We had a really nice outing to the headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park. The park was established in 1891 and it is the oldest State Park in Minnesota.
The Mary Gibbs Center at the headwaters was closed but the trail down to the headwaters was free from snow until we got close to the lake, then the path turned to snow but it was easy walking.
Click on this photo to make it bigger. I laughed out loud at the reference to “the voracious long billed and dyspeptic musketoe”
It was quiet. You could hear the water going around the rocks. No musketoes …winter has a few good points.
The rocks that you can walk over were covered in snow. I have not been to the park in the winter before. Some day I would like to go back and catch a sunrise.
That is Lake Itasca in the above photo and the mighty Mississippi begins at the rocks. In the summer the tourists walk over the rocks and pose for photos there.
The Mississippi meanders on its way out of the park.
The water is clear and cold.
There it is on it’s way north to Bemidji.
Itasca State Park is not that far from our home, seems like we should go there more often.
A lovely glimpse of your world!
ReplyDeleteI wish we lived just a little closer. I would like to see the headwaters.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful clear water is right, nice to have such a grand park close by, Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea where the Mississippi begins - and what an interesting marker.
ReplyDeleteYou brought back memories of the Stanley and Livingstone story, which I soon Googled.
I have always wondered where the Mississippi River started. Looks so small way up North.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I love the Headwaters in the winter (it is mostly quiet) unless you have snowmobilers stopping :)
ReplyDeleteThe headwaters is beautiful in the winter! I have only be there in the summer and it was many years ago. I would love to go back.
ReplyDeleteAs a young child I walked across those rocks with my aunt and my sister. I love seeing the Mississippi from different Minnesota vantage points. Glad you got out of the house despite the weather!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, musketoes are abundant in your area in the summer!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of this beautiful place.
It amazes me that the river is liquid and not iced over with the temperatures you've had.
ReplyDeleteThat park is only 4 years older then our farm house here lol ! Lovely photos and post . Looks like a lovely place to walk and enjoy ! Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteVery scenic.
ReplyDeleteWell it is just lovely and so peaceful. I want to go too
ReplyDeleteHead waters are always an interesting point for me. You show great winter photos of a summer attraction.
ReplyDeleteYes, the "musketoe"part was funny but what was even funnier is that I squinted and read that whole sign and THEN saw your advice to click on the picture to make it bigger. LOL! Too late now..I've ruined my eyes for life. Duh....sometimes I'm amazed I've made it this far....oh well, I did click and reread it as I wanted to see if I'd read it right the first time. I always stop and read those signs whenever I come upon them. Thank you so much for the pictures of this..I think it's fascinating and I'll probably not ever get there or maybe I will but either way I appreciate it. If I go I'm stopping at your place first to pick you up!
ReplyDeleteIt is very pretty there.
ReplyDeleteWe have some amazing long billed musketoes up here too!
The water looks icy cold and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've heard lots about the park from my son and daughter-in-law, but have never visited it myself. Lovely place!!
ReplyDelete"Do not despise these small beginnings..."
ReplyDeleteAnd to think you live so close to the start of such a monumental landmark!
How can I be a real Minnesotan and say I've never been there! (Must by the musky-toes that have kept me away.). I'm planning to rectify that this summer, and maybe peek into your museum while I'm Oop Nort. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteVery, very interesting, Connie!
ReplyDeleteLinda
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I took Dagan to Itasca and walked across the slippery rocks when he was a kid. It's nice to see it again. And I've never seen it in the winter. No mosketoes is a silver lining, for sure. You betcha! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the signs signifying the start of "something Big". The wording on the first one is great - - - sounds just like conversation rather than dry historical writing. Thank you for sharing pics of an area that most of us will never visit - - - outside of an elementary geography textbook. It's more personal and interesting when a friend reports on it.
ReplyDelete