wilderness drive

Timetripper

Wilderness Drive is by far my favorite part of ISP. 10 miles on a one way blacktop road that is filled w/beautiful scenery...heavily wooded with small ponds & lakes with multiple scenic pullovers. I just rode my bike from the bike rental hut thru the Wilderness Drive and back...about 16 miles. Even when I was lacking in oxygen due to the rolling hills & challenging peddling (at least for this 50+ yr old gal), I could still hear the trumpeter swans flying over and the wind whistling through the pines...pure awesomeness! Something to consider: Electric bikes are available from the bike rental hut for $12. p/hr. I'd recommend if you aren't a seasoned bicyclist.

180dianneg

The one way wilderness drive is beautiful. it curves through the park along many lakes. The drive is relaxing and allows everyone to get close to nature.

barryl242

Take the time to drive around the wilderness drive from the Headwaters back to the Lodge. Most of it is a one-way road, shared with bicyclists. Opportunities to stop and take short hikes, seeing the old and tall trees, passing lakes and swamps and an interpretive walk. Filled with the beauty of the wilderness.

mariaj914

This is a must! It's great for the chilly, rainy days. Bring a thick sweater and cover up to help keep mosquitoes at bay, if you choose to venture out on the trails. This is a beautiful drive that you should take nice and slow to watch for all the wild life (I didn't see any bears, but did see a beaver, bald eagle, and other little critters)

Cinnilouwho

Wonderful 10 mile one way drive. Places to pull off and go for hikes and even a 100 foot fire tower to climb to the top for amazing views of the whole park!!

bzymom22

My husband and I took this drive. It is a one way paved 10 mile drive. Take your time and enjoy. Beautiful pine tree canopies. There are several places where you can stop and park to take a quick hike. We stopped twice to see both the biggest white pine and the biggest red pine. Both were a quick walk to see (less than 1000 m). Take bug spray. The bugs were really bad on these trails, but not around the visitor centers and headwaters.

ND1438

Great way to spend an afternoon bike riding however you need to watch for cars as you share the road with them and some people drive too fast. Some of the bike trails were marked as closed/under construction but we took them anyway and they were fine. This was much safer than sharing the road with cars. Beautiful ride. Take time to stop at the points of interest.

tigereye79

We drove this 4 times during our 2-night stay. One night we drove it two times in a row. We saw raccoons, skunk, bats, an owl, frogs, mice, and a bobcat. It was best to drive it at night, and were were so surprised no one else seemed to drive it at night. It was nice during the day, plenty of trees too look at, but we didn't see any wildlife other than fleeting birds during the day.

KendianaJones

The Wilderness Drive (one-way from the North entrance) provides a peaceful and scenic alternative to driving along the east side of Lake Itasca with hundreds of other tourists. Drive slowly and enjoy the quiet setting, There are a few short hikes you can optionally take if you wish to stretch your legs.When we were there in mid-August, a few trees were just starting to turn to their fall colors. This would be an even more beautiful drive a month or two later.

leroys73

I did not plan to stay at Itasca State Park but my trip to Angle Inlet did not appear to be a good choice because of the weather so I stay at Itasca State Park. Of course I had to take the Wilderness Drive. I was on a motorcycle and it rained most of the day but it was a good road with plenty of stops and things to see.

AtanuR

A partial one way drive which will take you through the Itasca state park. The road is nicely paved and is newly paved and gives you an excellent tour of the state park. If you are in Itasca you can't miss this one.

CinderChicago

A one way road that really allows you to experience the park without getting out of your car.

BobMinneapolis_MN

The 10-mile wilderness drive has been completely repaved! At last, you won't be scaring off the wildlife when your suspension bottoms out in the ruts and potholes!

spudsters

Almost made us feel like we were transported back in time! Many different lakes and hiking trails available for your enjoyment! While the trail was windy at times by taking your time you were sure to enjoy everything the drive had to offer.

DebbieV229

Saw deer and Trumpeter Swans....very tranquil drive.