Iowa/Minnesota trip help

[garmp]

DW & I are planning to visit the 2014 NDOG (National Dutch Oven Gathering) in Monticello, Iowa on Sept 13 and then take part in the Midwest Sportsmobile Group Rally in the Amana Colonies RV Park Sept 21. During this time we have a week to spend touring and both of us have always wanted to see Lake Itasca/head waters, start of the Mississippi as we are from St. Louis, MO.
First off, what campgrounds do you all recommend and what's there to see/do. Campground preferences are: COE, National, Federal Parks first, State or Municipalities/county, or other government agencies, military famcamps, followed by private.
Next set of guidelines: Driving no more than 4 hour per day and staying no more than 2-3 nights in one park (most of the time less). All parks must have showers and 15 amp electric, picnic table, and fire rings. Prefer parks with growies and trees between spaces and not a lot of open spaces. Privacy is really nice! Don't want to camp in an open field, cause we don't got no stinkin' satellite disk, nor even a TV for that matter. We want to CAMP, not park in a RV Park (not meant as a dig, just a guide).
History, nature and local culture are things of interest to us, as well as is a tasty Burger & cold beer. Local food is always a plus on the information poll.
By the way, we are in a B, so most size limitations/restrictions don't bother us.

[garmp]

Thanks for all the great info. Unfortunately, we have to cancel our plans as I came down with a strange kidney disease and it sort shot all our travel plans in the butt for a while. I have this thread marked for future reference and hope to put it to good use when the time comes. Not posting for sympathy but to say thanks for all the input and terrific info. Greatly appreciated!

[MinnCamper]

Bumpyroad wrote:

stetwood wrote:
About 2 hours west of Itasca State Park is Hibbing, the home of open pit iron mines.

W or E?
bumpy

It would be East. Itasca is our favorite state park and we camp there are least once a year.

September is our favorite time of year to camp in Minnesota. The temps are a little cool, it's quieter, the mosquitos are gone and a fire at night feels wonderful.

[Bumpyroad]

stetwood wrote:
About 2 hours west of Itasca State Park is Hibbing, the home of open pit iron mines.

W or E?
bumpy

[stetwood]

About 2 hours west of Itasca State Park is Hibbing, the home of open pit iron mines.

[cinharover]

If you're near Mason City, the Margaret MacNider City Park was great. FHU, immaculate restrooms, and there's some interesting stuff to look at in downtown Mason City--lots of Frank Lloyd Wright bldgs, "Music Man" museum--but the park itself is quite large, great for biking and walking.

[GoPackGo]

And while in the Amana Colonies, make sure to visit the Furniture Shop where you can watch them make Grandfather Clocks. Also stop by the Meat Shop to fill up your fridge with yummy stuff to grill and visit one of the many restaurants in the Colonies - my favorite is the Ox Yoke Inn, but you can't go wrong.

Tim

[agb2529]

garmp1 wrote:
Thank ya all for the info. Very helpful and several places we never thought of that sound very interesting. Is there enough in the area of Itasca SP to spend 3 days? Maybe a day trip to Bemidji and the Paul Bunyon/Babe statue and a tasteful lunch of a burger (or local favorite) and a beer.
What we generally like to plan for our trips is like a large circle. Say up the eastern route and return via the western. Local food is always a focal point, as is history and scenery.

thank again for the help.

We've been to Itasca a number of times when our kids were at Concordia Language Village outside of Bemidji and had no problem staying entertained for almost 2 weeks. Plenty to do in the park between the headwaters, the visitor centers, the bike & hiking trails, ranger programs (although those may be reduced in September), visiting all of the CCC buildings in the park, etc. For dining in the park, the Douglas Lodge has a nice restaurant in a beautiful historic building. For more local dining and history, Park Rapids to the south and Dorset ("Restaurant Capital of the World" - based on per capita, since the official population is 22!) just east of Park Rapids are both great choices, nice bike trail connecting the 2. Bemidji is a bit farther away (45 min) but also has a lot to offer. We also liked Lake Bemidji State Park, a lot smaller than Itasca but a good base for doing things in Bemidji. If you have time to explore the more eastern part of northern Minnesota, Soudan Underground Mine State Park and the rest of the area around Ely and Hibbing have a lot as well.

Soudan Underground Mine

[garmp]

Thank ya all for the info. Very helpful and several places we never thought of that sound very interesting. Is there enough in the area of Itasca SP to spend 3 days? Maybe a day trip to Bemidji and the Paul Bunyon/Babe statue and a tasteful lunch of a burger (or local favorite) and a beer.
What we generally like to plan for our trips is like a large circle. Say up the eastern route and return via the western. Local food is always a focal point, as is history and scenery.

thank again for the help.

