Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Ever wanted a park that had just a little more experience? Well, this one’s got tenure! Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is one of America’s, and definitely Minnesota’s, oldest and most famous natural landmarks. This park clocks in at over 32,000 acres and 100 lakes. The mighty Mississippi River even starts here, plunging the long way down, 2,552 miles to be exact, to the Gulf of Mexico.

Aside from Itasca’s impressive stats, you will be equally amazed by the towering pines, the endless shorelines nestled against pristine, blue waters and the miles of trails that weave you in and out of all of this gorgeous scenery. Here, as you skip rocks across Earth’s third-longest river, you’ll realize why Minnesota means “sky water”. After hounding those majestic Mississippi Headwaters, you might want to visit the historic Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin. You’ll never run out of things to see and do here, which is why you need to get here now. But be careful—if you come one day, you might stay for a lifetime!