Itasca State Park is the oldest state park in Minnesota, totaling more than 32,000 acres and over 100 lakes. The visitor center at the base of the state park offered not only a place to learn about the history of the Grand Ole Mississippi but is designed to encourage children to see what life was like when the area was home to explorers and early settlers.
Growing up in Minnesota we all Mississippi River is known is known for its legends and its history. After all, this is the river that divided the east from the west, and where adventures of Huck Fin began. This mighty river starts in earnest at Lake Itasca, spanning a mere 20-30 feet with an average flow rate of 6 cubic feet per second. The widest part is about 60 miles away at Lake Winnibigoshish, where it is more than 11 miles wide.
One thing that we all wanted to experience was to walk across the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park. This walk would not only be the start of our adventure, but also a teaching moment as we discussed how the River begins its meandering journey running from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of 2,552 miles.
As we walked the narrow dirt pathway that we knew would lead us to the headwaters surrounded us with trees that we felt could touch the sky eventually, opened up to Lake Itasca. The headwaters of the Mississippi begins where the waters are flowing from the lake gently flows over a small rock “bridge” to empty into what looks like a little creek. The Mississippi headwaters webcam offers a great view of the lake and river, and I recommend late afternoon for the best lighting
As people were walking across the rocky bridge, we quickly followed by taking off our shoe socks and pulled up our jeans just above our calves then we dipped our feet into the headwaters and took in the joyful experience of knowing we were at the beginning of a journey that stretches more than 2552 miles.
While exploring the headwaters, the older children enjoyed the cool waters while taking in the history and significance of what they were experiencing, and the younger children were honestly just enjoying getting their feet wet and splashing around. There was also a significant sized tree that cut in half that works a bridge for those wanting to cross the river without getting wet. After spending a few hours exploring, we knew that another trip to Lake Itasca would be planned for next year so we could see more of the park.
Have you ever been to both ends of a river? Which one(s)?
