Lake Country Scenic Byway

The Lake Country Scenic Byway promises a legendary getaway. Early explorers came to search for the headwaters of the Mississippi River and discovered pristine lakes and tall pine forests. The remarkable beauty of this place still draws visitors to the mighty river's source in Itasca State Park. Itasca is not only Minnesota's first state park, but is the only major park available at the source of one of the world's four greatest rivers - the Amazon, the Nile, the Yangtze and the Mississippi. At Lake Itasca you can walk across the Mississippi headwaters and imagine how this tiny stream becomes miles wide as it enters the Gulf of Mexico.

As a source of inspiration, romance, heroism and mystery unsurpassed in American history, the Mississippi is a magnificent symbol of our country. Waters leaving Lake Itasca eventually join with snow from the Rocky Mountains, the thunderstorms of the Great Plains and Appalachian rains, gathering size, power and magnificence on the journey to the ocean.

In addition to the infant Mississippi and other significant rivers, over a thousand crystal clear lakes along the byway give visitors a glimpse of the most pristine of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Chippewa National Forest, five state forests, two paved state bicycle trails and the North Country National Scenic Trail border the 88-mile byway as well.

Walking, biking, paddling a canoe, tubing down a river and spending a night in the forest, listening to loon calls, star gazing and roasting marshmallows over a campfire are a sure a cure for nature deficit disorder. Fishing, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, swimming, kayaking, tubing, ATV riding, horseback riding, biking, inline skating, hiking, bird watching, golf and other recreational activities engage visitors with the landscape. The all-American bald eagle and trumpeter swan have made a comeback here and it is very likely visitors will see at least one along the way. Other wildlife, including white-tail deer, black bear and other wildlife abound and can often be seen at byway destinations. Agriculture tours add another dimension to a byway visit with possibilities including stops at a buffalo ranch and winery.

Charming communities along the Lake Country Scenic Byway invite you to share in all the area has to offer. Residents celebrate at events such as Lakes, Loons and Legends, old-fashioned 4th of July parades, a bull ride, a sailboat regatta, water carnival, Paul Bunyan Days, street faires, music festivals and many more. Main streets along the byway suggest a step back in time but have all the modern amenities, making any visit memorable.

Resorts along the byway are hosts to a fourth generation of families. They keep coming back to share some of the same experiences that drew the original settlers, a glimpse of an eagle or the northern lights, a pan of good fish, the haunting call of the loon and the scent of fresh pines in the area. Travelers will find it's easy to pursue any adventure they choose.

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