Nick Minor

Nick Minor

Walk Across the Mississippi River in Itasca SP

06/19/17

Itasca State Park is one of my favorite northern getaways, with trails that traverse through diverse habitats, varied topography, and breathtaking views across the lake. There are a number of canoe/kayak/paddleboard outfitters around the lake, including University of Minnesota's Itasca Biological Station, where I generally stay. The climate is ideal, the bugs aren't bad, sunrises and sunsets over the lake are mind-blowing, and the breeding birds (full disclosure: birding is one of the main reasons I go here) are some of the best in Minnesota for the quality of the trails. The full set of eastern wood-warblers, thrushes, vireos, flycatchers, sparrows, and more, not to mention some rarer gems like the burned-forest specialist Black-backed Woodpecker. Lots to find and always more to explore! Get out there!

5.0