September 15, 2011
Itasca State Park, Park George, Minnesota
If you're passing through central Minnesota, it's pretty
much a given that you need to stop here.
Lake Itasca is the "official" (it was disputed for centuries)
location of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
We got a late start, leaving Duluth close to 10:00, but
we didn't have far to go so that wasn't an issue. We were quickly back on US-2 heading West,
and several hours later we made the turn for Itasca State Park. I'd reserved a site online, and it turned out
to be a very desirable one (I'd tried for two nights but everything was
booked). No matter, since we were parked
and set up by 2:00 and had plenty of time to explore the Park. After a quick stop at the Visitor's Center,
we were off on the loop road around the Lake.
We did the obligatory stop at the headwaters, taking our pictures,
snapping some "couples shots" for others, and relaxing for a while to
see if any of the (mostly retiree) crazies who felt the need to cross the rocks
or wade across the cold water would fall in.
None did, so we completed our drive around the "Wilderness
Loop" and were soon back home.
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| My favorite explorer! |
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| Well, here it is, the headwaters of the Mississippi. On the upper side of the rocks, Lake Itasca. On the lower, "The Mighty Mississippi". |
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| I got pictures from one side... |
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| ...and Geri from the other. Which one of us crossed the rocks? |
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| Neither! I used the sturdy wooden bridge 50' downstream! |
We had a nice pasta dinner (pre-made sauce -
"gravy" if you're from Philly) and were soon bundled up for another
chilly night.
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