Variety

Best state park lodging - Itasca State Park - 2015 Best of MN

May 15, 2015 at 9:47PM
As water flows out of Lake Itasca in NW Minnesota, the Mississippi River begins a 2,552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The headwaters of the Mississippi were preserved by creating Minnesota's first state park, Itasca, in 1891. ] Minnesota _State of Wonders, Spring in NW Minnesota. BRIAN PETERSON • brian.peterson@startribune.com Itasca State Park, MN 2/14/2014
Log cabins and historic rooms are available at Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins its 2,552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With a blend of historic rooms at Douglas Lodge, log cabins with vintage charm, newer year-round suites and even a hostel (1-218-266-3415), this supersized state park offers pine-scented getaways for any budget along Lake Itasca and near the Mississippi headwaters. The brand-new Bear Paw guesthouse accommodates up to 10 people. 36750 Main Park Dr., Park Rapids; 1-866-857-2757;

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