Itasca State Park

Project map detailing the planned detour for the July 2025 project on Highway 200.

Tree clearing near Itasca State Park begins Jan. 22

The work is in advance of a July 2025 project on Highway 200 between Clearwater County Road 2 to Highway 71.

Events Up North Jan. 6-11: Lantern-lit hike, author and sourdough brown bags

Events this week include InsomniActs6 in Grand Rapids, learn to curl events in Eveleth and Grand Rapids, a classic movie in Bigfork and children's theatre auditions in Bemidji.

A bird's-eye view of the forests covering Itasca State Park from Aiton Heights Fire Tower, a popular attraction in the park. The tower is used to educate visitors about fire prevention and the forest.

Local News

Mysterious mushrooms and more at Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park has a full schedule of events over the Labor Day weekend, with a presentation on mushrooms scheduled for Sept. 15.

Local News

Heartland State Trail, Itasca State Park extension project begins Aug. 28

The tunnel project is under Highway 71, just south of Highway 200 near the Itasca State Park east entrance. Motorists traveling on Highway 71 will detour utilizing Hubbard county roads 4 and 40.

Two species of flying squirrel live in Minnesota: the Northern flying squirrel (upper) and the Southern flying squirrel (lower). This image is a composite and not to scale. Two squirrels are shown. The upper squirrel is gliding with its arms outstretched. Its tail is flattened and its front and back feet are connected by large flaps of skin, allowing it to glide through the air. The lower squirrel is holding on to a tree with its feet. It has large dark eyes and is very cute.

Science and Nature

How are Itasca State Park’s flying squirrels faring in evolving forests?

Learn more about the tale of ecological elimination during a presentation 1-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom at Itasca State Park.

Close up of flower and leaf buds on a red maple tree

Local News

Spring trees topic of kid’s program at Itasca State Park

Description.

Headwaters of Mississippi River with sign reading "Here 1475 ft above the ocean the Mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico"

Local News

Outdoor naturalist programs focus on enjoying spring’s start

“The earth is awakening from its winter sleep,” a news release stated. “Join the park naturalist as we walk around the Mississippi Headwaters area looking at nature’s signs that spring is returning. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.”