The Mississippi River starts at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, within Itasca State Park in Clearwater County.

Quick Scoop

  • The lake where the Mississippi River begins is Lake Itasca in Minnesota.
  • Lake Itasca is a small glacial lake about 4.4–4.7 square kilometers in area and roughly 1,475 feet above sea level.
  • From Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River flows about 2,340 miles south to the Gulf of Mexico.

A Bit Of Background

  • Lake Itasca is traditionally recognized as the headwaters or main source of the Mississippi River, even though small streams and tributaries flow into it.
  • The name “Itasca” was coined from Latin roots meaning “true head,” emphasizing its status as the river’s official starting point.

TL;DR: The lake where the Mississippi River starts is Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, Minnesota.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.