Lake Itasca Tours

07/04/2024

Please see our article in the Fargo-Moorhead Forum (Wednesday, July 3rd), where the full story behind our decision to close our business is told; and why we feel our partnership with the Minnesota DNR has run its course. Frankly, the story tells how the DNR had these same feelings long before we did.

Hope everyone has a fantastic summer! We’re looking forward to mingling more with you, for a change!

Thanks again for the wonderful memories ❤️

Captain Scott

06/13/2024

If you’ve been reading our posts, you’re aware that our negotiations with the state were not going well. Unfortunately, the Minnesota DNR has made the venue too expensive to operate on Lake Itasca. We are permanently closing our doors, after a presence there spanning 40 years. It’s clear to us that they are pushing us out, and the environmentalists don’t want our diesel boat sailing up and down “their” (our) lake anymore.

It certainly was our intent to be operating for many years to come. They ambushed us with higher payments to them, limiting our charters, and piling millions of dollars in extra unnecessary insurance requirements (on top of the 3 million we were already insured for).

We hope to not be funding the Minnesota DNR much longer. This venture turned out to be a very poor decision on our part.

Thank you to all of our loyal customers, and collaborators, that made special memories with us. We save all of our appreciation for you, and you alone. ❤️

Sincerely,

Captain Scott

05/06/2024

https://youtube.com/shorts/O9ca92_4eYg?si=L14mB-Pbb8_CSRVB

05/05/2024

We have not reached a negotiated agreement, as of yet. We also have disconnected our phone number, as we wait. We will not be operational Memorial Day weekend. The Minnesota State Procurement Office has spent over half a year delaying this process. We’re very sorry for the delay. Hopefully we will sail soon.

03/20/2024

After our meeting, with our Minnesota State authorities, all private charters will have to be permitted with the park (at least 30 days in advance) and amplifying music is not allowed. There is also no alcohol allowed. Any groups with reservations from last year will continue.

10/06/2023

Today's tour has been canceled, due to high winds, and cold temperatures. This concludes our 2023 season. Thank you for the memories of a wonderful season! See you again Memorial Day weekend, 2024!

10/01/2023

Due to a delay with the heavy equipment needed to pull the boat out of the lake, and the continued beautiful fall colors, we are extending our tour season Tuesday thru Friday this week, same 2 pm tour time, with boarding at 1:45 pm. These tours are also available to purchase online at lakeitascatours.com . We can only accept cash at the dock. We will also reduce our minimum passenger number to 10 paying passengers. We’re looking forward to more time on beautiful Lake Itasca! Please join us!

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

09/03/2023

FYI, there are 2 large groups reserved to board first next Saturday, 9/9/23, for the 2 pm tour. We have capped our available online tickets at 20. Online purchasers will board second, after the 2 reserved groups, and will be guaranteed a spot. If you plan to pay at the dock (cash only) there will be a chance we may have to turn you away. If possible, adjust your tour with us to Friday or Sunday, if we sell out online. Thanks so much!

Captain Scott

09/02/2023

Today was an amazing tour on the lake! In spite of the uncharacteristic heat, our guests didn’t disappoint! We were full to capacity; and, unfortunately, had to turn some people away. We appreciate all the support this season so far; especially during (and since) the fabricated cyber-mob attack we weathered earlier this season. It wasn’t pleasant, but was obviously good for business. We appreciate all of you!

On a separate note, after docking today, I had to pay heartfelt homage to the late GREAT Jimmy Buffett! You will be missed, RIP.

08/30/2023

You can still purchase tickets for this evening’s live music cruise with Debbie Center, right up until departure time at 5 pm. The cruise lasts 2 hours. Note we accept cash only at the dock; credit/debit cards accepted online only at lakeItascaTours.com. See our main post for further details below.

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

08/11/2023

Something must be broke then…

08/07/2023

*ANNOUNCEMENT*

FYI, harassing messages blowing this post completely out of proportion, with untruthful accusations of anything outside what is actually said here, will be reported, and the sender blocked.

Thank you for the otherwise overwhelming support, in continuing to tour with us. Your increased numbers have not gone unnoticed! Our customers ROCK!! ❤️❤️❤️

These harassers are engaged in a bullying campaign, leaving 1 star reviews on our google reviews, full of lies that we discriminate against autistic children, and their parents; none of this is true. If you share the same intolerance for these intimidation tactics as we do, we ask that our REAL customers take the time to help us combat these with genuinely positive reviews. We’d appreciate it very much!

