Itasca State Park Professional Review and Guide

"One of the most-visited Minnesota State Parks, Itasca is home to the Mississippi headwaters, the point where the mighty Mississippi starts heading south. At this point, it’s narrow and shallow enough to be easily waded across, which makes it popular with families.

But the park has many other amenities too: There are more than 100 lakes within the park, historic sites, 49 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of biking trails, and trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in winter. The campgrounds are divided into 2 sites. The Bear Paw Campground is adjacent to Lake Itasca and one of the bike trails, while the Pine Ridge Campground is also along a bike trail, one that leads to the beach. Campsites are well spaced and heavily treed. Pets are allowed."

--Amy Rea, Camping Minnesota (Falcon Guides).