Itasca State Park hosts Centennial Wagon Train reunion June 11

Itasca State Park and Minnesota State Parks and Trails are celebrating their 125th anniversary with a reunion of the Centennial Wagon Train trek from the St. Paul Capitol to Itasca State Park that took place June, 1991.

The reunion will be held Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Show Grounds located on the north side of Itasca State Park just east of the park’s North Entrance Road. Events include a social gathering, potluck lunch and program about the1991 Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train.

 “The public is invited to attend, whether they were part of the 1991 wagon train or simply want to learn about this monumental event,” said Connie Cox, Itasca State Park naturalist.

 Event details:

•11 a.m. - noon: Social gathering.

•Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Potluck lunch and socializing (bring a dish to share or your own picnic lunch).

•1:30 p.m.: Program on the 1991 Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train (bring a lawn chair).

 History of the 1991 Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train

 “The Centennial Wagon Train trek from the St. Paul Capitol to Itasca State Park in June, 1991, was the absolute highlight of the Minnesota State Park Centennial Celebration. It was also the most notable special event in 100 years of state park history. Traveling over 200 miles in two weeks, with over 50 wagons and 150 horseback riders, this wagon train was the largest, most difficult attempted since pioneer days.

 The event was held to raise awareness of Itasca State Park and the efforts of Jacob V. Brower toward the preservation of Minnesota's oldest state park, recreate the experiences of early travelers and settlers as the journeyed to Itasca, and instill appreciation of the strength and courage of early pioneers (Adapted from the publication Itasca State Park Centennial Wagon Train).” 

 In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, entry to the state park is free on this day. 

  For more information on the event, call 218-699-7251 or email itasca.statepark@state.mn.us.

 For more information on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Trails 125th anniversary events, visit mndnr.state.mn.us/125.