Ever wonder just where the Mississippi River starts? Well you're looking at the headwaters, located in Itasca State park, not too far south from Bemidji.
Our first stop was the visitors center, which did an excellent job of giving us a heads up on all the park has to offer. We were in for a big surprise! It is perhaps, the nicest state park we have visited, and is complete with lodging, camping, restaurants, hiking & biking trails, and way too much for us to see on this one day visit. Here are some of the photos of the interior of the Visitor's Center.
A short ride down the road took us to the Douglas Lodge.
Directly behind the lodge is the trail leading to Lake Itasca, where we get our first real glimpse of the lake, and find the official state flower, the Pink & White Lady's Slipper.
Driving further, we find another view of the Lake along with the hiking trail.
Finally, we come to the "Star" of the park, the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Located a few hundred feet from this center, it's an exciting event to finally see the "birth" of a river.
And here it is, not quite what I'd expected. How can something so undramatic turn into the mass known as the Mississippi River?
While Bob tip-toed over the head water, I stayed dry to ensure the safety of the new SLR camera.
By the entrance to the center, this beautiful bronze is standing, called Caretaker Woman, a sculpture by Jeff Savage.
Leaving the headwaters, we take the 11 mile wilderness drive. Here we find Beaver dams, old growth white and red pine, and dozens of other lakes.
Nearing the end of our drive, we come to the 1,000' Aiton Fire Tower. Yes, we both climbed the tower and have the pictures to show you!
The following is a slide show of some of our other pictures. Hope you enjoy!
For Itasca State Park:
Web SiteItasca State Park:
Visitor Guide emailItasca State Park: 218.266.2100
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