Itasca State Park: The Birthplace of the Mississippi

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start by determining your location along the Mississippi River. If you are near Minneapolis, take I-94 W towards St. Paul. Continue on I-94 W for about 130 miles until you reach the exit for MN-71 N toward Park Rapids. Merge onto MN-71 N and follow it for approximately 40 miles. When approaching Park Rapids, turn left onto County Road 4 and follow the signs to Itasca State Park. You will arrive at the park entrance located at 36750 Main Pk Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470. Note that there may be a vehicle entrance fee to access the park, which is typically around $7 for a daily pass.

• Public Transportation

  For those using public transportation, start by taking a Greyhound or Jefferson Lines bus to Park Rapids. Once you arrive at the Park Rapids bus station, you will need to take a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to reach Itasca State Park, as public transit options directly to the park may be limited. The distance from the bus station to the park is about 25 miles, and taxi fares can range from $30 to $50 depending on demand and time of day.

• Bicycle

  If you're feeling adventurous and want to bike, you can ride from Park Rapids to Itasca State Park. Start at the center of Park Rapids and head west on Main Ave N, which turns into County Road 4. It's a scenic route that takes you directly to the park entrance. Be prepared for a ride of about 25 miles. Make sure to wear a helmet and bring plenty of water, as there are limited stops along the way.