Overview
Looking for a family-friendly vacation? Introduce your family to the joy of outdoor adventure at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota’s Itasca State Park. Spend adventurous days stepping across the headwaters of the Mississippi and canoeing on Lake Itasca. Climb the 100-foot fire tower, take a refreshing swim, and attend a MN DNR Ranger-led interpretive program. Itasca State Park is a kid-friendly vacation spot with a wealth of features and activities that will keep the whole family happy. Enjoy games and fun throughout the day, and wind down in the evening with s’mores around the campfire and night hikes under the stars.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Itasca State Park! Set up camp and get to know your trip mates during a short hike.
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at the Elk Lake campsite in Itasca State Park. (Note: Some groups may camp at nearby Camp Courage North.) Learn how to set up camp, go over safety issues, and begin to explore the park. After dinner get to know your trip mates and make s'mores around the campfire.
Day 2: Cross the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi followed by an afternoon paddle on Elk Lake.
After breakfast, drive to the outlet of Lake Itasca and step across the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi. Spend some time at extensive visitor center of Minnesota's oldest state park. After lunch, learn about canoeing and go for a paddle on Elk Lake. Take a swim in the lake before dinner. In the evening, attend an entertaining State Park interpretive program on the early explorers.
Day 3: Spend the day paddling, fishing, or hiking through the pines.
Day three is filled with options. Pick between a day-long canoe trip from Elk Lake to Lake Itasca, tour historic Douglas Lodge, visit the 100-foot tall fire tower, spend time fishing, or take a hike through the pines. There are structured activities for the children throughout the day and evening.
Day 4: Enjoy a relaxing morning before breaking camp and saying farewell to your trip mates.
Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying your favorite camp activities. Take one last paddle, hike, or swim. After lunch, pack up for the trip home. Your trip officially ends around lunchtime. Those using WI's van transportation can expect to return to Minneapolis in the evening.
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Minnesota’s Itasca State Park is located in a classic Northwoods environment. Enjoy mature forests of old growth pine and birch surrounding clear, pristine lakes. Itasca State Park offers a wide range of day activity options that are perfect for family vacations. Hiking trails vary from very easy to moderately difficult.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Elk Lake Campsite at 2:00 PM (local time)
End: Elk Lake Campsite at 12:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip officially begins at Itasca State Park in the Elk Lake group campsite on the afternoon of the first day of the trip. By car, it is 4 hours northwest of Minneapolis, and 3 hours due west of Duluth, MN. You can use your own transportation or take WI’s van transportation from Minneapolis. Most people meet us in Minneapolis early in the morning of the first day of the trip. If you drive your own vehicle to Itasca State Park, you will need to purchase an entrance pass and you may need to use your vehicle throughout the remainder of the trip. Entrance passes are about $5.00 per day or $25 for an annual pass. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
What is the minimum age for kids on your family trips?
There is no minimum age requirement to participate on a WI family trip. We require participants to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when on water for safety. The smallest PFD we provide for children requires a minimum weight of 30 pounds. A family with a child smaller than this weight limit would need to provide their own PFD or would be unable to participate on the trip. For family paddling trips, children should be able to sit comfortably in a canoe or kayak for 1+ hour at a time. This should guide whether or not a child would be a good fit on any particular trip.
Is there a discount on family trips?
Yes. All youth participants under the age of 18 pay 25% less than the adult rate on all family trips.
Would my teenager enjoy a family trip with Wilderness Inquiry?
There are typically both teens and younger children on our family trips. We often offer a variety of activities so that participants of all ages have an enjoyable trip!
Will age-appropriate activities be offered for children on a family trip?
Yes. Your trip leaders will offer age-appropriate activities for children at different points throughout the trip. Our staff love kids and are great at making sure your whole family has a great time.
Will I actually be able to walk across the MIssissippi River headwaters?
Yes. This is a real highlight of the trip. The headwaters are shallow and easily stepped across.