Nature Walk, 0.4 m, may be extended along lake shore
9 ft elevation gain
Hiked 7/17/25
The mighty Mississippi River traces its source back 2,552 miles to Lake Itasca near Park Rapids, MN. This quick nature walk will take you to the humble beginnings where you'll see the first 'rapids' and bridge crossing. Also learn the history of Mary Gibbs, a veritable badass conservationist in her day.
A signpost beside where the Mississippi first flows out from Lake Itasca. Reads 'Here 1475 ft above the ocean the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.'
A small statue done by a local artist, Jeff Savage, for the park in 2005. In Anishinabe (ojibwe) culture, women are the caretakers of the water, which is meant to be symbolized in this statue.
A small flattened log bridge is the first crossing on the Mississippi River.
