Itasca Lantern Light Event
Date and Time
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Location
Itasca State Park
Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Fees/Admission
All vehicles must display a valid year-round or one-day Minnesota state park vehicle permit. A Minnesota ski pass is required for all skiers over 16 years old. Permits and passes can be purchased online or at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center upon arrival. The visitor center will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM on event day.
Description
Please join us for a Lantern Light Event at Itasca State Park this holiday weekend! Bundle up and let the glow of candlelight guide you on an enchanting hike to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Linger by the headwaters campfire and listen to the mighty river as it flows across the frozen landscape. The total length of this loop trail is a 1/2 mile. It is a well-defined path with minimal elevation change. The headwaters path is walkable with snow boots, although snowshoes are a fun option when the snow is deep. Dogs on leashes welcome.
RENTAL EQUIPMENT ... Itasca Sports will be open with with extended hours on event day! They will be set up to rent snowshoes at the Mary Gibbs Cafe, 4:00-8:00 PM. Their Forest Inn location will also be open, 9:30 AM-8:30 PM.
FOOD ...*CASH SALES ONLY* The Mary Gibbs Cafe will be open 12-8 PM on event day! Conveniently located at the headwaters trailhead, the cafe will be serving, soup, sandwiches, hotdogs, mac & cheese, sweet treats, coffee and more to fight the chill of a winter night. We invite you to gather outside on the heated patio for good times and conversation with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
MUSIC ... From the northwoods of Minnesota, Julie and Bill Kaiser will perform their popular mix of "folkgrass" music inside the Mary Gibbs Cafe.
MORE ... Want to experience all the winter fun Itasca State Park has to offer? Explore 31 miles of snowmobile trails and 13 miles of cross-country ski trails. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available from the Itasca Sports winter rental shop at the Forest Inn. Visit www.itascasports.com for more information.
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