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    Itasca State Park-Park Headquarters

    4.8 (41 reviews)

    Itasca State Park-Park Headquarters Photos

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    Headwaters
    Paul V.

    What a great state park! There is so much to do, but much of it in little pieces such that you can choose your own adventure and spend a short amount of time or multiple days hiking and biking. I ended up spending most of a day and could easily (and would like to!) go back to hike some of the longer trails or bike on the trail that winds through the park. Aside from the main attraction - the headwaters of the Mississippi River - there are a number of historical site, scenic overlooks, and side trails to fit whatever mood and ability you have, including a pioneer cemetery, trails with historic pines, the visitor center with some history of the area, and the fire tower if you're up for climbing some steps. Taking the walk up to the top of the tower was worth it as the view from the spectacular above the treetops, which is hard to get to in a park with this massive of a forest. Even just taking a slow drive along the main wilderness drive was so pretty over and over.

    Kristyn M.

    Beautiful park. Well kept from what we stopped and saw. Nature is amazing and we got to see some cool stuff. Walked around in the water and headwaters of the Mississippi.

    Visitor center.
    John S.

    We are blessed in Minnesota with spectacular state parks and Itasca will rank among the best. It would take more than a few days to really explore all this vast park has to offer. So in a few hours we can see the Mississippi Headwaters and take a drive through on the scenic road ending with views of White Pines and then Red Pines, trees that are no longer common. The visitor center is large and there is an array of gifts available along with maps and friendly advice.

    Molly M.

    Minnesota's oldest state park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River, majestic mature trees, gift shops with Itasca items, a paved bicycle trail....Yes to all! We started early in the morning, rode the bike trail, found lady slippers in blossom, enjoyed our day at Itasca State Park!

    Binio L.

    What an amazing experience, trip, pictures, videos, EVERYTHING! The nature and the preparation that surrounds the place is great and beautiful. I know I will be short on words and details but will try my best. The drive: Getting there starts to turn on the magic of the whole area. Of your GPS says 1 hour, plan for three because you will want to stop at so many place for 10-20 minutes! Drive by a tiny towns where people mind their business yet start casual conversations with the friendliest smiles. The conglomerate of areas: lakes and parks you get to visit while going around and seeing so many things Lake Itasca has to offer. I don't know why but always wanted the experience of soaking my feet and "crossing" the Mississippi river, well this is the place! . Everything is a bike ride away. SO MANY BEAUTIFUL PLACES! Lake Itasca has many natural views and activities and many more organized like rent bikes kayaks etc. But all in all whether a day trip or a week long camping, I guarantee you it will he the vacation of a lifetime. I loved it. The views: Depending on time of the year your views and experience will vary. During he summer is he most beautiful blue sky and green shrugs and blue refreshing water areas. Walk, swim, bike, jog, run,canoe, kayak, paddle, retreat and think, OMG you name it. Family, friends, solo travel. You will come a whole new person and with memories for a lifetime. I cannot say enough great things. Minnesota might have really white winters but spring summer and fall are amazing as well. And Lake Itasca surely represents well one of the many hundreds of natural areas to visit. They are clean and safe so we must keep them that way. Care for each other and watch each other.

    Teresa M.

    It was pretty awesome to see the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi. This is where the Great River Road begins & ends. Ticks are plentiful and I caught several trying to hitch a ride after briefly stepping into the grass. I'd say roughly 746 billion mosquitoes were on me at a time I'd suggest being prepared for that. I did not use any type of repellent. There are several picturesque spots. The water is unbelievably clear and we were able to watch the fish lake-side. There are several options for activities: from bikes to canoes, tours to hikes. Camping spots were easily accessed.

    Sarah E.

    This is by far my favorite state park. Came here once as a kid to do the Mississippi headwaters crossing and went back recently as an adult and LOVED IT! Lots of buildings were closed due to Covid, but the park itself was gorgeous and very enjoyable. There's a ten mile one way drive to take that I strongly recommend, a deer enclosure, tons of trails, bike rentals, swimming beach and of course the headwaters. Absolutely a must see when you head north from the Twin Cities.

    The headquarters cafe has sandwiches, ice cream, baked goods and things to drink as well as indoor and outdoor seating.
    Gabby G.

    A staple of Minnesota history. This family friendly hiking area offers an opportunity to take in the past and enjoy the present. With historical plaques and signs, there's plenty to read and learn about the area. It also offers a variety of types and lengths of trails for lots of different types of vacationers. Plenty of parking. Clean bathrooms. Lovely people there to help you find your way. And delicious food and ice cream at the deli

    Debbie F.

    All I can say is Wow!!! It was mind-blowing to visit the tranquil beginnings of the mighty Mississippi. The entire park is gorgeous with the majestic Norway pines and white pines. The stands of birch trees were striking against the clear blue sky. For me, the most impactful sight was the sparkling clarity of the water before run offs, oil, waste, and sludge turn it into the muddy Mississippi. There is an energy from the land, the trees, and water that fed my spirit.

