Things to see and do Itasca State Park

With a surface area of 4.2 km2, and a depth ranging from 6 to 11 metres, this lake was created by the melting of glaciers. It is the heart of the Itasca State Park and occupies a large part of it. You can drive along it, using the Brower Trail, up to the Mississippi Headwaters, located north of the lake. Lake Itasca is the main source of the Mississippi River, at least that is what British geographer and explorer Henry Schoolcraft said in 1832, after being part of an expedition to the area.

To discover the park at best, first visit the main visitor center, Jacob V. Brower, the name of the park creator in 1891. With the various permanent exhibits, we learn that Itasca is the oldest park in Minnesota, or that it is following the purchase of Louisiana that it has been decided to seek the source of Mississippi. Don't miss a map and above all take a look at the model that represents the park, to find you.