Headwaters is a photograph of Itasca State Park. Everyday hundreds of people make the journey to the headwaters as sort of a pilgrimage. They come from all over the world to see where the mighty river starts. Children will hop along the rocks to show that they can cross the river all on their own. Adults will wade across or use the narrow foot bridge to reach the other side, All will get their picture taken in front of the log sign that marks the beginning.

“Taking your picture next to the iconic headwaters post is a must when you visit the park! The historic marker dates back to the 1930s, and indicates the Mississippi River's total mileage at 2,552 miles. Since then the river's course has been shortened and altered by flooding and channeling. Every summer canoeists leave Lake Itasca to begin their river adventures, with hopes of reaching the Gulf of Mexico over 2,318 miles away.” - From the Minnesota DNR’s Headwaters Website