WADE ACROSS THE SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER “I’m seriously so excited to see the headwaters” Kendra interjected. The iconic Mississippi River gets it start from the pristine waters of Lake Itasca and winds its way 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The headwaters are located in Minnesota’s oldest state park and are easy to wade across and especially enjoyable in warm summer months. Enjoy historic lodges, hike through virgin pine, and paddle the wild shoreline of Lake Itasca. Celeste CATCH A WALLEYE AT THE NORTHERNMOST POINT In the words of Katie and Kendra, it’s both “very ocean-y here” and “pretty epic;” Lake of the Woods is truly one of the many gems hiding in plain sight in Minnesota. Local fishing guides can help you fish for “Minnesota Gold” (a.k.a. walleye, the state fish), and while you are there, grab a boat to ferry across to the Northwest Angle , the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. Check out the rest of Katie and Kendra’s epic trip, including a stay at Celeste , a former Convent turned boutique hotel; sample Hmong cuisine and peruse the Hmongtown Marketplace in St. Paul; take selfies with iconic roadside statues Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji and stop back in Minneapolis-St. Paul to enjoy urban lakes or events like WaterFest at Lake Phalen. "It's very ocean-y here." WATCH NOW ItInerarIes | 85
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 85
