Hostelling International USA Minnesota Council

Mississippi headwaters hostel

Headwaters Hostel Spring 2008. Photo by J. Weizel.

Welcome To Your Summer Vacation!

Located in beautiful Itasca State Park, we have operated our historic hostel through a partnership agreement with the Minnesota DNR, since 1992. 

Exposed log walls, new furnishings and appliances, beautiful hardwood floors and massive stone fireplaces create a uniquely comfortable lodging experience. Guests finds it clean, comfortable and totally relaxing.

The hostel sits on the shores of Lake Itasca, just a two minute walk to the beach, or the bicycle/canoe rental center, or the Itasca State Park museum. It's a beautiful 20 minute walk to the Mississippi Headwaters.

hostel Amenities & Description

Fully remodeled public spaces January 1, 2008. New carpeting, new furnishings & decorations, new appliances, refinished hardwood floors. It's gorgeous!

• The Hostel sleeps 31 people, 4 or 6 to a room. Groups may reserve the entire hostel (31 beds) or just the south wing (18 beds). Families/couples may reserve a private room.
• Fully equipped, modern kitchen for all guests to use. All you need to bring is food. The kitchen is large enough to handle groups with 3 sinks, two refrigerators, two stoves, and all the cookware, dinnerware, cutlery and utensils you will need to feed your friends and family.
• There is a large dining area just off the kitchen with room for everyone.
• Ample and attractively furnished common areas for gatherings and meetings.
• Guest Laundry, comfortable beds, spotless bathrooms.
• There are three bathrooms (two womens, one mens).
• Don't miss our fireplace lounge/library after dinner, a great place to catch up with friends or a book, or play games.
• Gas furnaces and central air conditioning for year-round comfort.
• New: we have a wi-fi broadband internet network!
• Outdoor BBQ grills, fire pit, picnic and lawn area for summer fun.
• Notes: Sorry, we do not allow pets or smoking at the hostel. Also, there is no cell phone coverage at the hostel. Please plan accordingly.

Itasca State Park: It's worth the trip!

Come visit our historic hostel in Minnesota's oldest state park: Itasca State Park. Through a partnership agreement with the Minnesota DNR, HI-Minnesota has operated the Itasca hostel since 1992. 

The Headwaters of the Mississippi River

The birthplace of the Mississippi River, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest state park, containing old growth forests and over 100 lakes and ponds. Fully 1/4 of Minnesota's old growth forest grows within Itasca State park. There are some awesome trees - some of which are over 300 years old, and high as a 10 story building.

Activities For The Whole Family

The hostel sits across the road from the bicycle rental, a wonderful sandy beach and a beautiful 20 minute walk to the Mississippi Headwaters. It is exactly where you want to be in the park.

There are many things to do in Itasca State Park. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, paved bicycle trails, groomed ski trails through some of the oldest forest in Minnesota is preserved within the borders of the park, as well as the headwaters to one of the nation's greatest rivers. The beach on Lake Itasca, just minutes from the hostel door step, is great for swimming on warm summer days.

Itasca is an ideal family vacation destination, as there is something for everyone to do. New visitor centers, beautiful and historic lodges and great wildlife viewing and park naturalist programs will round out your trip. Check here for upcoming programs and events at Itasca.