July 7, 2021 Headwaters of the Mississippi
We found a fantastic National Forest campground on Mabel Lake in north-central Minnesota, a base to explore the area.
We lucked into nabbing the best spot on the lake, with a beautiful stairway to the beach. We went swimming in the shallow, cool water every chance we got! We are about 60 miles from Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi. We visited the spot back in 2003 when we started our (now 18 year) road trip. Boy have things changed! Now there is a huge visitor center, plaques, statues and information kiosks, paved parking, that was absolutely full, and tons of visitors. 
The commemorative carved tree trunk is still there, maybe a newer one tho!