Great River Road Network of Interpretive Centers Visit Checklist
State Commissioner visits annually or bi-annually by making an appointment with the I.C. Director or appropriate personnel.
The goal is to develop a stronger relationship between the Interpretive Centers (I.C.) and the MRPC.
During the visit, the commissioner will review the checklist and share new or ongoing information about the MRPC. The talking points should include benefits of being an I.C. (e.g., featured on website, printed maps, social media, itineraries and more.)
- Interpretive Center Visited Itasca State Park – Jacob Brower Visitor Center
- Date of VisitSep 27, 2021
- Visiting Commissioner's NameCarol Zoff, Tim Wilcox, Chris Miller
- Name, Title, Email and Telephone Number of I.C. Personnel InterviewedConnie Cox, Lead Naturalist, 218-699-7259, [email protected]
- What are your regular hours?Park hours 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.Jacob Brower Visitor Center 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. year roundCheck website for seasonal updates
- What is your admission pricing?MN State Park Vehicle Permit - $7 day pass, $35 annual pass - see website for details
- How many visitors do you see annually?480,000
- Does I.C. have a website?Yes
- Website URLhttps://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca
- Do you have a button on your website with the Great River Road logo and link to the experiencemississipprver.com website?No
- URL to page where button is located
- When will you be adding a logo and link?Will be discussing within DNR and will request logo or text mention on park webpage. The GRR logo is on the park's printed maps.
- Do you have a Facebook page?Yes
- Facebook URLhttps://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Itasca-State-Park-895515310564395/
- Do you carry GRR maps or rack cards for sale, distribution or on display?Yes
- Do you display a GRR banner or other signage?Yes
- Are your frontline personnel knowledgable of the GRR? Do they receive any formal training?Yes
- Do you have photos or video of your I.C. to share for promotional use?Yes
- What other Interpretive Centers do you communicate with regarding GRR activities?
- How could the state or national MRPC help your interpretive center?
- What do you need from us?
- How have you worked with the MRPC in the past?
- How does being affiliated with the Great River Road help your visitation?
- Do many people visit your IC because they are travelling the Great River Road?No
- Has the status as an All-American Road led to more visitation?No
- Do people know about this designation and why it matters?No
- How does your organization currently connect visitors to the Mississippi River and the Great River Road?
- Are the descriptions for your listing on the National Great River Road website and, if applicable, on your state’s Great River Road website up to date?No
- Please send updated information as needed, along with a photo (or photos) that you’d like us to use for promotional purposes.
- What are you doing to engage diverse audiences?
- Is the contact information on you website up to date?No
- Please send updated information as needed, include a phone number and email contact?
- COVID-19 Impacts
- How has Covid affected your staff and visitation at your IC over the past two years?
- How are you planning to adjust or how have you adjusted in 2022?
- What do you see as the long-term impacts?
- How can MRPC help with regard to the impacts of Covid?
Comments:
Photos are available – contact Connie with requests. MN-MRPC office also has photos available.
GRR maps are very popular and continue to be needed.
Extra busy during summer 2021. High numbers of visitors throughout pandemic.