Top Things to do in Lake Itasca
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The 6 Best Nature & Parks in Lake Itasca, Lake Itasca
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Itasca, United States including Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca, Preacher's Grove, Landmark Interpretive Trail, Red Pine Trail, Bison Kill Site.
1. Itasca State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 406kathleenw - Eagan, United States
Itasca State Park is one of the gems in northern Minnesota. Home to Lake Itasca, it is over 32,000 acres of forest and lakes that are connected by a web of hiking trails and roads. Our favorite time to visit has been fall, but it is beautiful all year round. There is a rich story that the park tells in the museums, buildings built by the CCC and the interpretive center. The park offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and biking. The historic lodge is beautiful and houses a restaurant with a view of the lake. The lodge and restaurant are only open May through September and the rooms in the lodge do not have private bathrooms. However, there are many options for lodging that offer a variety of amenities. The staff throughout the park are very friendly and the everything is very clean. Our favorite parts of the park are the beautifully preserved historic buildings and cabins, the biking trails, and the very well done interpretive center. Our most recent stay lasted a week and we always feel as though we could have spent a few more days.
2. Lake Itasca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Located at Itasca State Park, this is where the Mississippi River begins its passage to the Gulf of Mexico.
Reviewed By DSP_MPS_Gmail - Point Lookout, United States
We rented a pontoon for the day and took in all the sites that Itasca had to offer. A bit windy that day, but with the different arms and coves the lake offered plenty of shelter and shade when we needed it. Fishing was sporadic at best, but still landed some nice ones.
3. Preacher's Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Site at Itasca State Park where a religious group once camped.
Reviewed By meinoly
This is one of the nicer red pine groves at Itasca, and it's right by the road. It's a 5-minute stop. If you like it, go on the Wilderness Drive, which has pines that are about equally scenic, but much more abundant.
4. Landmark Interpretive Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Itasca State Park's self-guided trail complete with signs.
5. Red Pine Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Located in Itasca State Park, this path winds through large Norway pines.
Reviewed By 27kevink - Bismarck, United States
This trail is simply beautiful. We hiked it after the first snow and it was awesome getting to see a different perspective of the park. All of the trees had lost their leaves so you could see so much further into the forest. There was wildlife running around and snowflakes falling on you. We will definitely be back in the summer to see it from a different perspective but this was ultra cool in the fall.
6. Bison Kill Site
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 6 reviews
Discovered in the 1930's this area contained over 2000 animal bones and other artifacts.
