The MN Hosteller is produced quarterly and published online by HI-Minnesota. It serves as the primary travel news and information source for hostellers in the midwestern U.S.A. We gladly accept travel stories, letters to the editor, travel tips and advice from our readers. To contact the editor, please email.
New Hostel Managers Carry on Tradition of Excellence in Itasca
Still Sparkling from Fall Refurbishment, Hostel Welcomes MN Native as Summer Manager
By Maggie Blehert
While some of northern Minnesota's furry friends spent the winter hibernating, the pulse at the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel was beating stronger than ever. Thanks in part to an extensive refurbishment that took place in late fall, and the presence of a temporary winter manager, travelers were once again able to enjoy its cozy north woods atmosphere and the camaraderie of hostel life.
Winter fun at the Headwaters. Photo by Nancy Ludwig
The hostel opened for winter in late December with manager Nancy Ludwig at the helm. As a longtime resident of the area, and with a husband who was formerly assistant manager of the entire Itasca State Park for 14 years, it was a natural fit. "I knew the park and the park knew me," said Ludwig.
Ludwig enjoyed seeing guests' reactions to the hostel's facelift. "They were very responsive to the building," she observed. "People who hadn't been there were really surprised."
Updated features include refinished hard wood floors, new paint and decorations, as well as new furniture and appliances. Then there are the classic touches that all visitors appreciate: the exposed log walls and the beautiful stone fireplace in the living room.
The hostel's location in Itasca State Park paid off for guests even more than usual this winter. "It was a really good winter for snow. People could ski or snowshoe and they were real happy with that," said Ludwig.
New Hostel Manager Ready to Welcome Summer Guests
Now, as the snow begins to melt, Ludwig has headed south for some time off. But fortunately, a new summer manager is already set to begin on May 2nd.
Michelle Vidovic is a native Minnesotan, and is just completing
a stint as co-manager at the HI hostel in Madison, Wisconsin. She
was drawn to the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel not only because
of its location, but also by the facility itself. "The hostel is
stunning - a spotless kitchen, lit fireplace, cozy chairs and a
tangibly inviting atmosphere," praised Vidovic. "I've spent a fair
amount of time hostelling and the Itasca Hostel is one of the most,
if not the most, attractive hostel I've experienced," she said.
Vidovic is also looking forward to interacting with the many groups the hostel is known for hosting. Groups are able to rent the south wing, which sleeps 18 people, or the entire hostel, which sleeps 31. Whether they are there for the first time or they are enjoying a repeat visit, all of them are awestruck by the location. "I'm very much looking forward to serving hostellers who are coming to enjoy a state park! Being in nature is one of the most important things to me and people coming to the Headwaters are there for just that reason," stated Vidovic.
Whether in Madison or Minnesota, there's one thing that will remain constant: Vidovic's interest in helping all visitors to the hostel create a memorable stay. "I deeply enjoy people and the variety of people that hostels attract. Managing hostels affords me the opportunity to interact with people from an enormous range of backgrounds and help them feel at home at this particular stop in their journey," said Vidovic.
For more information on booking space at the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel, you can find details here.
resources
The Itasca State Park region is filled with fascinating history, prized fishing and recreational lakes, mature forests and miles of hiking, biking, skiing and recreational trails. Check out these resources to help plan you trip.
Downloads
Headwaters Hostel Customs and Packing List (PDF document)
Itasca State Park summer map (PDF document)
Itasca State Park winter map (PDF document)
Internet Resources
Visit the MN DNR page on Itasca State Park
Mississippi Headwaters History
Headwaters & Itasca S. P. History
Wikipedia entry on Lake_Itasca
Itasca Bison Kill Archaeology Site
Local Travel Resources
Bemidji Area attractions: http://www.visitbemidji.com/attractions/index.htm
Resources to help plan your trip to Minnesota's oldest state park and the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel
Reservations
You'll need reservations to stay at the Mississippi Headwaters
Hostel. Check out the hostel page for
all the information you'll need.
Directions
Located in Itasca State Park, this historic lodge is the perfect
place for groups, families and nature lovers to stay. Get
your directions to the hostel here.
Packing
List & Hostel Customs
If you have never stayed at a hostel before, you're in for a treat.
You'll want to download this packing list and hostel customs form,
which gives you some background info and orientation. Download
PDF file here. (Right click; save as)
Call
Ahead
It helps to let the Hostel Manager know about when you expect to
arrive at the hostel. Please give a call to: 218.
266.3415 and
she will be waiting for you. Thanks!
See our hostel page for more information.
Please contact us if you need any help planning your trip to Itasca State Park.
Contact Us
Minnesota Council of Hostelling International USA
Address:
622 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 [link
to map]
Email: info@himinnesota.org
Telephone:
651.251.1495 | Fax: 651.251.1496
Mississippi Headwaters Hostel, Itasca State Park
27910
Forest Lane, Park Rapids, MN 56470 [link
to map]
Email: mhhostel@himinnesota.org
Telephone/Fax:
218.266.3415