Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

This 72-mile river corridor through Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area is characterized by surprising diversity. Shallow and wide at the upper end, by the time the Mississippi reaches its confluence with the St. Croix River it has become a vast and powerful part of the largest inland navigation system on earth. Within the fifty-four thousand acre area, dozens of state and local parks provide outstanding recreational opportunities.

The Mississippi is one of the world's great rivers and part of one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. It is a critical migration corridor for millions of birds and is essential to the ecological health of the North American continent. The river environment is home to an incredible array of fish, wildlife, and plants. In turn, millions of people use and enjoy these diverse resources.

Mississippi River lies at the heart of what is American and more than any other natural feature is an unmistakable symbol of this nation. The Mississippi is one of the most recognized historic transportation routes in our country, and it is a corridor rich in nationally significant cultural resources. It is of spiritual importance to Native Americans and provides recreational opportunities to millions of people every year.

Mississippi is also a working river. Commercial navigation is important to the economy of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area and the entire upper Midwest. The Mississippi is a vital commercial transportation link to national and international markets.

November 18, 1988, Congress passed Public Law 100-696 which established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area as a unit of the national park system. Its purpose is threefold: (1) protect, preserve, and enhance the significant values of the Mississippi River corridor through the Twin Cities metropolitan area, (2) encourage coordination of federal, state, and local programs, and (3) provide a management framework to assist the State of Minnesota and units of local government in the development and implementation of integrated resource management programs and to ensure orderly public and private development in the area. The National Park System is composed of 375 areas administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of the Interior.

Fees, Costs, Rates:
Some parks within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (such as Fort Snelling State Park and Coon Rapids Dam) do require permits or may charge an entrance fee. Other parks and facilities, like St. Anthony Falls Historic District, provide educational and recreational opportunities without charge.

Reservations/Permits:
The National Park Service does not require a permit to enter the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Cross country skiing in many of the parks within the corridor require an annual Ski Pass obtained from the local park or from the Department of Natural Resources. Operation of watercraft and fishing require permits or licenses issued by the State of Minnesota. Picnic areas for large groups may require a reservation made at the local park.

Accessibility:
Most of the recreational facilities and opportunities within the area are accessible.

Visitor Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN (tel: 651-293-0200). It is staffed by Park Service rangers who can answer questions about the corridor, help plan a trip, or give you the scoop on several new interpretative and educational programs.

Boating and Canoeing:
All watercraft operated within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area must be licensed; Minnesota boating regulations apply. Conditions for boating and canoeing vary considerably throughout the corridor. Operators must use caution while sharing the navigational channel with barges, which have first priority at locks. Contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a Minnesota Boating Guide, a Metro Rivers Guide, or Mississippi River Canoe Route maps. Contact the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for Upper Mississippi River Navigational Charts.

Trails, Roads:
Trails for biking, walking, roller blading and cross-country skiing are found along the river. The Great River Road travels through this area near the Mississippi. There are numerous places where the road provides vistas of the river.

Programs/Activities:
The Educational Catalog lists educational services and programs provided by the Mississippi NRRA in 1998.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:
There are no campgrounds within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Camping within the corridor that is accessible from the water is extremely limited. Campgrounds and other overnight accommodations are available throughout the metropolitan area. Contact the Minnesota Office of Tourism for more information

Food/supplies:
All types are readily available throughout the area.

Basic Visit Recommendations:
Some say this area is best experienced by watercraft, either motorized or non-motorized. Plan ahead and obtain navigational charts, particularly if you are boating on the section of the river that is part of the inland waterway system. On this part you will be sharing the water with commercial barges (tows of barges can be longer than an aircraft carrier!). If you do not have your own boat, commercial boat tours give a good introduction to the river.

Combine an on-river experience with exploring one of the many parks and associated educational facilities along the river. A drive along part of the Great River Road, or walking, biking, skiing or using snowshoes on one of the trails along the river completes the visit.

Climate:
Weather conditions in spring and autumn are quite moderate. Winter and summer, on the other hand, tend toward the extreme. Despite the attention Minnesota receives due to its cold winters, the average highs and lows during the coldest days of the winter in late January do not dip below 20 degrees F during the day and single digits at night. The presence of significant snowfall makes Minnesota a haven for winter sports lovers. Summer produces average highs in the mid-80's F during the hottest days of July and August. Evenings tend to be cooler with lows falling into the 50's and 60's.

Nearby Attractions:
The Metropolitan area is sprinkled with theaters, art museums, educational institutions, restaurants and other things to see and do.

Visitation:
The open water season stretches from April through November. Some parks provide winter activities and educational programs about the river. Some facilities are open year round.

Directions

From Ramsey, MN on the north to Hastings, MN on the south, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area carves a narrow corridor directly through the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

Transportation:
A major airport, Amtrak, buses, and freeways serve the area. Rental cars, taxis, and buses provide transportation to sites within the area. Scheduled river tours are offered by commercial boat operators.

Contact Information:
111 Kellogg Blvd.
E Suite 105
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-290-4160
Fax: 651-290-3214