HI-Mississippi Headwaters Hostel

Join Us In Minnesota’s First State Park

Located in the heart of beautiful Itasca State Park, the hostel sits on the shores of Lake Itasca, just a two minute walk to the beach, or a 20 minute walk to the Headwaters. We have operated our historic hostel through a partnership agreement with the Minnesota DNR, since 1992. Exposed log walls, new furnishings and appliances, beautiful hardwood floors and massive stone fireplaces create a uniquely comfortable lodging experience. Guests find it clean, comfortable and totally relaxing.

This hostel continually ranks in the top 10 hostels in the nation for cleanliness, safety and quality of accommodations. Consider staying with us when you’re in Itasca State Park.

HI-Mississippi Headwaters Hostel Details

• The Hostel sleeps 31 people total in 6 bedrooms ( 4, 5 or 6 to a room). Groups may reserve the entire hostel (31 beds) or just the south wing (18 beds). Families/couples may also reserve a private room.
• The modern kitchen is large enough to handle groups with 3 sinks, 2 refrigerators, 2 stoves, 2 coffee pots and all the cookware, dinnerware, cutlery and utensils you will need to feed your friends and family.
• There is a large dining area just off the kitchen with room for everyone.
• Attractively furnished, comfortable common areas for gatherings.
• Comfortable beds (mostly bunk beds) and guest laundry available
• There are three bathrooms (two womens, one mens).
• Don’t miss our fireplace lounge/library after dinner, a great place to catch up with friends or a book, or play games.
• Gas furnaces and central air conditioning ensure year-round comfort.
• Outdoor BBQ grills, fire pit, picnic and lawn area for summer fun.
• New: High speed wi-fi broadband internet network for all guests to use!
• Notes: Sorry, we do not allow smoking or pets at the hostel. Also, there is limited cell phone coverage at the hostel. Please plan accordingly.

Hostel Customs

Hostels are based on a spirit of community and shared space. Whether you are an individual traveler, a family or a group staying at the hostel, we urge you to interact with those around you and to be mindful of the other guests at the hostel. Our guests help us to keep the hostel pristine by cleaning up after themselves and sharing in hostel chores before leaving. Please ask the manager if you care to assist in hostel upkeep.

Sleeping Rooms

There are six bedrooms in the hostel, each with either 4, 5 and 6 beds to a room. All beds in the hostel are twin size bunk beds. The hostel provides pillows and blankets for all of the beds.

Linens

We provide linens free-of-charge for individuals and families. For groups there is a laundry surcharge of $5 per individual for a full set of sheets and towel for the duration of your stay. Groups may choose to bring their own linens to avoid this fee. Please note: Sleeping bags are only allowed during winter months, from October 1st – April 1st. We cannot allow sleeping bags during the summer months.

Bathrooms

Guests should bring their own bath towels. The bathrooms are cleaned often and are equipped with toilet paper and air hand dryers. Guests should provide all of their own toiletries. There are plug-ins for hair dryers, etc.

Kitchen

The kitchen is equipped with pots, pans, bakeware, pancake griddle, coffeemakers, cooking utensils, toasters, silverware, dishes and dish towels. The hostel has one microwave oven, two stoves, and two refrigerators with small freezers. There are also three sinks. In short, the hostel provides everything you will need to prepare and eat your meals. Just bring the food.

Internet

We have free Wi-Fi internet for all guests to use. Bring your laptop if you need to.

Hostel Floor Plan

Check out the hostel floor plan to get an idea of the space before you arrive. This will also help you to request a room, if you so choose.

Click above for a larger view.

Packing Suggestions

Guests may want to consider packing…

• Bath towel, bed sheets + pillowcase (sleeping bags allowed October 1st through April 1st)
• Toiletries, insect repellant, sunscreen, rain jackets, hiking shoes, slippers or flip flops
• Food, drinking water, cooler, dishsoap, specialty cookware (i.e. wok, wafflemaker, etc.)
• Charcoal, lighter fluid, matches/lighter, newspaper for outdoor fire pit and grill
• Lawn chairs, yard games, board games, books
• Small fan, portable radio (The hostel has no TV, but does have a library and some games.)
• Bicycles, fishing gear, hiking gear, birding gear, camera

Other Notes On Staying At The Headwaters Hostel

• The hostel has central air conditioning for the hottest part of the summer. It also has forced air heat and one fireplace for use during winter. It is comfortable year-round.
• Vehicle stickers are required to enter Itasca State Park. Fees are $5 daily, $25 annual.
• There is no smoking or pets allowed in the hostel.
• Itasca Sports, a bicycle and boat rental business, is across the road from the hostel: see www.itascasports.com for info.
• The Lake Itasca beach is a 10 min. walk. The Mississippi Headwaters is a 20 min. walk.
• Due to pests, you must now purchase firewood from the park if you wish to have a fire in the firepit at the hostel. This is a state law. We do not sell wood at the hostel.

2012 Minnesota Ironman Registration Now Open

The 46th annual Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is now open for Early Bird online registration. The ride will be held in Lakeville, MN on May 6, 2012. Register early to save on your registration fees.

We are also happy to bring back the Minnesota Gran Fondo for its second year. The MGF is a timed event within the Minnesota Ironman. Read all about both of the events at the MIBR web site.

---