Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park
Park Rapids, MN
At Lake Itasca you can walk across the Mississippi River on stepping stones where it leaves the lake. The park, Minnesota’s oldest, also has old-growth red pines and a scenic Wilderness Drive; a vehicle permit is required.
Itasca State Park near Park Rapids in northwestern Minnesota is where the Mississippi River begins. Lonely Planet describes the source as a tiny stream that visitors can wade through or cross on a few stepping stones. The park was founded in 1891 and is Minnesota's oldest state park.
From here the Mississippi flows about 620 miles (roughly 1,000 km) through Minnesota; the Great River Road follows the river for 565 miles. The park covers about 32,000 acres (roughly 130 square kilometers) with more than 100 lakes, 49 miles (about 79 km) of hiking trails and a lookout tower at Aiton Heights. There is camping, lodge accommodation, boat rental and dining.
For road trippers: the park is less than 30 minutes from Park Rapids; a state park vehicle permit is required. According to Explore Minnesota, campsites can be reserved up to 120 days ahead. Please check prices and openings beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Park Rapids, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.2396, -95.2074
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Pine Ridge CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State ParkTentsElectricity
- Long Lake CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State ParkElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- La Salle Lake State Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park · 39 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWi-Fi
- Little Elbow Lake CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park
- Bagley City Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Jack Pines Resort CampgroundMotorhome stopover22 mi from Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park?
Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park is in Park Rapids, MN, at GPS 47.2396, -95.2074. It is about 22 mi from Bemidji.
Can you camp near Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pine Ridge Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park?
Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Up the Mississippi to its source at Lake Itasca.
What is there to see near Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox (22 mi), Bonanzaville (84 mi), Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site (97 mi) and Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View (107 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)