The Itasca State Park IBA is limited to, but includes all of Itasca State Park. Itasca State Park is located 20 miles north of Park Rapids Minnesota and 30 miles south of Bemidji, Minnesota along Hwy. 71. Main travel routes to Itasca State Park are well signed and easy to follow. Maps of the park are available on site. Minnesota is divided into 23 ecological subsections, Itasca State Park is located in Pine Moraines and Outwash Plains subsections. Soil types are primarily sand and loam. Vegetation consists of large red and white pine, aspen, birch, jack pine, northern hardwoods and lowland conifers. Old growth conifer and hardwood stands are found throughout the park. Itasca’s old growth includes Minnesota’s largest red pine and one of the state’s largest white pines. Numerous lakes, streams and vegetated wetlands are also located within the park boundaries. Itasca State Park is also nationally known for being home to the Mississippi River Headwaters. Tourism and Recreation are important commodities for the park and surrounding area. Approximately 500,000 people visit the park yearly. Opportunities are available for day use activities as well as multi-day use with lodging available at both private and public facilities. Hundreds of miles of trails are available which can provide the opportunity for a wide variety of birding opportunities.