I had a wonderful day in Itasca State Park today. My sister and I drove up to the park in the morning. We looked around the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center before I met with Connie Cox, lead park naturalist. It was fascinating to learn more about the second oldest state park in the nation and how it got its start. I learned about the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a work relief program that employed young men ages 18-28 to develop & conserve the nation's natural lands/resources during the Great Depression. To this day, there are many trails, buildings, and structures that remain the exact way they were when they were first built by the CCC in the 1930's. We also talked about the diverse wildlife and wide array of activities visitors can participate in as the seasons change. After our interview, Mariah and I hiked the Dr. Robert's Trail (2 miles). The trail started off next to a lake and continues through a small bog area. There was a sign that said "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints". After the hike, we continued on to Peace Pipe Vista, a beautiful overlook over Lake Itasca. The water is extremely blue and so were the skies. Then, we drove on to the Headwaters, where the Mississippi River starts. I braved the freezing cold water and crossed the very slippery rock bridge without slipping, yay! See the pictures below for my daunting journey across the river.
Now I can say I walked across the Mississippi River (for a second time). Mariah and I got in the car and drove down Wilderness Drive next. We stopped to hike at the half-mile Bohall trail. This one cuts through 300 year-old trees. These trees have been here since 1715, which is crazy to think about. Our last stop was the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, a 110 foot tower used in the 50's and 60's. The view from the top, or crows nest, is incredible. It was intense being so high and I could feel the tower swaying back and forth in the wind. If you are afraid of heights, I wouldn't recommend the climb. But, the view is worth the extra effort. I want to go back in the fall now to see the fall colors!