    Gabriel S.

    Beautiful park and lots to do. You can get a day pass for your car just $5 no matter how many people are in it. They have fast WIFI in many of the park areas, really strange for a park up north. Great visitor center with interactive displays kids and adults will love. Lots of free maps and information on things to do in Minnesota. Snacks and drinks in the park as well as gift shops and cabins you can rent. If you are in the area you need to go and walk across the Mississippi !!!!

    Nature can be harsh.
    Justin I.

    Had a bucket list goal of 50 states before turning 30 but that got a one year addendum because I procrastinated haha. Anyway, finally un-procrastinated and Minnesota and North/South Dakota were states I needed to cross off so I searched what's the best thing to visit between Minneapolis and Fargo and this was the spot! The allure of the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi made me add Lake Itasca to the bucket list. It is actually a 2-hourish detour (probably more but I was hauling ass!) than to drive straight to Fargo but it was totally worth it! Visited at the end of April. Half of the lake was still frozen over and the headwaters were going stronger than I saw in other peoples pictures. I was fortunate enough to basically be the only person in the park at the time, love when that happens! The peace and serenity of the lake and headwaters is total bliss! It's all nature up here, I saw a Bald Eagle and also some fish that was gutted, I'm guessing by the aforementioned. The gift shop and the restrooms were closed so I may or may not have made a tinkle in the headwaters. Lol... I probably spent an hour in the park but started to head out when it was getting dusk. All I can say is there are so many deers in the area, be careful when driving! I'd definitely like to come back!!!

    Camille L.

    One of the most gorgeous parks I've been too. Extremely scenic with lots of trees and water. Lots of amazing views. Be sure to check out the Mississippi Headwaters and to climb the tall tower!

    Itasca State Park Gift Shop. 90 % of goods made in China
    Terry G.

    90 % of the goods in the gift shop were made in China, that turned me off to the whole experience.

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    This park is outstanding. I took a trip here last year and really enjoyed exploring the park and the surrounding area.

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    Ask the Community - Itasca State Park-Park Headquarters

    Review Highlights - Itasca State Park-Park Headquarters

    And it actually was my favorite part of the whole park - you have a cluster of red pines overseeing Lake Itasca.

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    Diamond Point Park - The Gazebo/Pavilion at the Park, from Bemidji's website.

    Diamond Point Park

    3.5(4 reviews)
    24.5 mi

    I love this place, a modern playground, on the water, next to a nice little swimming beach, just…read moredown the path from a boat rental shop, all on a point on the lake. They had a huge wind storm this summer that walloped down a lot of trees, including one that unfortunately fell on a very stylish wood picnic shelter, but this didn't diminish the park much.

    Located directly adjacent to the campus of Bemidji State University (basically as far east as you…read morecan go of the stadium), I spent some time at Diamond Point Park on a recent visit to the area. Categorically speaking: Location: 5 out of 5 I imagine that if I were a student at BSU, this would be a great place to host some picnics or events. It's close to the campus and there's lots of free parking on premises. Amenities: 4 out of 5 This city park was really nice - there were some recent storms that had damaged one of the gazebo/pavilion type structures, but I imagine that once that debris is cleared away, it would be quite pleasant to host a covered picnic there. There are clean restroom facilities onsite, and several more uncovered picnic table areas in addition to the gazebo/pavilion area that I think is available to rent. Vending machines are available, as is a little facility on the water that rents out paddleboards and bikes. There is a swimming area (no lifeguards though), and some modern playground structures that looked like they were getting good use. There's a main building by the entrance, but I'm not entirely certain what's in there since I didn't go up that way. There are lots of chairs and benches by the waterfront, and once you settle into one of them - it'll be hard to get up and leave. I recall most of the walking trail along the waterfront to be paved, but there might be one section towards the "tip" of the diamond where it's gravel. Lots of open grassy areas exist, so families wanting to play whiffleball, soccer, etc. should be fine. They have horseshoe pits set up with the stakes, which was a nice touch. Scenery: 4 out of 5 The park itself is beautiful, and surrounded by Lake Bemidji - made for a very picturesque setting. It won't blow you away like, "Wow, this is totally awesome!" but again - it is very pretty. When you look out across the park and see people paddleboarding on the water, it's a fun sight. . Overall: 4 out of 5 Great location and great amenities should provide you and your family with full days of fun. This would be my "go to" park if I lived or went to school in the area.

    Photos
    Diamond Point Park - Bench under playground

    Bench under playground

    Diamond Point Park - Playground

    Playground

    Diamond Point Park - Swings

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    Swings

    Itasca State Park-Park Headquarters - parks - Updated May 2026

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