The BEST Place to stay near Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park and Minnesota’s Northwoods are a must-visit Midwest destination. Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest State Park and home to the Mississippi headwaters. In addition to hosting the starting point of one of the most well known rivers in America, the park is full of incredible views, stunning hiking trails, and much more. There are many places to stay within the park, but I’m going to put you onto what I consider the best place to stay near Itasca State Park. (and it’s only 10 minutes away!)

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About Itasca State Park: Minnesota’s Oldest (and Largest) State Park

The Mississippi River stretches from Itasca Lake in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico making it the second longest river within the USA. Itasca State Park is home to over 45 miles of trails guaranteeing you a new and exciting adventure each time you visit. We have been to the park twice now and I’m excited to share a few great areas to explore!

Great Hiking Trails in Itasca State Park

1. Schoolcraft Trail: (2.1 miles out and back) – This will take you along the Mississippi Headwaters. I consider this a must-visit while in Itasca State Park!
2. Brower Trail: (2.2 miles) – This trail has awesome views of Itasca Lake.
3. Aiton Fire Tower Trail: (1 mile) – We parked at Douglas Lodge and Forest Inn and hiked down Owazindib Trail where it connects to Aiton Fire Tower Trail.

Where to Snowshoe in Itasca State Park

Like many State Parks, only a few trails are maintained for snowshoeing during the winter. Park staff keep different areas of the park open for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.

The three trails open for snowshoeing include:

• Schoolcraft Trail (1.1 miles) *see information above
• Brower Trail (2.2 miles) *see information above
• Dr. Roberts Trail (2.0 mile loop)

A few trails are groomed for cross country skiing including:

• Bike Trail (5.8 miles)
• Aiton Heights Trail (1.0 mile)
• DeSoto Trail (2.9 miles)
• Ozawindib Trail (2.8 miles)
• Myrtle Lake Crossover Trail (0.7 miles)
• McKay Lake Crossover Trail (0.4 miles)

Skate skiing is allowed along the Bike Trail.

Hiking to the Aiton Fire Tower in Itasca State Park

Hiking to the Aiton Fire Tower was my first experience in Itasca State Park. The Fire Tower lends to incredible views of the expansive State Park and the hike is quick and easy (<3 miles round trip leaving from Douglas Lodge).

Where to Watch the Sunset in Itasca State Park

During our winter trip we chose to enjoy the sunset at the lake. We parked at the Boat Launch on the North Arm of Lake Itasca; this is a great place to enjoy the sunset any time of year.

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The Best Place to Stay near Itasca State Park

Northwoods A-Frame

Although we didn’t stay at Northwoods A-Frame during our most recent trip, I honestly believe that it’s a Minnesota bucket-list stay. The cabin sleeps up to 8 people and is a wonderful place to gather. No need to elaborate too much here, I wrote a full post on our stay!

Check out my post: 5 Great Reasons to Stay at Northwoods A-Frame

Northwoods Tiny Cabins

Whilst the A-Frame is a spectacle, the Tiny Cabins are magical in their own right. Two single-room cabins sit secluded on the other side of the property. The cabins are of a minimalistic design and mesh beautifully with their treed surroundings.

Tiny Cabin Wald

Although the cabins have the same design, there are slight differences. Wald is designed to have a light and airy feel. The walls are white shiplap and space feels cool and comfortable.

Wald is the only pet-friendly cabin on the Northwoods Property. To book a stay at Wald CLICK HERE.

Tiny Cabin Nord

Of the two cabins, Nord is designed to have a more earthy feel. The shiplap walls are darker in color making the space feel cozy and grounded. Both cabins offer similar amenities- you get to pick your journey on this one!

To book a stay at Nord CLICK HERE.

The Bathhouse/The Local

Because the rustic cabins don’t have running water (don’t worry, there is electricity!), guests of each cabin have their own bathroom located at the Bathhouse. The bathrooms are private and use the same code as is used to get into the cabin.

The Local is a communal gathering space and kitchen. It’s outfitted with a large table and everything you could need to cook a great meal. Mary and Tyler also provide a large drawer of games and activities. We could have sat at the local for hours!

Prior to arriving I was sceptical about not having a bathroom in our cabin. I was worried that I would dislike running down to the Bathhouse especially given that we visited during the winter. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the experience was extremely painless and I didn’t mind throwing my boots and jacket on. The reality of it is- the walk is less than two minutes and I found myself enjoying it!

The Shed

Mary and Tyler have done a phenomenal job fostering the connection between the Northwoods and nature. In addition to providing great spaces to unwind they also have a variety of winter equipment guests can use during their stay.

Winter: While staying at Northwoods A-Frame or Tiny Cabins, snowshoes can be rented for $5/pair. There are also sleds and snow fort making materials available to guests!

Summer: Mary and Tyler have you covered for summertime entertainment! The shed is stocked with great yard games, all sorts of balls, and multiple frisbees.

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Weekend Vlog: Northwoods Tiny Cabins and Itasca State Park

I created my fist YouTube Vlog about exploring Itasca State Park and staying at Northwoods Tiny Cabins. Watch this video prior to your visit to know exactly what to expect!

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Itasca State Park has quickly become one of my favorite Minnesota State Parks. Between the towering trees, the beautiful lakes, and experiencing the Mississippi Headwaters this Park is one of Minnesota’s wonders. Northwoods A-Frame and Tiny Cabins truly are the best place to stay near Itasca State Park.

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