Minnesota's Itasca State Park
Source of the Mississippi River has a Rich History, Highlights
Sep 2, 2008
Itasca State Park in Northern Minnesota is often referred to as the "gem" of Minnesota's 72 State Parks. It's not hard to see why. Founded in 1891, it was the state's first state park (and only the second in the entire U. S.). At more than 36,000 acres it is by far the largest of the state parks (larger than some national Parks). But Itasca's real claim to fame is the fact that the lake for which the park is named --Lake Itasca-- is the source of the Mississippi River, America's greatest (and --with its tributary Missouri River-- fourth longest in the world). That's a lot of superlatives.
Early History of Itasca State Park
Although French and Spanish explorers had been searching for the source since the late 17th century, it was American explorer Henry Schoolcraft who finally "discovered" the great river's source in 1832. Schoolcraft was guided by "Ozawindib" of the Anishinabe tribe, the Native Americans having been familiar with the source for some time.
In the late 1800s, historian & anthropologist Jacob Brower was part of a land survey in the Lake Itasca vicinity when he became distressed by the area's transformation caused by heavy logging. Largely through his efforts and his belief that such an historic place needed to be preserved for future generations, Itasca State Park was founded on April 20, 1891.
One of the time-honored traditions for most Minnesotans (as well as many of the other half million visitors per year) is the "crossing of the Mississippi." The Mighty River begins as little more a trickle out of the North end of Lake Itasca. A series of well-placed boulders allows the adventurous visitor to literally hop across the 25-foot wide river. 2, 550 miles downstream, beyond New Orleans, the massive, nearly mile-wide river empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Itasca Highlights: Trails, Wildlife, Fall Colors
Beyond the superlatives and its rich history, Itasca State Park has much more to offer those who spend the time to explore. 33 miles of trails lead through old growth forests of virgin red and norway pine, some 200 years old. Wildlife, including the Bald Eagle, black bear and grey wolf abound. Several of the more than 100 lakes are great for walleye, northern pike and panfish fishing.
Besides two campgrounds with 225+ campsites, there are several WPA & CCC-built rustic log cabins for rent. The park offers regular interpretive programs throughout the summer months, and periodically during the remainder of the year. Not to be missed is the historic log Douglas Lodge. Built in 1905, it has both accommodations and a full service restaurant serving local Walleye. There are few better spots in the upper midwest to enjoy the changing of the autumn leaves. Colors generally peak in late September, but can be monitored at the Minnesota DNR Fall Colors website.
Point of Interest
The name "Itasca" --while it rings of the many Native American-named places in this part of the country (Dakota, Bemidji, Minnesota)-- is actually a unique combination of Latin words: "Veritas"(truth) & "Caput"(head). Hence, verITAS CAput, reflecting the true source of the Mississippi River.
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