Once you have seen the Mississippi headwaters for yourself, visit the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center where you can find out more about this important waterway and its role in the area's heritage,
Spend some time enjoying Lake Itasca itself, either on the beach with its designated swimming area, or by hiring a canoe and exploring the lakeshore scenery.
The main visitor center in the park is named after the geologist who came to the area to map the headwaters of the Mississippi. The center is home to an exhibition about the history of the park and the kind of wildlife you might see while visiting, as well as a great place to buy park maps and information and souvenirs.
Itasca State Park is also great fun in winter when you can hire ski-ing equipment and show shoes to explore the park in the snowy weather. Kids of all ages will love the chance to explore the snowy woodlands around Lake Itasca.