Mississippi Headwaters Hostel

05/19/2020

For those who have met Sara and her family while she was the manager of the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel for the last 11 years, we wanted to give you an update by sharing this link.

Please keep Sara and her family in your prayers as they are going through this journey and if you feel led please donate to her GoFundMe to help with treatment, travel and other expenses.

My name is Caren Smith. I met Sara when I moved to MN 16 years ago. She and I became instant f… Caren Smith needs your support for New Hope for Sara Parthun

10/26/2019

This is my last day, I am so sad, I cant believe it. The new park manager is Aaron Wonrow and he said they have not decided what to do with this building yet. Continuing as a hostel IS a possibility and I encourage you to contact him and let him know that they should continue using this building as a hostel and also for group housing. He said he would appreciate hearing from people. He asked if the hostel would bring in a new “niche” of park visitors? What do you think? If you have experienced the hostel here I think you would agree that it does. And where else can a group stay together like this in a state park? It is excellent for groups looking for housing a retreat, anniversary or reunions too. Camping on the ground isn’t for everyone. They have other ideas they are considering so he needs to hear from people so he knows there is a need for this place to continue. Please call Itasca State Park at 218-699-7256 and ask for the new park manager Aaron Wunrow. There is discussion too ongoing about the Tour de Pines bike ride, that isn’t completely gone yet.

I have enjoyed being here the last 11 years and I feel blessed for this experience. Not only myself but my children have had the opportunity to meet amazing people from all over the world. I feel like I’m loosing contact with a group of friends who I will never see again. Please know I will think of you again and wonder what you are up to. I wish you only the best, Thank you for being a part of our lives. May God bless you.

09/19/2019

Gorgeous night tonight, I don’t have many more of these left here. Incase you haven’t heard, the hostel will be closing the end of October. 😢 Hostelling International USA will not be renewing the lease with the park. After 27 years, the hostel will be no more. 💔

07/29/2019

In case you have been wondering how Arnaud is doing, here is an update.

07/25/2019

Have an HI USA membership or thinking of getting one? Find out how to make the most of that membership!

You can make your HI USA membership worth it whether you're traveling or not thanks to these hacks.

07/21/2019

We had fun last night making banana bread muffins and cake. They were so good!! It was the first time for Maryam.

07/19/2019

Always wanted to learn to paddle but never knew quite where to start, or didn't have the right gear? We can help! Try an I Can Paddle! program in one of Minnesota's state parks!

07/18/2019

Have you heard these myths about hostels?

You've probably heard the myths about hostels' cleanliness, safety, and more. But I'm hear to bust these hostel myths.

07/17/2019

I had a yummy breakfast this morning with two retired fireman from Utah, biking the northern tier from Washington to Maine. Safe travels Brad and Bill, It was wonderful meeting you.

07/09/2019

100.9 miles +3437 feet -- 100.9 mi, +3437 ft. Starts in Clearwater County, MN

06/03/2019

Check out these unique and beautiful spots at HI USA hostels!

Snap your pics here and your travel photos will turn out just as beautiful as the experiences themselves.

05/24/2019

Ticks spread a host of diseases while the Lone Star Tick is known to cause allergy to red meat.