THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Lake Itasca
Things to Do in Lake Itasca
Category types
12 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
What travellers are saying
- Sandi VSteinbach, Manitoba57 contributionsThe drive thru the park is scenic and relaxing. Enjoyed the riverboat cruise too. It was peaceful and very informative.Written August 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SafariholicHorsham, UK2,134 contributionsTook a bit of driving, navigation, and determination to get here (road signage was not overly easy through parts of the Ithaca Forest, but super easy from the Car Park), but we felt it was worth it. Let's face it, you can't walk across the Great Mississippi River in too many places in this Country - great selfie-spots, daft games & childish pranks.
I am way too old for this, but just maybe that is part of the allure.
Super Site for all ages.Written May 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsWilderness Drive is a one way street that runs along the western edge of Itasca State Park and cuts east back to near Douglas Lodge. It can be accessed by driving west on county Road 117 from the area near the Headwaters. While it can be driven, I found that riding a bike on the road was quite enjoyable. A loop can be made starting from Douglas Lodge on the Itasca Bike Trail to the Headwaters and then riding on 117 to Wilderness Drive and back to Douglas Lodge. The road is quite scenic especially in the Fall. The Aiton Heights Observation Tower can be accessed from the drive after a short walk from the parking lot.Written April 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsThere are many ways to explore Lake Itasca. Kayaks and canoes can be rented. There is also a boat tour on the lake every day. There are numerous trails around the lake with my favorite being the Brower Trail. Also don't miss seeing the Headwaters of the Mississippi.Written April 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsLocated along the scenic Brower Trail but also easily accessed from nearby road and steps. Towering pine trees and nice views across Lake Itasca.Written April 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsOffering great views of the surrounding Itasca State Park. Particularly beautiful with the Fall colors. Make sure you are not scared of heights and it's quite a work out to climb to the top. Most easily accessed from Wilderness Drive which is a one way road traveling around the State park in a counter clockwise fashion. There is a parking lot and a short hike on the Jeanne Lake Trail. Alternatively, you can take a longer hike from Douglas Lodge parking lot but the extra effort isn't worth it. $7 entry fee to the park unless you have purchased a $35 annual pass. It is open only seasonally and check daily hours of operation as well.Written April 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsScenic spot along the Brower Traill on Lake Itasca. Great views of the lake and the surrounding pines.Written April 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nephnurseSanford, NC275 contributionsThe trail is really not that long but has up and down and around. Most of the trail is dirt but as you get further back, there is boardwalk available. The trail goes right past the Bison Kill Site which actually consists of sign telling about it. The real goal is the Red Pine. It was formally the tallest Red Pine in Minnesota. It was, unfortunately, hit by lightening. But the tree still stands and continues to be home for a variety of birds and animals. Would recommend this site for a good walk.Written June 13, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mplsmomof4Minneapolis, MN265 contributionsWe walked along this trail - what a beautiful view of all of the trees. It's a circle trail, and not very far so easy to do with kids. On the trail walking along, I managed to step on a snake, which was probably more scared than I was - so watch out for little critters along the trail!Written June 29, 2013This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- parksvisitorMaple Grove, MN1,371 contributionsAs noted by others, this is just an information sign explaining the bison kill location. However, the sign is directly adjacent to the Red Pine trail, so there's no extra effort needed if you were going down that trail anyway.Written September 11, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN5,004 contributionsThis is what is left of what was formerly the largest white pine in Minnesota. Very underwhelming as the top half of the tree is gone. I suppose an excuse to stop and get out of the car and stretch your legs if you are making the trip around Wilderness Drive but it's nothing to go out of your way and see and probably should no longer be considered anything of significance. It borders on the embarrassing. Time to move on.Written April 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Craig H14 contributionsIt was a good tour, worth the money. We biked around the lake so a nice relaxing boat tour was good way to end our trip to Itasca. They provided enough historical information about the area, while not overdoing it with a good balance of relaxing quiet time mixed in. The beverages and popcorn was priced low enough which was nice also. I definitely recommend doing it.Written July 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
