St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting public input on two proposed amendments to the management plan for Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest state park, as part of efforts to balance resource protection with expanded recreational opportunities.[1]
The draft amendments address enhancements to winter activities, additional overnight lodging options, and improvements to public water accesses, with the public comment period open until April 10, 2026. State park management plans serve as long-range frameworks, offering guidance on preserving natural and cultural resources while providing recreational and interpretive experiences for visitors.
The first amendment focuses on four key areas to improve visitor experiences at the park. To enhance winter recreation, the plan proposes reconfiguring existing cross-country ski trails, opening additional trails to skiing, and developing some new ski trails. This aims to provide more options for winter sports enthusiasts exploring the park’s expansive landscape.
Additional overnight camping opportunities are planned for Pine Ridge Campground and the Lake Ozawindib Group Center, catering to the growing demand for accommodations in this popular destination. Two historic structures—the Nicollet Cabin and the Lake Ozawindib Pumphouse—would be converted into overnight lodging, preserving their character while offering unique stays. Meanwhile, the existing Nicollet Court guest lodging building near Douglas Lodge would be removed and replaced with a picnic pavilion and gathering space, creating new areas for day-use activities and social interaction.
The second amendment targets the redevelopment of public water accesses at Bear Paw Campground and Douglas Lodge, converting them to carry-in use only. This change is designed to safeguard water quality in Lake Itasca, the famed headwaters of the Mississippi River, by minimizing runoff and restoring critical shoreline habitat. By consolidating drive-in boat access at the main Lake Itasca launch—which includes facilities for inspecting and cleaning boats and trailers—the proposal also strengthens measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Public participation is encouraged through multiple channels. An open house is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center located at 36750 Main Park Drive in Park Rapids. Comments can also be submitted via email to itasca.plan.dnr.state.mn.us or by phone at 651-259-5598, or mailed to Jade Templin at the Minnesota DNR Parks and Trails Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155. All input must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 10.
Draft documents are available online at the DNR website, with paper copies at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and the DNR regional headquarters in Bemidji. The current Itasca State Park management plan, originally adopted in 1998, is also accessible online for reference.
Established in 1891, Itasca State Park spans more than 32,000 acres and encompasses over 100 lakes, drawing visitors to walk across the Mississippi River at its humble beginnings, marvel at towering old-growth pines, and explore historical landmarks. The park features two visitor centers and the 10-mile Wilderness Drive, which provides access to the 2,000-acre Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific and Natural Area—one of Minnesota’s eight National Natural Landmarks. These amendments reflect ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the park remains a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts while protecting its ecological integrity.
By incorporating public feedback, the DNR aims to refine these proposals to better serve both current and future generations of park users, emphasizing sustainable practices in habitat restoration and recreational development.
For more information, visit Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.