Thank you for visiting The Friends of Itasca website!
Itasca State Park is open year round, and each season is unique. Itasca State Park is open year round. With each season you will be greeted with unique experience and beauty. Come visit. In 2026 there will be one more MN State Park Free Days on Friday, November 27.
Announcements
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Music Under the Pines events sponsored by the Friends of Itasca
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Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 Hoot Owls 3:30-4:30pm Forest Inn
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 Poetry Reading 6:30-7:30pm Ampitheater
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2026 Basement Brass 6:30-7:30pm Ampitheater
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026 Northwind Clarinets Forest Inn 3:30-4:30pm Forest Inn
- There is one more course available at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories this summer from Aug.3-7. Check it out Science of Craft courses!
- View details for gift shop, restaurant and visitor center hours. Note Douglas Lodge Restaurant’s expanded business hours!
Great general information about Itasca State Park and other parks across the United States. Check out Parks and Pets.
Events at the Park
Find pograms and events at Itasca and all your favorite state parks. There are always fun activites and interesting programs happening. Topics range from Itasca CCC history to animals and children's projects; you will certainly find something for everyone!Restaurant and Gift Shop Information
There are three gifts shops and two restaurants in the park that are open seasonally. The Jacob V Brower Visitor Center and gift shop is open year round during regular business hours. State Park permits are available and information about what is happening in the park. Take time visit the interpretive displays and learn about nature and the interesting history of Itasca.
The Bumblebee Atlas
Become a participant of the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas and Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas projects in 2025! Join the webinar, we will provide clear guidance on how to participate in the Atlas and discuss priorities for the 2025 field season. The training will cover how to conduct your own survey, where and when to survey, what supplies you'll need, and how to submit your data. We will also discuss how to differentiate bumble bees from the other insects you'll encounter in the field. This webinar will serve as the last of our two-part training series. Before attending this webinar, please watch Part 1, Ecology and Conservation of Bumble Bees. This workshop is supported by the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar. For the most up-to-date information visit the Bumblbee Atlas on Facebook!
Visit our Memorials and Special Sentiments Page
When you donate to the Friends you are invited to say something about your gift. A "memorial", "honorarium", or "in gratitude" statement reflecting your gift. We have had requests to have this option on the website. You will need to contact someone for approval and to forward it to our web developer. Contact the Friends of Itasca at: friends@friendsofitasca.org
It's Time to RENEW!
It’s that time of year again! Your Friends Group plays a crucial role in the stewardship of Minnesota’s parks and trails, and we hope you will renew your membership with Parks and Trails Council.. You may download the Contact Form and return it by mail.
Links to our Donation Options
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If you wish your donation to go to the Playground Project, include that as a note, or email the Friends of Itasca to make your wishes known.