, Douglas Lodge, Douglas Lodge Fourplex, East Entrance, North Entrance, South Entrance and 7 more.
What facilities are available at Itasca State Park?
Facilities at Itasca State Park include Aiton Heights Fire Tower, Amphitheatre, Backpack Camping, Campground, Carry in Access, Council Ring, Drinking Water, Firewood and 22 more.
Is there parking at Itasca State Park?
Yes, Itasca State Park has parking (Parking).
Are there restrooms at Itasca State Park?
Yes, Itasca State Park has restrooms (Primitive Toilet and RestRooms).
Can I camp at Itasca State Park?
Yes, Itasca State Park has 9 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Camping and Group Camp.
What safety tips should visitors to Itasca State Park know?
There will be maintenance work going on on 24th june 2026 to 26th june 2026 in day time.
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