Original post:

We have received increasing complaints from our customers about loud children, (yelling, screaming, crying, tantrums, etc.). We can confirm this repeated occurrence. Of course we understand that every child can have a bad day, but if you are well aware that this is normal behavior from your child, we ask that you be considerate of other passengers, and try to understand what we are trying to provide; a pleasant, calming, narrated tour of beautiful Lake Itasca, and the Headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi! Please consider whether this is an appropriate activity for your child. Thank you.

08/05/2023

We’re putting our feelers out, and contemplating having another evening music cruise with Debbie Center! It would be on a Wednesday evening during August, at 5:00 PM, for a 2 hour tour.

This event will be $30 per ticket. You can bring your own food and beverage of “your choice” for this event! We do have a galley with light refreshments as well.

Just leave your comments on which Wednesday you’d be interested in. We will make the arrangements based on popular vote!

This will be an outstanding event, so don’t miss out!!

08/01/2023

*UPDATE!!*

Tonight’s test run was successful, and we are up and running again! We will resume with our regular schedule, beginning tomorrow at 11 am! We appreciate all your patience!

07/21/2023

When lesser people refuse to return their rentals to Itasca Sports, they call L.I.T. Repossession & Towing Services 👍😎

And we call them when we need a helping hand as well 😉

07/08/2023

***ANNOUNCEMENT!!!***

Yet another Square credit card reader has bit the dust, and we won’t be replacing another one of these undependable units. For the foreseeable future, credit cards will only be accepted online on our website www.lakeItascaTours.com . Only cash will be accepted at the dock, if you decide to pay in person. A $1 service fee does apply online. Thank you for your cooperation.

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

06/26/2023

Mic check 1… 2… check… check… Testing out Debbie Center’s equipment for the Lake Itasca Music and Appetizers Evening Cruise Wednesday evening! All systems are a go 👍

06/26/2023

Always great to take a small opportunity, cutout of work, and play tourist for a change! Thank you Itasca State Park intern staff for a fantastic tour of the Old Timer’s Cabin! Hope we can return the favor soon! Bring your staff on a tour, free of charge!

06/24/2023

Last day to buy tickets to live Lake Itasca Music and Appetizers Evening Cruise! Visit lakeitascatours.com and book your cruise today!

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

06/24/2023

Offering narrated tours of beautiful Lake Itasca and the Headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River

06/17/2023

PLEASE NOTE THE TIMES ARE INCORRECT! The actual time is 5:00-7:00 pm. Thanks!

Just a reminder that deadlines for tickets to our live music and appetizer events with Debbie Center are fastly approaching. Tickets are only available on our website www.lakeitascatours.com. The deadline to reserve your spot for the June 28th cruise is Friday, June 23rd. The deadline for the July 1st cruise is June 26th. Hope you’ll join us for this special event on beautiful Lake Itasca!

06/07/2023

*ACTUAL TIMES 5:00-7:00 PM*

To all our fans and friends, please join us for our first, and surely more, evening music cruise! Local, and extremely talented musician, Debbie Center , will be entertaining you, as we cruise the beautiful scenery of Lake Itasca, in gorgeous Itasca State Park! Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. The date will be June 28th, departing at 5:00 pm, with an encore performance July 1st. Tickets will be available shortly, on our website lakeItascaTours.com . Please monitor our page for the announcement to reserve your spots with what is promised to be a fantastic time!!

06/04/2023

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

05/31/2023

Please help us in welcoming our newest crew member, Al Rodriguez, a US Coast Guard licensed Captain, from south Florida. His level of experience is a welcome addition to our team! Come aboard for a tour, and say hello!

05/22/2023

We’re back in the water, and looking forward to opening this Friday, 2:00 pm, Memorial Day weekend! Boarding will commence at 1:45 pm. See our posted brochure for more details. “Don’t miss the boat!”

05/05/2023

Our 2023 brochure is out! We have additional tours, and days of operation from last year, so please take note, and "Don't miss the boat!!" (see what we did there?)

01/31/2023

To our wonderful guests, and future guests, you can now reserve and prepay for your spots on one of our scheduled tours for the 2023 season, through our online booking service! Friday, Memorial Day weekend through Sunday, October 1st! Visit our website at www.lakeitascatours.com

“Don’t miss the boat!”

The “Chester Charles II” is ready to take you on a tour from the Douglas Lodge Pier located at the Port of Douglas Lodge in Itasca State Park.

10/03/2022

We want to thank the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, our many friends, and valued customers, for making 2022 a very successful season!

We’ll see you all next year!! 🎉🎈🎊🍾