Itasca State News Today

WALKER, Minn. (OSV News) -- At a temporary altar in front of a gray corrugated steel park shelter, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens and about 30 pilgrims knelt in the wet morning grass for benediction May 20. The prayers were part of a transition from a 1-mile solemn procession following 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Theodore

In full vestments and flanked by pines, Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens held high the Eucharist in a golden monstrance, making the sign of the cross over the stream that flowed gently from the placid lake behind him. Next to him, a signpost read, "Here 1,475 FT above the ocean, the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico."

Dorothy Manz, 89, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024. She was born on July 7, 1934 to Roy and Clara (Holm) Edman on the family farm. She graduated from Alvarado High School in 1952 and the University of North Dakota in 1956 with a degree in music. Dorothy met Oscar at the Lutheran Student Association at UND. They were married on August 19, 1955. They were blessed with seven children. Through Oscar’s research with fly ash they traveled all over the world. One of their favorite trips was when...

Itasca State Park naturalist Connie Cox says the park is alive with birdsong and wildflowers in May and June.

The 2023 season was shortened by floodwaters in the spring. Park manager Catherine Johnson hopes the recreation area attendance record will be broken in 2024.

Minnesotans are encouraged to explore outdoors with friends and family

His maps are part infographic, part navigation tool, part work of art

His maps are part infographic, part navigation tool, part work of art

Madeline Pearl (Drewes) Yliniemi was called to heaven on Sunday evening, February 11, 2024 at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN at the age of 94 years and 120 days, with all four of her children by her side.

We asked, they answered. Park rangers and officials weigh in on their favorite hidden-gem state parks, as well as where they go to escape into nature.