Itasca State Park

Visitors walking the rocks at the Mississippi Headwaters.
The northwoods in fall colors.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park.
Itasca Clubhouse, exterior.
Itasca Clubhouse, interior.
Historic Douglas Lodge.
Douglas Lodge lobby.
Mary Gibbs Cafe outdoor seating.
Lake Itasca Amphitheater.
Mary Gibbs Headwaters Visitors Center.

Make a lifetime of memories while you work and play in the beautiful scenic splendor of Minnesota's oldest state park!

About Itasca State Park

Spanning 32,000 acres, containing 100 lakes, and protecting the headwaters of the Mississippi river and 20% of Minnesota's remaining old-growth forest, Itasca State Park was Established in 1891 and is Minnesota's oldest and grandest state park. Walk across the mighty Mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Stand under towering pines and visit landmarks of centuries gone by throughout the park. Camp under the stars or stay the night in one of our 64 overnight units. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural Landmarks. Itasca attracts nearly 600,000 visitors every year from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are abundant year-round and include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, skiing, and much more! Itasca is a gem in the Minnesota Northwoods and an outdoor lovers paradise!

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer.

The Employee Experience

Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi river attract visitors from all over the world. The amazing cross section of society convening at this unique location provides our employees with many opportunities to meet people from a diverse set of backgrounds and differing walks of life and to have a meaningful impact on our guests' experience of the natural beauty of Itasca State Park.

We celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.  We are committed to cultivating a workforce that reflects the diversity of Minnesota’s population, creating a workplace that values all employees and considers all Minnesotans when providing services and managing resources. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer.

Ideal Candidate

Itasca State Park has been providing people with the opportunity to make memories for 130 years! With that in mind, we ask that all of our employees strive to provide the visitors to Itasca State Park with the most enjoyable and memorable experience that we can possibly provide them. 

Itasca State Park is a multifaceted operation with multiple departments and many moving parts. In order to effectively work with such a large and diverse team, we prioritize respect, teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills as important to the success of any candidate. In addition, we look for professionalism, dependability, and adaptability in any candidate we consider for a position with us. 

We are seeking talented, innovative employees to help us carry out our mission. Become a part of an organization that not only values the state’s natural resources but values the personnel resources it takes to sustain the natural beauty Minnesota has to offer. You will understand the impact of your work and be able to see the benefits. We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of experts driven by challenging work and motivated by the greater good. 

Room and Board

Housing opportunities are available. Ask for information via email or at the time of interview.

Employee Perks

Employees are provided with paid vacation, sick time, and floating holiday in addition to the opportunity to work in the beautiful natural setting of Itasca State Park. 

For Fun

Within the park, there are bike, boat, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Being the Land of 10,000 lakes, there is no shortage of lake-related activity, fishing, water skiing, or just relaxing as the waves lap the shoreline. There is also a multitude of hiking opportunities inside Itasca State Park and the surrounding area as well.

How to Apply

Careers (mn.gov)

1.) Click the link above

2.) Type "Itasca State Park" in the search bar

3.) Choose which job you would like to apply for

4.) In the top right corner click the green button that says "Apply for job"

5.) Create an account and follow step by step instructions


Contact Itasca State Park