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This an amazing but very easy hike. The hike is not only a beautiful place to see wildlife, fish the lake and watch an amazing sunset, but the entire hike also teaches you about the history of the area and how the Mississippi River got its start. Walk across the mighty Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, MN.
At the Headwaters Trailhead there is a visitor center, bathrooms and a large interactive station for kids and adults to learn interesting facts about the Mississippi and the history of the area. The hike itself is just over a mile and completely flat. The trail follows the small Mississippi River to Lake Itasca or the Mississippi Headwaters.
We saw plenty of turtles, rabbits and deer along the trail, and the headwaters is beautiful. There is a small stone walkway you can use to hop your way across the river, or a large wooden walkway if you don't want to get wet. But if you are really feeling adventurous, hike right across the only three feet deep Mississippi just to say you did it!
We arrived about an hour before sunset and swam in the lake. Stay for the sunset to get the most beautiful shots as the blood orange and red sky mirrors on the smooth glass lake.
For more trail information: Itasca State Park Map
Leave No Trace
