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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Minnesota  /  Lake Itasca  /  Lake Itasca

Lake Itasca, Lake Itasca

4.8
#4 of 9 in Things to do in Lake Itasca
Water Body · Nature / Park
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Lake Itasca is a small glacial lake, approximately 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2; 1,200 acres) in area. Located in southeastern Clearwater County, in the Headwaters area of north central Minnesota, it is notable for being the headwater of the Mississippi River. The lake is in Itasca State Park. It has an average depth of 20 to 35 feet (6.1 to 10.7 m) and is 1,475 feet (450 m) above sea level.

The Ojibwe name for "Lake Itasca" is Omashkoozo-zaaga'igan (Elk Lake); this was changed by Henry Schoolcraft to "Itasca", coined from a combination of the Latin words veritas caput ("true head [of the Mississippi]"). It is one of several examples of pseudo-Indian place names created by Schoolcraft.

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Lake Itasca reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
60 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By Michael S
    We rented a pontoon for the day and took in all the sites that Itasca had to offer. A bit windy that day, but with the different arms and coves the lake offered plenty of shelter and shade when we... 
    We rented a pontoon for the day and took in all the sites that Itasca had to offer. A bit windy that day, but with the different arms and coves the lake offered plenty of shelter and shade when we...  more »
  • By CFletcha
    Just wanted to say how amazing it was to pop into this campground on our way home from Minneapolis. What an outstanding and beautiful treasure! 
    Just wanted to say how amazing it was to pop into this campground on our way home from Minneapolis. What an outstanding and beautiful treasure!  more »
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Google
  • By Sally Sperry
    A place one must visit to understand the importance of the Mississippi River
  • By Penny Johnson
    Absolutely breathtaking ! So much to do!! You can be as active as you want or just sit back and enjoy nature.
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Popular things to do in Lake Itasca

Mississippi Headwaters
Landmark
Mississippi Headwaters
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Itasca State Park ©
State Park
Itasca State Park
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Wilderness Drive
Scenic Drive
Wilderness Drive
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Aiton Heights Fire Tower
Observation Deck
Aiton Heights Fire Tower
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from Lake Itasca

Forestedge Winery ©
Winery / Vineyard
Forestedge Winery
LaPorte
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Rabideau CCC camp
Hiking Trail
Rabideau CCC camp
Blackduck
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge ©
Nature / Park
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
Erskine
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area ©
Hiking Trail
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area
Solway
3.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

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