The Mississippi River, which measures 2,320 miles long, is the second-longest river in the United States, flowing from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Although the exact starting point of the Mississippi River is debated, one popular answer is Lake Itasca, a small freshwater lake located in northern Minnesota’s Clearwater County, near the sources of the Mississippi and Red River.
Lake Itasca is a popular tourist destination, but is rarely on the top of people’s bucket list. Located in a state park, visitors are welcomed to explore the lake, the nearby forests and wetlands, and the naturally occurring white-tailed deer, beavers, woodpeckers, and other animals and plants. Additionally, it is an excellent spot for canoeing, inner tubing, fishing and swimming.
The lake itself stretches 1.5 miles wide and is an average 32 feet deep. Along it’s shores is a peat bog and a pool of dark water where thousands of logs have lodged in it. This has given the perception to outsiders that the lake looks like a swamp or an ocean. A 25-foot Native American-style dugout tower stands in the middle of the lake, providing visitors a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.
At the head of Lake Itasca is a large chute of water that flows over a rock ridge, and is often called the source of the Mississippi River. A plaque in the park is marked with the words “It is believed by many that herein lies the beginning of the great river Mississippi, which waters a large portion of the North American Continent, and drains into the Gulf of Mexico.”
Most experts agree that the Mississippi River does indeed have its true and official source at Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River Watershed Monitoring Program also recognizes it as the source. According to their website, “The Mississippi River’s headwaters are located in Minnesota’s headwaters region, at Lake Itasca. Through natural processes, the rain, snowmelt and runoff together form a large network of lakes, rivers and marshes that eventually flow into Lake Itasca.”
Water From Lake Itasca Reaches the Caribbean Sea
While the Mississippi River starts at Lake Itasca, it doesn’t stop there. The river then moves south and connects to streams, rivers, and other lakes as it makes its way towards the Gulf of Mexico in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. As the river makes its way past Baton Rouge, other rivers and streams, including the Atchafalaya and Red River, allow the Mississippi to empty out into the Gulf of Mexico.
From there, salt water from the Gulf of Mexico travels up the Mississippi and eventually to the Caribbean Sea, making the Caribbean ocean a recipient of the Mississippi River’s water from Lake Itasca. This interesting water flow is known as the Atchafalaya-Mississippi river connection, where the Atchaflaya River is a distributary of the Mississippi that dumps freshwater into the saltwater Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the Atchafalaya-Mississippi connection, the mineral water flow from Lake Itasca is known to reach Washington State, on the other side of the continent. This further establishes the importance of respecting the local sources of Lake Itasca, as its water goes far beyond its initial borders.
Environmental Impact of Lake Itasca
The lake at the source of the Mississippi is seen by many as a way of understanding the power and life cycle of the river itself. It serves as a stellar example of the water cycle, showing the importance of well-kept water lines and the power of fresh water to sustain life.
Lake Itasca has been impacted by factors like industry, urbanization, and climate change, which have all had their own varied effects on the lake and the Mississippi River. Scientists have studied the quality of the lake’s water since the mid-20th century and have noted that the lake is free from contamination and maintains quality levels due to its low-flow basin.
The lake also serves a major role to Minnesota’s environment. Its role over the years has been quintessential in allowing wild animals to survive and thrive in the area and if the lake were to suffer a large environmental impact, it could have a domino effect up and down the Mississippi.
Protection of Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca serves as a major water source and so its protection is essential. To keep the water clean and safe, certain actions need to be taken by the locals, including the implementation of water monitoring and pollution controls, as well as conservation efforts. Additionally, the local community of Clearwater County is actively involved in the maintenance of the water quality and safety standards.
Dozens of local and state organizations have come together to support the preservation of the lake and its surrounding environment. This includes the National Park Service declaration of Lake Itasca as part of the National Wild and Scenic Explored Rivers Program and the efforts of the Headwaters Foundation for Rivers. Other organizations have worked together to clean the lake’s bottoms and implement catch-and-release programs and educate the public to reduce the pressure on the lake.
How to Visit Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca and its surrounding areas are a great place to visit. Touring the lake and nearby scenery provide visitors an augmented appreciation of the role of Lake Itasca as the Source of the Mississippi. Additionally, the area offers multiple activities like fishing and hiking, as well as attractions like a boat tour, an on-site restaurant, and a selection of shops and lodging, depending on how long you plan to stay.
Due to the lake’s location in a state park, visitors should also keep in mind that there are certain rules and regulations to follow. The lake has different fishing and boat limits and tourists must always be aware of the speed limit and park schedules. Despite these small inconveniences, it is with no doubt that a visit to Lake Itasca is worth the experience.
Economy of Lake Itasca
Tourism is a major economic contribution of the Lake Itasca region. According to a report by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, tourists spent more than $776 million in local businesses in 2017, including accommodation, food, equipment rental, transport, and culture. Furthermore, the state park itself collected nearly $2 million in fees from boat ramps, campsites, and other services.
In addition to the tourism, Lake Itasca is also a great natural resource for the local economy. Fishermen in the area have caught a wide variety of freshwater fish over the years, including walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill, and mudpuppy. Local businesses have also used the lake’s water for recreational activities, like canoe and kayak trips, as well as to fill drinking water tanks and irrigation systems.
Regional Impact of Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca serves as a major source of water and electricity throughout the state of Minnesota. The lake is connected to the Upper Mississippi River Basin and to two of the largest hydroelectric projects in the central United States, the Bemidji and St. Cloud hydroelectric dams.
In addition to its importance to the development of central Minnesota, Lake Itasca is also a great scientific resource, providing researchers the chance to examine the effects of climate change and human activities on the lake’s biological aspects. Researchers have used the lake as a baseline for their research due to its low-flow basin and its cold water quality.
Conclusion
Lake Itasca, located in northern Minnesota, is widely recognized as the source of the Mississippi River. This small freshwater lake is of great importance to both the ecological environment and the local economy. To protect the lake from damage, locals take necessary measures, including pollution controls and conservation efforts. Additionally, the area offers amazing touristic experiences, including fishing and hiking, and so it is deemed to be well worth a visit.
