Located in Itasca State Park, just a short distance from the headwaters of the Mississippi River, the hostel is a beautifully restored log building. Constructed in 1923 as the park headquarters, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Itasca State Park, recently rated one of the nation's top 50 state parks by National Geographic, features some of Minnesota's last remaining virgin pine forest. Enjoy outdoor recreation year-round on over 30 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails and 17 miles of paved bike trails right from the hostel's doorstep. Bike and boat rentals and a swimming beach are across the road. The park offers summer naturalist programs and displays on Native American culture and early explorers.

For much more information please see our web site at mississippiheadwatershostel.org