Laserfiche WebLink
IIristine natural resources dominate. <br />Begin your journey at the Mississippi <br />Headwaters in Lake Itasca State Park and <br />wade in the small brook that, slowly reaches <br />the Gulf of Mexico. The 2,000 acre park <br />contains remnants of Minnesota's pine <br />forest, cultural landmarks, and interpretive <br />displays, detailing the stories of explorers and <br />settlers who searched for and lived near the <br />Mississippi River Headwaters. <br />As you leave the park and continue onto <br />county roads through miles of woods and <br />wilderness, you'll occasionally cross the <br />river's serpentine meanderings. The skyline <br />is populated with dramatic tall pines, which <br />provide a dark contrast to the vivid color of <br />the hardwoods. The forest opens suddenly <br />into wide marshes, rich in the sight and <br />sounds of wildlife. As you approach small <br />towns, the crisp, clean air, the frequent <br />glimpses of eagles, and the low traffic <br />volume roads embody the spirit of northern <br />Minnesota. <br />The City of Bemidji is a thriving regional hub <br />offering museums, art and many waterfront <br />activities, as well as a state park on the shore <br />of Lake Bemidji. This community welcomes <br />bicyclists with bicycle shops, diverse lodging, <br />public art, wifi access at the public library, and <br />other amenities to enhance your journey. <br />Key Themes <br />Celebrate the beginnings of <br />America's premier river by <br />dipping your wheel in at the <br />Headwaters in Lake Itasca <br />State Park <br />In search of the Headwaters <br />- mimic early explorers and <br />settlers as they search for the <br />start of the Mississippi River. <br />Time travelers ride - <br />experience Minnesota's <br />natural areas as the first <br />settlers did in the 1800s, <br />bicycling past pristine, <br />untouched natural areas and <br />forests. <br />Play by the lakes - detour <br />around Lake Bemidji and <br />enjoy life lakeside, partaking <br />in the numerous recreational <br />opportunities available in the <br />city. <br />Character of the River <br />The river, near its source, <br />begins as a small, meandering <br />stream that disappears into <br />abundant wetlands and <br />reappears as a stream. <br />Mississippi River Trail Bikeway - The MRT is a <br />bikeway, largely on the shoulders of paved roads, but <br />using significant segments of off road paths along the <br />length of the Mississippi River through ten states, from the <br />headwaters at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. <br />MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS <br />ROUTE COMPOSITION: ROUTE CHARACTERISTI <br />100% On -road Route Surface: Paved <br />0% Off -road Trail <br />Distance: 38 miles <br />