Minnesota’s First State Park Turns 125

One of the great things about living here in Minnesota is the natural beauty showcased in one of our many scenic state parks. And, Minnesota's first state park is marking its 125th anniversary this year.

That's right, Itasca State Park, according to the official Minnesota DNR website, is the oldest park in the state. It was established back in 1891, just 33 years after Minnesota first became a state. And it's a big one, too, encompassing more than 32,000 acres and 100 lakes alone.  It's, of course, also home to the place where the mighty Mississippi River begins its over 2,500 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. If you've never been there, it's located northwest of Brainerd, in Park Rapids. It's a little over a 4-and-a-half hour drive from Rochester.

I haven't been to Itasca yet (our most recent state park visit was to Frontenac State Park during MEA Weekend last fall) but it's on the list of Minnesota parks we want to check out. And, I've gotta say, Itasca is looking pretty good for being 125 years old!