[likesadvice]

Consider Campers Paradise in Nevis, Minnesota. A short drive to Itasca and the novelty of camping on an island. A causeway was built to drive to the island many years ago. A fantastic camping experience.

[dewey02]

Bumpyroad wrote:

minn camping family wrote:
mosquitoes so bad you could not sit outside even with DEET).

you must be mistaken. previously I was assured that mosquitoes were no problem in MN.
bumpy

You should actually read a post before commenting or responding.
The OP said they are planning to visit Itasca State Park in mid-September. My response was that the mosquitos that Minnesota is noted for should not be a problem by mid-September. As the summer moves on, and things dry out, the mosquito hatches lessen each month. And by mid-September, there is usually a frost or near frost in Northern MN, which even further reduces the bugs. We have camped at Itasca SP in September and October for the past several years and have not had any problems with mosquitos.
Note that in my original response to the OP, I acknowledge that MN is noted for mosquitos, but not at the time they will be visiting. I live here, so I am well aware of how bad they can be in spring and early summer, and this year is especially bad.

Regarding your posts:
If you are trying to be humorous, you are not.
If you are trying to help the OP, you are giving incorrect information.

[Bumpyroad]

minn camping family wrote:
mosquitoes so bad you could not sit outside even with DEET).

you must be mistaken. previously I was assured that mosquitoes were no problem in MN.
bumpy

[minn_camping_fa]

Alfred622 wrote:
In the morning, head up to the Kathio State Park. Again, nice sites, not far from Mille Lacs Lake, interesting historical exhibits (I enjoy native american history), and fun places to eat. Hiking trail all over (hike to the fire tower) and well maintained. That will be about a 3 hr drive from Big Island. This would be a good one or two day camp.

I agree with all of Alfred's post except this little part 🙂

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is the one park we would never return to! We are state park campers and are used to wildlife and bugs but this place was literally overrun with both (ie very large snapping turtles took over the swimming pond and playground, laying eggs everywhere; everyday I picked at least 20 ticks off of my dog; mosquitoes so bad you could not sit outside even with DEET).

Instead I'd recommend Father Hennepin State Park, which is located right on Lake Mille Lacs. It's a pretty park and there are many sites with lake views. Also many trails, it's home of some albino deer which are always a treat to see, and it's near the town of Isle which has a small grocery store and gas station, diner, shops. Kathio is off by itself, a bit of a drive from the nearest supplies.

I also think you'll enjoy Itasca State Park very very much! Have a wonderful trip!

[dewey02]

garmp1 wrote:

Does Minnesota offer any discounts for Seniors, Disabled Vets or the such for camping or park fees? Never hurts to ask.
Thanks again for all the info.

From MN DNR Page:
Minnesota State Park vehicle permits

Any active military service personnel stationed outside of Minnesota within the past 90 days can get a free one-day Minnesota state park vehicle permit. Bring your current military orders and military ID, and let the park attendant know your military status when you arrive.

Military personnel or their dependents who have a federal government access pass to federal recreational sites can get a free one-day Minnesota state park vehicle permit. Bring your federal access pass and military ID, and let the park attendant know your military status when you arrive.

Any resident veteran with any level of service-connected disability can get a free one-day Minnesota state park vehicle permit. Bring a copy of your determination letter and a photo ID, and let the park attendant know your military status when you arrive.

Any veteran who has a permanent and total service–connected disability can get a free annual Minnesota state park permit. Present a copy of your determination letter or VA ID card to the park attendant for the free annual sticker, which must be placed on a vehicle that is owned by the veteran. If the vehicle transporting the veteran is not owned by the veteran with the permanent service-connected disability, you can still get a free one-day Minnesota state park permit.

Also discounts for fishing and hunting licenses. No mention of camping discount...but you still have to purchase a state park daily or annual pass to get inside the park to camp, so the above discounts will help there. Also note that if you have a Federal govt. access pass, they will give you a one-day state park pass.

[garmp]

Thanks to all for the info. Bumpy, I realize it is not the "jump across the puddle" that most people expect and that's fine. We did hear that it is a nice park and sorta on our bucket list, as much as I detest that term.
Alfred, your post is awesome and is just what we are looking for, insight from a "camper" of the actual area! Not sure if we'll make the northern leg of the trip, Lake Itasca might be the turning point, but there again we're still investigating. All sound very interesting and now we have to reexamine our schedule to see what fits best.
Does Minnesota offer any discounts for Seniors, Disabled Vets or the such for camping or park fees? Never hurts to ask.
Thanks again for all the info.