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Lake Itasca

Coordinates: 47°13′05″N 95°12′26″W / 47.21806°N 95.20722°W / 47.21806; -95.20722
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Lake Itasca
The primary source of the Mississippi River on the edge of Lake Itasca
Location of Lake Itasca in Minnesota, USA.
Location of Lake Itasca in Minnesota, USA.
Lake Itasca
Location of Lake Itasca in Minnesota, USA.
Location of Lake Itasca in Minnesota, USA.
Lake Itasca
LocationItasca State Park, Clearwater County, Minnesota, US
Coordinates47°13′05″N 95°12′26″W / 47.21806°N 95.20722°W / 47.21806; -95.20722
TypeGlacial
Native nameOmashkoozo-zaaga'igan  (Ojibwe)
Primary inflowsNicolet Creek, Elk Lake outlet stream
Primary outflowsMississippi River
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2)
Average depth20–35 ft (6–11 m)
Surface elevation1,475 ft (450 m)
IslandsSchoolcraft Island

Lake Itasca is a glacial lake found in north Minnesota. It is the primary source for the Mississippi River. Although the river has tributaries which contribute a large volume of water to it, none are as dramatic as the lake's. Many science experiments are carried out here because of the lake's surrounding ecology and geography.

Upper Mississippi.
The Mississippi River near its source, Lake Itasca, with is not visible in this image.