Itasca State Park and the Mighty Mississippi

While researching and mapping our route to our summer home with family in the Seattle area, I came across Itasca State Park in Minnesota and the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. How cool would it be to stand where the Mighty Mississippi River starts!

Well, it was very cool! Not only to stand in her waters but walk across from east to west! They say if you make a wish while walking across it will come true in 90 days, that’s how long it takes for water to travel the Mississippi from start to finish in the Gulf of Mexico! I’ll let you know!

Pooh Sticks

One of my favorite memories was playing Pooh Sticks on the Mississippi River! And the best part was, John saw the opportunity and stopped just for me!! That’s true love! For those that don’t know what that is, Google it!

It’s the little things in life! 🙂

Mississippi River Fun Facts

The Mississippi River starts it’s flow in a northerly direction that is truly going down-slope! Some say it looks like a big question mark!
The Mississippi River is the third longest river in North America and flows 2,340 miles from beginning to end.
It takes 90 days for a single drop of water to travel the Mississippi River’s entire length.
From its source, Lake Itasca, to its end, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River drops 1,475 feet.
The Mississippi watershed includes 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces.
The Mississippi River touches 10 states. Can you name them?

Itasca State Park

Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota. There are 2 campgrounds with electric only. We stayed at Pine Ridge site 142 which is more big rig friendly! The water and dump station is located at Bearpaw camp across the road. Roads in both are somewhat narrow with low tree canopy, so take it slow and easy. There were lots of families enjoying the beginning of summer and all hiking and biking trails. I highly recommend a visit to Itasca and the Mississippi Headwaters!

There were lots of trails to hike, unfortunately they were narrow and full of poison ivy and horse flies. We opted for the 16 mile Wilderness Drive, which is part of the Great River Road. It was a beautiful drive. There were several places to pull over to enjoy the majesty of the pines and look for beaver lodges.

There’s a boat and bike rental within the park. We opted for a small fishing boat and putted around Lake Itasca just before sunset. It was so peaceful! We spied several eagles, including one on its nest, osprey, and loons! I love the looooons!