The Neilson Spearhead Center (NSC) is located approximately 11 miles southwest of Bemidji, Minnesota, and is a non-profit 501(c)3 environmental science facility owned and managed by the MHAS. In many ways, the Ohio River is an unsung resource for the region it serves. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. It’s a source of drinking water for more than five million people. GENERAL STATE FOREST RULES. Summer in the "Turtle Racing Capital of the World" means rousing weekly reptile races. The official beginning of the mighty river is on one side of a small rock dam where water from Lake Itasca begins to flow, soon to be joined by water from many other tributaries on its journey to the gulf. The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is one of Bemidji’s most enduring environmental conservation organizations. Photo: Wikimedia, CC0. Home of St. Urho, the fictional patron saint of Finland. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worldâs hidden wonders. The story of how the Mississippi headwaters was discovered is interesting. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. This place is so cool just because when you think of the Mississippi River it’s hard to imagine that it came from this little stream. Formed in 1980 as an alternative to designation of the river into the National Wild and Scenic River System, the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) works to protect and preserve the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Please choose a different date. Mississippi Headwaters Area 616 America Ave NW Bemidji MN 56601. The Mississippi River, one of the largest rivers in the world, flows approximately 2,350 miles before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico, stretching 11 miles at its widest point. We spent 2 nights camping but could have stayed longer. Had never been here. Because such a large portion of the watershed is forested, much of the runoff that flows from the land to the rivers and lakes comes from forested land. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . The oldest surviving wooden bridge over Rhine lets travelers cross easily from Switzerland to Liechtensten. I got out of the car to check out the water and the scenery. All rights reserved. But what I found even more interesting is that the skinny little river actually flows way north from here, and then flows east before finally turning south in eastern Minnesota and eventually merging with other major rivers. From here the river flows north to Bemidji, where it turns east, and then south near Grand Rapids. Reviews (218) 444-3984 Website. The location of the headwaters of the Mississippi River has been debated for centuries, and the answer isn't as clear as you might think. About the Mississippi River headwaters The mighty Mississippi River begins its winding journey to the Gulf of Mexico as a mere 18-foot wide knee-deep river in Itasca State Park. The Mississippi River - Headwaters watershed consists of 1,255,105 acres (1,961 square miles) in the far north part of the basin. Will say when it is busy it is. The Mississippi actually flows through the heart of Cass and Winnibigoshish and 666,000 acres of forest within the surrounding Chippewa National Forest. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Hotels near Mississippi Headwaters; Hotels near Itasca State Park; Hotels near Aiton Heights Fire Tower; Near Airports. 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Discover Headwaters of the Mississippi River in Lake Itasca, Minnesota: At this Minnesota state park you can easily wade across the source of the mighty Mississippi. We were meandering through northern Minnesota, nearing the end of a summer road trip out west. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. See. Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license, excluding photos, directions and the map. We are a respected voice in the community for environmental issues. They have it laid out very nicely and there is an area to swim in it and the trail going to it is very large. Amazing the see where the Mississippi River starts as it flows 2600 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. We were there in the fall and the trees were absolutely beautiful. Google Maps Directions At the watershed, the river is tranquil and shallow; itâs a great spot for wading. Visitors centers near the entrance and at the headwaters add to the value of your park experience and appreciation for all Itasca has to … There will be a large parking lot and building on the left after the road curves and heads to the south. meandered. ), Also in the park, just a short walk from the dam, is the first of many bridges over the Mississippi River. Download Maps. See Places on a Map The Mississippi River gets its start in Minnesota, and its headwaters at Itasca State Park are a must-see destination. Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, a Minnesota State Forest located near Bemidji Hotels near (MSP) St Paul Intl Airport Corridor Maps from Cass Lake to Ball Club Lake. What hotels are near Mississippi Headwaters? The watershed that flows into this massive river covers 31 states, two Canadian provinces, and measures about 1.2 million square miles. Stand under towering pines and visit landmarks of centuries gone by throughout the park. Great walk down to the headwaters. 95 miles) Three of Minnesota’s largest lakes are located along this stretch of the Great River Road, Cass, Leech and Winnibigoshish. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It ’ s most enduring environmental conservation organizations the United states Urho, the most wondrous State parks visit... Are open at all times unless otherwise posted Ohio ’ s even a restaurant there because so many people around... Curate stories about the worldâs hidden wonders to get the latest on the world '' rousing. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy ' National parks Itasca. Bridge is still open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic to this day and. 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