Paddling the Route of Schoolcraft Canoe/Kayak Tour: Exploring the North Country Trail and Lake Itasca
Date and Time
Wednesday Jul 13, 2016
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Wednesday, July 13, 9 am to noon
Location
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Meet along the shore of Lake Itasca below Douglas Lodge, within Itasca State Park
Fees/Admission
This program is limited to 15 watercraft. Please contact the park at 218-699-7259 or 218-699-7252 to register.
Website
Description
Paddling the Route of Schoolcraft Canoe/Kayak Tour: Exploring the North Country Trail and Lake Itasca.
On this day in 1831, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft and his exploration party were led by Ojibwe guide Ozawindib to Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River. Now, 184 years later, join the park naturalists as we explore Lake Itasca from a canoe (or kayak) during this morning paddle. The naturalists will share readings from Schoolcraft’s journal, as well as entries from other members of the party. The early portage routes within the Itasca basin make up some of the “first” hiking trails. Learn where Schoolcraft portaged in order to reach the source of the Mississippi River.
Notes: bring your canoe or kayak. If you do not have a canoe or kayak, limited numbers are for rent from the Itasca Sports Rental. Please rent your canoe or kayak before the program begins. You will need to be able to transport the boat from the rental area to the starting point of the tour. All persons must wear a life jacket while participating in this program. Program is weather dependent.
This specialty canoe tour is being offered as we celebrate 125 years of Minnesota State Parks and Trails and 100 years of the National Park Service. This event is sponsored by both Itasca State Park and the Itasca Moraine and Laurentian Lakes Chapters of the National North Country Trail.
Learn more about the North Country Trail in Itasca State Park and east, at the Itasca Moraine Chapter site: http://northcountrytrail.org/itm/
Learn more about the North Country Trail in Itasca State Park and west, at the Laurentian Lakes Chapter site: http://northcountrytrail.org/llc/